Tretinoin cream is one of the skincare world’s most lauded products, right up there with glycolic acid as a must-have for anyone concerned about fine lines and wrinkles. It can improve skin texture and brightness, reduce acne breakouts and redness, and even treat sun damage to the complexion. It’s also known for helping to boost collagen production, which can help soften and plump the skin.
However, despite all the claims and hype, it’s important to remember that tretinoin is a prescription-only product and can only be purchased from a doctor. You’ll have a consultation, either face-to-face or over the phone, and they’ll assess your condition before giving you a prescription. It’s also important to keep in mind that it can take weeks or even months before you start seeing results, so don’t give up!
While tretinoin is an effective treatment for many skin conditions, it’s not suitable for everyone. For example, if you have sensitive skin, it can be very irritating and cause burning and redness. It’s also not recommended for pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding. Those with psoriasis or severe sunburn should avoid using it, as it may worsen these conditions. In addition, people with active inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea or herpes should not use it.
The reason tretinoin is so effective is that it speeds up the skin cell turnover process, which means old cells are shed and new ones grow in their place at an amazing rate. This is why it’s so good at unclogging pores and reducing blackheads, it’s also why it can be so effective for acne and scarring. It can even stimulate the growth of fresh collagen and elastin, which can help soften fine lines and wrinkles.
But, if you’re not careful, it can also lead to a period of red and flaking dryness, known as the ‘retinoid purge’. This can be quite distressing, so it’s worth bearing in mind that you might not see any improvement in your skin for a while.
Tretinoin is available in a range of strengths, with doctors often starting patients on the lowest strength before progressing. This is so that your skin can get used to the product and minimise any potential irritation. Once your skin is used to it, you can gradually increase the strength to get the best results from your tretinoin cream.
The only downside to tretinoin is that it makes you more prone to sunburn, so it’s essential to apply sunscreen every time you use it, no matter the weather. Luckily, there are plenty of great options for safe and effective sunscreen online. You can even buy a few different sunscreens so that you have a few to rotate, which will ensure you’re always using the most up-to-date formula. It will also help to use a moisturizer that has spf in it as well, which can prevent your skin from feeling too dry and irritated. tretinoin cream uk