What You Should Know About Tretinoin Cream

Tretinoin is an effective pore-clearing ingredient that can be used to treat acne as well as help reduce wrinkles. It can also enhance other skin care products.

It increases epidermal turnover to promote the shedding of dead skin cells that can lead to clogged pores and acne. This is a process called “retinization.” It can make your skin sensitive to sunlight, so use sunscreen when you go outside.

How to Use

Tretinoin works to reduce acne, dark spots & wrinkles by clearing out pores, encouraging skin cell turnover and smoothing the complexion. It can be irritating for some, and can cause dryness or flaking at first but it’s well worth the results.

Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser & patting it dry. Wait 20 to 30 minutes before applying the tretinoin cream. Use just enough to cover the entire face avoiding the lips, eyes & corners of the nose. You can use your fingertips, a gauze pad or cotton swab to apply the medicine. When done, wash your hands to prevent the medicine from accidentally getting into areas it shouldn’t.

Be aware that tretinoin can make you more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid sun exposure & use sunscreen when you do go outside & reapply often. Also, be sure to moisturize well with a peptide-rich cream, especially if you’re going to bed. Your Curology dermatology provider can help guide your tretinoin use to optimize your skincare routine.

Precautions

Tretinoin, like many other skin products, can cause irritation. If you notice any severe skin irritation, contact your doctor immediately. Do not use this medication on sunburned or dry skin. Also avoid tanning beds and excessive sun exposure while using this drug. You should wear clothing and use sunscreen with SPF of at least 15 to help prevent sunburn.

You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant (or you think you may be) while taking this medication. Oral retinoids are not safe during pregnancy & can harm the fetus. If you have a baby, you should stop taking this medicine & contact your doctor right away.

This medication is flammable, so keep it away from open flame. Store it at room temperature & out of the reach of children. Do not use it near the corners of the nose, mouth, eyes & easily irritated areas of the skin. Wash your hands after applying this medication.

Side Effects

The retinoid in this cream can irritate your skin. It can be especially irritating to skin that is already sensitive due to conditions like rosacea or eczema. It can also aggravate dryness. Do not put it on cuts, scrapes, irritated skin, or sunburned skin. Use sunscreen & clothing to protect the skin.

You may experience some stinging and burning. If this gets worse, talk to your doctor.

Blistering can occur in some people who use tretinoin. These blisters are usually only on the face and go away on their own.

Other side effects can include redness, itching, or swelling of the face or lips. If these happen, talk to your doctor right away. You can also have a reaction to the medicine if you’re allergic to it. Tell your doctor about any other medicines or supplements you’re taking. They can affect how well this medication works. This includes vitamins, herbs, and over-the-counter drugs. Also tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed this medication, call your doctor or local poison control center. Overdose symptoms may include severe side effects.

This medication should not be used by people who are pregnant or who may become pregnant. It can cause harm to a fetus. It is also not recommended for children. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medication. Talk to your doctor about the best methods of birth control for you. It is important to have a negative pregnancy test before beginning this treatment and to have regular lab tests each month while you are taking it.

This medicine is in a class of medications called retinoids. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells and allowing immature blood cells to develop into normal ones. It is used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia (a type of cancer that has too many immature white blood cells) in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. It is usually given in a hospital setting. Tretinoin 0.05% Cream