Fighting Acne With Tretinoin Cream
When it comes to fighting acne, tretinoin is one of the most powerful prescription treatments available. This miracle ingredient, known as all-trans retinoic acid, encourages new skin cells to grow and replace old ones, which helps to remove dead skin and reduce the amount of oil that can build up in pores. It’s also been shown to reduce fine lines, hyperpigmentation (dark spots), and rough areas that can occur with sun-damaged skin.
This wonder drug is available as a cream or gel and is most appropriate for dry or normal skin types, but can be prescribed for oily or sensitive skin too. Cream formulations are typically preferred for dry and mature skin, as they tend to be less drying than gels. Your doctor will recommend which form is most suitable for you.
Before applying tretinoin, you should wash your face with a mild cleanser and gently pat it dry, as excessive washing and scrubbing can cause irritation. Once your face is clean, apply tretinoin every night before bed, a small dab on each area of the face that you want to treat, as directed by your physician or dermatologist.
Tretinoin can be very effective in treating acne, but it’s also been shown to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles as well as lessen dark spots caused by sun damage. The tretinoin in the cream or gel is absorbed into your skin where it works on regulating the speed at which your body replaces old skin cells, as well as promoting the production of collagen, which supports the structure of your skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Depending on your skin type and how you use it, tretinoin can take a few weeks or months before you notice a difference in the quality of your skin. Most people, however, start seeing an improvement after about 12 weeks of continuous tretinoin usage.
When using tretinoin, it’s important to protect your skin with sunscreen and avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight or other weather extremes. This is because tretinoin can make your skin very sensitive to sunlight, and may lead to sunburn or even skin cancer if it’s used over long periods of time.
You should also tell your doctor if you’re pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding. There haven’t been enough controlled studies to determine whether tretinoin is safe for these situations, but your doctor will be able to advise you on the best course of action if you’re concerned. It’s also a good idea to list all your medications, as tretinoin can interact with certain drugs. Finally, you should avoid abrasive scrubs and exfoliants, hair removal creams that contain sulfur or resorcinol, or any other skin products that may irritate your skin. tretinoin cream