TretinoinYouth speeds up the process that your skin uses to create new cells, preventing acne and improving aging signs. It also reduces dark spots and evens out skin tone.
Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, herbs, vitamins, and dietary supplements you are taking. Some may interact with tretinoin.
Acne Treatment
The tretinoin formula works to unclog pores, reduce inflammation and promote quick healing of acne pimples. It also helps to prevent future breakouts by regulating sebum production. It is the only topical treatment approved by the FDA to treat both mild and severe acne.
It is especially effective in cystic acne, a type of acne that forms boil-like cysts on the skin that can cause permanent scarring if left untreated. In addition, it can help with other types of acne by reducing the number and severity of pimples that form.
Talk to your dermatologist about the different tretinoin options available. Choose a cream or gel that is appropriate for your skin type. Patients with drier skin may benefit from using a cream, while those with oily skin will do best with a gel. The medication starts working within 2 to 3 weeks, but it can take 6 weeks or more for the full benefits to be apparent.
Anti-Aging Treatment
Tretinoin has been found to combat aging signs, such as fine lines, wrinkles & pigmentation changes (like sun spots & melasma). It can make skin look thicker & firmer, & even out the color of your complexion.
This medication also can prevent the breakdown of collagen & increase the turnover of skin cells, which helps to firm skin & reduce fine lines & wrinkles. It can also help fade discoloration & dark spots, & may improve the appearance of freckles.
This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun, so it’s important to protect yourself with sunscreen & wear protective clothing when outdoors. Also, be sure to avoid the use of sun lamps & tanning beds/booths.
Skin Care Tips
While tretinoin works to improve skin, you can also help keep it healthy with a well-balanced skincare regimen. Your Curology provider may recommend combining tretinoin with ingredients like azelaic acid (helps fade hyperpigmentation), clindamycin (fights acne-causing bacteria), niacinamide (stimulates cell turnover, brightens the complexion, reduces redness and blotchiness), vitamin C, or hyaluronic acid (binds moisture to the skin, making it plumper).
Start out using a small amount of tretinoin 2-3 times per week and increase your use as tolerated. A little goes a long way with tretinoin—applying more will not make it work any faster, and may cause irritation.
Wash your face gently with non-medicated soap 2 or 3 times per day, and dry the skin thoroughly before applying tretinoin. You can moisturize afterward, but avoid the mouth, nose and eyes as this may irritate sensitive areas of the skin. Always wear sunscreen when outdoors, especially after tretinoin application. This helps prevent sunburns and may help prevent the formation of dark spots from UV damage.
Safety
The doctor will provide you with specific instructions regarding how to use tretinoin and other medications. You should avoid using other acne products, skin peels, hair coloring chemicals or hair removal products on the treated areas while taking tretinoin. You should also avoid using fragranced lotions and other skin products that may cause irritation.
You should avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or sunlamps while taking tretinoin. It can make the skin very sensitive to sunlight, so patients should wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (at least SPF 15) whenever going outdoors.
This medication should not be used by pregnant women or those trying to become pregnant. It will cause harm to a developing fetus. Females of childbearing age should have a negative urine pregnancy test before beginning treatment with this medication. If you become pregnant while on tretinoin, you should immediately stop taking it and call your doctor. This medication is passed into breast milk, so nursing mothers should not take it.
