If you’re thinking about incorporating this order tretinoin into your skincare routine, you’ll need to ensure you use it properly to stop any unwelcome unwanted effects. Plus, you’ll have to be extra careful when out in the sun. Read on to master why.
What is tretinoin?
Tretinoin (also called prescription retinoids or prescription vitamin A) is often a highly potent, medical-grade topical vitamin A cream or gel. It contains retinoic acid, which is easily the most biologically available active way of vitamin A, and is available in different formula strengths.
Unlike retinol and other over-the-counter versions of vitamin A, tretinoin can be a prescription-only topical treatment. This means you could only purchase it for those who have a script from the doctor or dermatologist who may have properly assessed your epidermis and deemed its use appropriate.
Tretinoin vs. Retinol: what is the difference?
Tretinoin and retinol are both classified as retinoids — but there are several key differences bewteen barefoot and shoes:
Tretinoin
Synthetic type of vitamin A
Only available having a prescription (classed like a medical-grade skincare product)
Highly potent
Retinol
Natural form of vitamin A
Available over-the-counter and discovered in many skincare products
Milder formulation
What is tretinoin used by?
It may seem like tretinoin only has been around the skincare radar recently, but it’s actually a popular topical treatment for acne that’s been used by almost half a century. It continues to be found to help reduce inflammation associated with acne, clear existing acne minimizing the severity of outbreaks.
But treating acne isn’t tretinoin’s only benefit. A 2012 study indicates that it could also be helpful for:
Improving skin tone and texture
Reducing the appearance of wrinkles and wrinkles
Reducing the appearance of liver spots on your skin
Improving premature aging of skin due to sun damage (photoaging)
Other research about the use of retinoids in the treatment of aging found that “amongst the retinoids, tretinoin possibly is among the most potent and certainly probably the most widely investigated retinoid for photoaging therapy.”
How does tretinoin work?
Tretinoin works by speeding the cellular turnover inside skin, making skin cells divide and die faster so that new, healthier cells can replace them. However, to be able to stimulate this technique, tretinoin must ultimately irritate skin. This is why people often experience uncomfortable unwanted side effects when first using this product.
Most people start to notice a difference in their skin after 2 to 3 weeks of using the product, but it can take 6 or more weeks for the full benefit to wear.
Can tretinoin fade skin spots or sunspots?
Some research suggests tretinoin can fade the appearance of liver spots on skin. However, everyone’s skin is different along with a topical treatment alone may not be probably the most effective way to fade sun spots on the face or body. This is why it’s important to consult using a dermatologist before starting any sun spot removal treatment so you can get personalised advice for the best approach for the skin.
Likewise, it’s important to have a thorough skin check by way of a melanographer or dermatologist to confirm whether the spots you wish to fade are indeed sunspots rather than something more sinister. It can be difficult to spot the difference from the harmless sunspot as well as a potential skin cancer or melanoma so make sure to have your epidermis spots professionally checked before using tretinoin or other prescription retinoids.
What are the negative effects of tretinoin?
Prescription retinoids like tretinoin are extremely powerful. This means you must have used them properly underneath the guidance of one's dermatologist or doctor — or you might risk some unpleasant reactions like burning skin or a damaged skin barrier.
Due to its potency, tretinoin may cause some skin irritation when you initially begin using it as your skin layer needs time to adjust to the active ingredients. Some other common side effects of tretinoin include mild to moderate:
Skin redness or inflammation
Dryness
Peeling or flaking
Itching
However, most people notice a reduction in these unwanted effects after a few weeks of employing the product.
Tretinoin photosensitivity: Why you should be extra careful in the sun when you use this product
Another complication associated with the use of tretinoin is photosensitisation. This means it can make you more sensitive to sunlight’s harmful UV rays and you may burn easily when subjected to sunlight.
From a skin cancer prevention perspective, this may be problematic. One of the key risk factors for skin cancer is really a history of sunburn so it’s easy to understand why photosensitivity from tretinoin is concerning. While there is currently no evidence to suggest tretinoin use increases your likelihood of skin cancer, it’s crucial that you simply take extra precautions with sun protection when working with this product.
How to protect your skin layer from the sun when you use tretinoin:
Avoid excessive sun exposure — do not make use of this product should you work outdoors or spend time and effort out within the sun
Wear SPF 50+ sunscreen every day — even if you’re only staying indoors as indirect sunlight through windows could damage or burn your epidermis
Wear sun protective clothing when outdoors
Make regular skin checks part of your skincare routine
At MoleMap, we agree that looking after your skin is really a top priority. But when it comes to your epidermis health, we encourage one to think beyond skincare products and start making regular skin cancer checks part of the skin wellness routine too.
By having a professional skin check or mole check every 6 to 12 months, you’ll give yourself the best chance to catch any suspicious spots or lesions early. Plus, you’ll also love peace of mind which you’re keeping the skin safe — inside and out. Consider scheduling these regular checks at MoleMap Australia Skin Cancer Clinics for expert care and thorough examination.