Tretinoin
Tretinoin is a prescription-only retinoid (a derivative of vitamin A) used to treat acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma and skin ageing, and to boost absorption in hair growth treatments.
Tretinoin works by binding to receptors in your skin cells, which speeds up cell turnover and stimulates collagen production. In the UK, it is available by prescription only. This is because it is a powerful topical retinoid that needs to be used under medical supervision to minimise risks and side effects. At City Skin Clinic, your doctor may prescribe Tretinoin alone or alongside other actives, in a cream or gel for skin treatments, or in a serum for hair treatments. Each treatment is specially made for you, with a strength and protocol to suit your needs.
What Is Tretinoin & How Does It Work?
Tretinoin, also known as all-trans retinoic acid or by the brand name Retin-A, is the active form of vitamin A. Retinoids are the family of vitamin A and its derivatives, ranging from over-the-counter ingredients like retinol to prescription medicines like Tretinoin. The difference is that your skin must convert retinol before it can work, whilst Tretinoin arrives already active. That’s why it is stronger and faster, up to 20 times more potent than the strongest over-the-counter retinol.
Once absorbed, Tretinoin binds to retinoic acid receptors in your skin cells. This speeds up the turnover of old and damaged cells, revealing newer and healthier ones underneath. It also stimulates collagen production and the formation of new blood vessels, which is why the FDA approved it over 50 years ago and why it remains a cornerstone of prescription skincare. In hair and beard treatments its job is different. Tretinoin improves how well actives like Minoxidil absorb into the scalp and skin and may also help stimulate growth.
What Does Tretinoin Treat?
Tretinoin treats acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma, sun damage and the visible signs of skin ageing, and supports hair growth formulas. In the UK, its licence covers acne (specifically acne vulgaris). Doctors also prescribe it off-label and in unlicensed compounded formulas for other skin concerns.
- Acne, whiteheads and blackheads: keeps pores clear, calms inflammation and helps prevent the marks breakouts leave behind.
- Hyperpigmentation, dark spots and melasma: speeds the turnover of pigmented cells, often working alongside Hydroquinone or Azelaic Acid.
- Fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage: stimulates collagen to soften lines, firm skin and repair photodamage over time.
- Texture, scarring and large pores: smooths rough texture and can soften shallow acne scarring with consistent use.
- Hair loss and beard growth: improves absorption of hair growth actives, so it appears in scalp and beard serums as a supporting ingredient.
How City Skin Clinic Uses Tretinoin
We use Tretinoin in several of our prescription treatments, as a cream or gel for skin and within serums for hair and beard growth. Your doctor decides the strength, the base and whether it works alone or alongside other actives, based on your health, skin concerns, goals and preferences. Because every formula is compounded from scratch, they can prescribe anywhere from 0.001% to 0.1%, including in-between strengths. For skin, we mostly use 0.0125%, 0.025%, 0.0375%, 0.05%, 0.075% and 0.1%. The treatments we may use Tretinoin in include:
How Long Does Tretinoin Take to Work?
Tretinoin usually takes around 12 weeks of consistent use to start showing results, though some people may notice changes sooner or later than this. The first 2 to 6 weeks are usually an adjustment period, when dryness, peeling and sometimes purging can occur. Acne tends to respond first, particularly if it’s mild. However, improvements in fine lines, texture and hyperpigmentation build more gradually. For skin ageing, changes typically start to appear over 3 to 6 months but may take longer because collagen takes time to rebuild. Results vary from person to person and with the severity of your skin concern. Our week-by-week guide to what to expect walks through the whole timeline.
How Do You Get Tretinoin in the UK?
Tretinoin is a prescription-only medicine in the UK, so the only legal way to get it is with a prescription from a doctor or other qualified prescriber. You will not find it over the counter, and the retinol sold on the high street is a much weaker relative. The safe routes are a private dermatologist or GP, or a regulated online clinic. Our guide on where to get Tretinoin online in the UK compares the main options.
