Tretinoin is a topical medication derived from vitamin A, primarily used to treat acne and sun-damaged skin. It works by accelerating the turnover of skin cells, which means it makes skin cells divide and die faster so that newer, healthier cells replace them. This process helps unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and exfoliate the skin surface
. Key effects and benefits of tretinoin include:
- Acne treatment: It clears both comedonal acne (whiteheads and blackheads) and inflammatory acne by preventing follicular plugging (blockage of pores) and reducing inflammation
- Anti-aging: Tretinoin improves the appearance of fine wrinkles, surface wrinkles, and fine lines by stimulating collagen and elastin production in the deeper skin layers, which helps build skin thickness and elasticity
- Sun damage repair: It helps repair sun-damaged skin cells, reducing roughness, dark spots (hyperpigmentation), and uneven skin tone
- Exfoliation: By promoting rapid skin cell turnover, tretinoin has exfoliating properties that smooth the skin’s surface
- Improved skin texture: It enhances skin texture by renewing the epidermis and reducing pore size
Tretinoin is available as prescription creams or gels in various strengths and under brand names like Retin-A, Renova, Altreno, and others. It is often used in combination products for acne and pigmentation disorders
. In summary, tretinoin is a powerful topical retinoid that treats acne, reduces signs of aging, repairs sun damage, and improves overall skin texture by speeding up skin cell turnover and stimulating collagen production
