What is Tretinoin?
The prescription-strength, active form of Vitamin A. Unlike retinol, it doesn't need conversion and works immediately on skin cells. It's the most potent and researched anti-aging ingredient available.
✅Key Benefits
- ✓Reduces wrinkles by 40-60% (clinical studies)
- ✓Dramatic improvement in skin texture and tone
- ✓Treats moderate to severe acne
- ✓Fades severe hyperpigmentation and melasma
- ✓Rebuilds collagen structure
- ✓Reverses photoaging
- ✓FDA-approved for anti-aging and acne
🎯Best For
📋How to Use
Prescription required. Apply pea-sized amount to dry skin 20-30 min after cleansing (PM only). Start 2x per week, increase slowly. Expect significant "retinization" - peeling, dryness, redness for 4-6 weeks. Buffer with moisturizer if needed.
⚗️RECOMMENDED CONCENTRATION: 0.025% (starter), 0.05% (standard), 0.1% (high strength)
⚠️Avoid Mixing With
- ✕AHAs
- ✕BHAs
- ✕Benzoyl Peroxide
- ✕Vitamin C (L-AA)
- ✕Other retinoids
- ✕Physical exfoliants
💚Pairs Well With
- ✓Niacinamide
- ✓Hyaluronic Acid
- ✓Ceramides
- ✓Azelaic Acid (separate times)
🚫Avoid If
- ⚠Pregnant or breastfeeding (Category C)
- ⚠Planning pregnancy
- ⚠Eczema
- ⚠Rosacea
🔬Scientific Evidence
FDA-approved since 1971. Over 2,000 studies. Gold standard for photoaging reversal. Kligman's 1986 study revolutionized anti-aging skincare. Proven to increase dermal collagen by 80% and reduce fine lines by 44% in 48 weeks.
⚡Important Warnings
- !MANDATORY SPF 50+ - extremely photosensitizing
- !Severe purging possible (3-4 months)
- !Can cause contact dermatitis
- !Never use during pregnancy/breastfeeding
- !Requires dermatologist monitoring
- !May trigger rosacea flares
💡Fun Facts
- ★Discovered in 1943, medical use started in 1971
- ★Results plateau around 1 year, then maintain
- ★Generic tretinoin costs $20-80, branded Retin-A $200+
- ★Can make skin look worse before better (the "tretinoin uglies")