At City Skin Clinic, every treatment starts with a consultation. You can complete an online form or book a video appointment with your doctor, whichever you prefer. They will assess your skin, health and goals, decide whether Tretinoin is appropriate and safe for you, then prescribe the best strength and protocol to start on. They’ll also decide whether other ingredients are worth adding to your formula, taking your wishes and preferences into account where possible. From then on, the same doctor follows you up throughout your treatment, including planning your next course, and you can email them at any time.
Personalised Treatment Fees (3 Month Supply)
VIRTUAL CONSULTATION£30
Your doctor will design a skin or hair treatment and plan for you based on your health, concerns, goals and wishes. Consultation fee will be credited to your first treatment.
PERSONALISED SKIN TREATMENT£90-150
This is a 3 month supply of a bespoke skin treatment (if used on the face). The cost depends on whether you will require a once daily or twice daily treatment so please visit our treatment pages for full breakdown.
PERSONALISED HAIR LOSS OR BEARD GROWTH TREATMENT £120
This is a 3 month supply of treatment (100ml).
Treatment Time
Duration of effect
Back to Work
There is no subscription and no auto-renewal. Each course is a single order you place yourself.
What Is the Difference Between Compounded Tretinoin vs Generics & Brands Like Obagi?
Topical Tretinoin is available in compounded formulations, like our personalised treatments, as well as in off-the-shelf products. Compounded medicines are created by specialist pharmacies at the request of prescribers for specific patients. These treatments are freshly made for each patient based on what their doctor prescribes. They offer the flexibility of tailoring everything from the base formula (e.g. gel or cream) to the active ingredients. This is particularly useful for patients with multiple skin concerns, as they can target them all with one treatment. It also suits those who need a more moisturising cream for dry skin or a custom base for allergies. However, these products are not licensed and tend to have short expiry dates, usually 1 to 3 months (ours are 3 months). This is because they are made fresh to order rather than mass-produced.
Off-the-shelf topical Tretinoin products are used off-label for skin concerns beyond acne vulgaris. They usually contain Tretinoin as the only active ingredient, though some, like Treclin, also contain an antibiotic. These products tend to have a longer expiry date before opening. There are generic forms as well as branded ones. Obagi Tretinoin cream is one of the most famous prescription brands and comes in 0.025%, 0.05% and 0.1% strengths. Obagi also offers a Tretinoin gel in 0.05% strength. The Tretinoin in a compounded cream or gel is exactly the same molecule as in generics and brands like Tretinoina, Retirides or Obagi. The difference is the formulation around it.
| Compounded Tretinoin (our treatments) | Generic Tretinoin Products | Branded (e.g. Obagi, Retirides, Tretinoina) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strengths | Formulated from 0.001% to 0.1%, including in-between strengths | Usually 0.025%, 0.05% and 0.1% | Usually 0.025%, 0.05% and 0.1% |
| Other actives in the same formula | Yes, where appropriate (e.g. Hydroquinone, Azelaic Acid, Spironolactone or Clindamycin) | Some creams pair Tretinoin with an antibiotic | No |
| Base | Cream or gel chosen for skin. Serums for hair | Fixed formula | Fixed formula |
| Licensing | Unlicensed, made for each patient by a specialist pharmacy | Off-the-shelf products, used off-label in skincare | Off-the-shelf products, used off-label in skincare |
| Shelf life once dispensed | Around 3 months because it’s freshly made | Longer | Longer |
Who Should Not Use Tretinoin?
Tretinoin is not suitable for everyone. It is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so you can only start treatment once you finish both. Its safety and efficacy are not established in anyone under 12. Tell your doctor if you have eczema, a fish allergy or any sores, burns or open wounds, and let them know about any allergies to Tretinoin or similar products. You must not use it if you have or develop an allergy to any of the ingredients in your formula.
How Do You Use Tretinoin?
Use Tretinoin exactly as your doctor directs; your treatment plan sets your starting strength, how often to apply it and when to step up. As general guidance, you usually apply Tretinoin in the evening. Wash with a gentle cleanser and warm water, pat dry and make sure your skin is completely dry before applying. A pea-sized amount spread as a thin layer covers the whole face. Because Tretinoin can dry the skin, follow with a moisturiser, and wear sunscreen every day, as it makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.
