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 side effects. Plus, you’ll must be extra careful when out within the sun. Read on to learn 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 regarded as the biologically available active type of vitamin A, and also comes in different formula strengths.
Unlike retinol and other over-the-counter versions of vitamin A, tretinoin is really a prescription-only topical treatment. This means you could only purchase it when you have a script coming from a doctor or dermatologist that has properly assessed your epidermis and deemed its use appropriate.
Tretinoin vs. Retinol: what's the difference?
Tretinoin and retinol are classified as retinoids — but there are several key differences with shod and non-shod:
Tretinoin
Synthetic form of vitamin A
Only available using a prescription (classed as being a medical-grade skincare product)
Highly potent
Retinol
Natural form of vitamin A
Available over-the-counter and located in many skincare products
Milder formulation
What is tretinoin used by?
It may seem like tretinoin just has been on the skincare radar in recent years, nonetheless it’s actually a popular topical treatment for acne that’s been used for almost 50 years. It may be found in reducing inflammation associated with acne, clear existing acne reducing the severity of outbreaks.
But treating acne isn’t tretinoin’s only benefit. A 2012 study indicates that it may also be helpful for:
Improving complexion and texture
Reducing the appearance of wrinkles and wrinkles
Reducing the appearance of brown spots on skin
Improving premature aging of skin on account of sun damage (photoaging)
Other research for the use of retinoids inside treatment of aging of the skin found that “amongst the retinoids, tretinoin possibly is the most potent and certainly the most widely investigated retinoid for photoaging therapy.”
How does tretinoin work?
Tretinoin works by speeding up the cellular turnover in the skin, making skin cells divide and die faster so that new, healthier cells can replace them. However, in order to stimulate this process, tretinoin must ultimately irritate the skin. This is why people often experience uncomfortable side effects when first using this product.
Most people start observing a difference inside their skin after 2-3 weeks of utilizing the product, however it can take 6 or more weeks to the full benefit to be noticed.
Can tretinoin fade skin spots or sunspots?
Some research suggests tretinoin can fade the appearance of brown spots on the skin. However, everyone’s skin is different as well as a topical treatment alone may not be one of the most effective method to fade sun spots on your face or body. This is why it’s important to consult which has a dermatologist before starting any sun spot removal treatment to get personalised advice on the best approach on your skin.
Likewise, it’s important to experience a thorough skin check by a melanographer or dermatologist to confirm perhaps the spots you need to fade really are sunspots rather than something more sinister. It can be difficult to spot the difference from the harmless sunspot and a potential skin cancer or melanoma so make sure you have the skin spots professionally checked before using tretinoin or other prescription retinoids.
What are the unwanted side effects of tretinoin?
Prescription retinoids like tretinoin are extremely powerful. This means you must rely on them properly within the guidance of the dermatologist or doctor — or you may risk some unpleasant reactions like burning skin or a damaged skin barrier.
Due to its potency, tretinoin could cause some skin irritation when you begin using it as the skin needs time for it to adjust to the active ingredients. Some other common unwanted 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 side effects after a few weeks of using the product.
Tretinoin photosensitivity: Why you should be extra careful inside sun when using this product
Another side-effect associated with the utilization of tretinoin is photosensitisation. This means celebrate you more sensitive to sunshine’s harmful UV rays and you could burn easily when subjected to sunlight.
From a skin cancer prevention perspective, this can be problematic. One of the key risk factors for skin cancer can be a history of sunburn so it’s obvious why photosensitivity from tretinoin is concerning. While there is currently no evidence to suggest tretinoin use increases your probability of skin cancer, it’s crucial that you take extra precautions with sun protection when using this product.
How to protect your skin from the sun when using tretinoin:
Avoid excessive sun exposure — do not use this product should you work outdoors or spend considerable time out in the sun
Wear SPF 50+ sunscreen every day — even if you’re only staying indoors as indirect sunlight through windows can still damage or burn your skin
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 a top priority. But when it comes to your epidermis health, we encourage that you think beyond skincare products and initiate making regular skin cancer checks part of your skin layer wellness routine too.
By having a professional skin check or mole check every 6 to yr, you’ll give yourself the very best chance to catch any suspicious spots or lesions early. Plus, you’ll also enjoy peace of mind that you just’re keeping your epidermis safe — inside and out. Consider scheduling these regular checks at MoleMap Australia Skin Cancer Clinics for expert care and thorough examination.