Tretinoin cream is a topical medication derived from vitamin A, primarily used to treat acne and various skin conditions such as sun-damaged skin, fine wrinkles, dark spots, and rough skin texture
. It works by promoting rapid skin cell turnover, which helps to unclog pores, reduce inflammation, smooth the skin’s surface, and fade discolorations like hyperpigmentation
. Medically, tretinoin is prescribed for:
- Acne treatment, including both whiteheads, blackheads, and inflammatory acne, by preventing pore clogging and reducing inflammation
- Photoaging (skin aging caused by sun exposure), improving fine wrinkles, pigmentation changes, and skin texture by increasing collagen production and epidermal thickness
- Other conditions like melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, often in combination with other agents
Tretinoin is available as creams, gels, and lotions in various concentrations (e.g., 0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1%), and is sold under brand names such as Retin-A, Renova, Altreno, and others
. It is a prescription-only medication due to its potency and potential side effects, which include skin redness, peeling, and increased sun sensitivity
. In summary, tretinoin cream is a prescription-strength topical retinoid used to treat acne, improve signs of skin aging, and repair sun-damaged skin by accelerating skin cell renewal and enhancing skin texture and tone