A few cautions apply to everyone. Do not apply it to sunburned, windburned or broken skin. Keep it away from your eyes and lips unless your doctor advises otherwise, and never use it inside the mouth, nose or any other cavity. Your doctor will also tell you where Tretinoin fits in your routine and how to handle other actives like salicylic acid to keep irritation down.
What Are the Side Effects of Tretinoin?
The most common side effects of Tretinoin are irritation, redness, peeling and dryness, particularly in the first weeks of treatment. Some people experience purging, a temporary worsening of breakouts as skin turnover speeds up. Increased sensitivity to sunlight is another to expect, which is why we ask every patient to wear daily sunscreen. Less commonly, some people get severe irritation, swelling, blistering or crusting, or an allergic reaction with itching, swelling or marked redness. If any of these happen, contact your doctor. We would either pause the treatment or adjust it to a strength and frequency you can tolerate. The complete guide to Tretinoin covers how it works, its strengths and its side effects in full detail.
Google Reviews
I would highly recommend City Skin Clinic. I have had a great experience with Dr Amel so far. She is extremely knowledgable and has explained my treatment plan in detail. I had a lot of questions initially and this was met with fast and in depth responses by Dr Amel. The ordering and delivery of the product is quick and easy and Dr Amel has remained in contact throughout my treatment to check progress. It has only been a couple of months but I have already seen an improvement in my hair and trust that I will continue to do so.
Fabulous company and fabulous service!
I have had the best experience ever, I was postpartum dealing with a lot of hyperpigmentation on my face. I felt really seen, heard and listened to you. I was provided with the upmost care and kindness. Including in-depth explanation on how to use what I was prescribed And I felt well equipped to carry out the treatment. The outcome of the treatment has been the best thing ever for me. I look amazing and my skin is magnificent. I’ve been complimented by almost everyone I know, including strangers. This is genuinely changed my life and I would recommend this to anyone. So thankful to Amel and her team 🥹❤️
Amazing service and are always helpful with any query that I have. I always recommend them to friends and family 👍🏾
Very helpful and professional. I totally trust their advice. They show real care. I highly recommend.
Fantastic service. Super responsive and great clinicians. I have been using them for about a year now, for tretinoin. My skin has cleared and the formula and treatment was tailored to my skin. Really loved the outcome!
Can not recommend this place anymore. All the staff are super lovely, doctors lovely, has great chat and I'm so pleased with my results!
Such a professional experience, with amazing results that I couldn't have even imagined.
I’ve been going to see Amel for about a year now and am very happy with the results. The service she provides is very personalised and has made a real difference to how my skin looks and feels. I would definitely recommend City Skin Clinic even if you have tried other, similar services.
Dr Amel is fantastic - she was very transparent in her call with me in terms of what she thought would be best for me, and has over the course of the year since always been very prompt and generous in her responses to my email queries. Highly recommended!
City Skin Clinic allows me to get tretinoin delivered when I am running out rather than a subscription basis. Not only that but I cannot praise their customer service enough. They have been so helpful in all skincare advice not just the tretinoin. The response times are incredible and I feel like a valued customer with a personalised advisor. I have used other companies before and have been recommended others, but I’m not even tempted to move away from City Skin Clinic. They really are amazing.
I'm very pleased with the service and product I have received from City Clinic. The process for prescription is easy enough to follow and I'm very satisfied with my skin improvement.
Excellent results, I would highly recommend - Amel is really lovely and welcoming, she spends time making you feel comfortable and is honest about treatments and results.
Amel is a superstar. You can trust her entirely and know that she will not let you walk away disappointed. Highly recommend City Clinic.
I appreciate the prompt responses and the treatment I am receiving is going well.
I used the online consultation form and received a very quick response with detailed advice about a treatment plan. My two prescription products arrived a couple of days later in the post and I've already had great results in reducing pigmentation on my face after only 4 weeks of use. I'm really pleased with the results and the service and advice I've received from City Skin Clinic has been excellent.
City Skin Clinic helped me find a Treatment plan that really helped my skin problem of pigmentation /malasma.
Amel is amazing she always takes time to understand your concern and will always give you the best treatment and advice and the results have been amazing. Thank you!
I’ve been receiving treatment at City Skin Clinic with Dr Amel and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. From the start, Dr Amel was professional, knowledgeable and genuinely attentive to my skin concerns — she took the time to listen and tailor a plan that suited my needs. Many aspects of the process were clear and reassuring, and I felt well supported throughout. What stood out most was the ongoing support: Dr Amel has continued to check in, answer my questions promptly, and adapt my plan as needed, which has made a real difference in my progress. Overall, a thorough, caring and highly recommended clinic experience.
I cannot recommend Dr Amel highly enough. She is genuinely the best skincare specialist I’ve ever worked with. From the very first consultation she took the time to understand my concerns in detail, explain the science behind everything, and create a personalised plan that actually delivered results rather than promises.
My skin has transformed under her care. Years of stubborn hyperpigmentation, uneven tone and texture that I thought I’d never get on top of have improved more than I thought was possible. Every step of the process has been guided, monitored and adjusted so thoughtfully. She never rushes, she always explains the why behind each change, and she makes you feel like you’re in the hands of someone who genuinely cares about your outcome.
What stands out most is how responsive and reassuring she is. Anytime I had a question or worry, she replied with real clarity and expertise. She pays close attention to detail, picks up on things I wouldn’t even notice, and makes you feel completely supported throughout the whole treatment plan.
If you want a clinician who is knowledgeable, meticulous, honest, and truly invested in achieving the best results for you, Dr Amel is exactly that. My confidence in my skin has never been better, and I’m so grateful to her for the care, patience and expertise she’s given me.
I got in touch having been frustrated with breakouts and early ageing signs. I have been so impressed by the level of communication, empathy and support I have received. It feels so much more caring/personal than booking with other well known brands in this space (who often more of a subscription based model) I would really recommend this company - and Dr Amel - to anyone wanting professional advice and support with their skin concerns
In desperation I trawled the internet looking for alternatives and found this wonderful company. From the very first video consultation, I was listened to and given a plan which worked! I cannot praise Amel enough. She has given such good advice; she responds almost immediately and is so very sensible. I feel cared forand know I am in the most professional and capable hands. My skin has improved significantly and is now brighter, more even toned and hydrated. I am impressed to the extent that I paid for my darling daughter to have a consultation as well. In her words- "Amel is just lovely. She is THE best!" What more can I say??? I won't be going anywhere else as I have complete faith in the company and highly recommend them.
I had a fantastic experience with CitySkinClinic. The online consultation was incredibly convenient and cost just £30 - excellent value for such a professional and personalised service. I was pleased and surprised that the cost of the consultation came off the price of the treatment Dr Amel was extremely easy to talk to, answering all my concerns with great care and professionalism. She was very prudent and thoughtful in her recommendations which made me feel confident and well looked after
Since using the cream my skin has noticeably improved in texture and firmness making me look healthier and less tired. My sun damage spots have also disappeared
I highly recommend CitySkinCity to anyone looking for expert skincare advice with a truly personal touch
I'm not even halfway through my treatment for hyperpigmentation and I've achieved amazing results thanks to City Skin Clinic. The service has been effortless, professional, reliable and most of all very personalised unlike some of the other online clinics where you just fill in a form and wait for treatment in the post. I would definitely recommend to anyone who wants even looking skin!
Really great online service provided. Very friendly and approachable Doctors who are extremely quick to respond, and offer advice on not only services and products they offer, but also non prescription skincare products. Would highly recommend!
Frequently asked questions
Authored by:
Aesthetic Doctor & Medical Director BSC (HONS) MBBS MRCS PHD
Founder City Skin Clinic
Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
Associate Member of British Association of Body Sculpting GMC Registered - 7049611