All the Uses of Tretinoin Cream (Including a Few Surprising Ones)

There’s no doubt that Tretinoin is the real deal. Its a powerhouse ingredients with a wide variety of benefits in dermatology backed by decades of scientific research. Some of these like acne treatment are well known and some less so. Naturally this means that Tretinoin cream continues to attract a lot of attention from both traditional and social media for its benefits. As ever, we aim to separate fact from fiction and demystify Tretinoin. In this article, we’ll explore all the actual uses of Tretinoin cream including a few surprising ones! We’ll also review treatments that can help boost the benefits of Tretinoin.

What is Tretinoin & How Does it Work?

Tretinoin is a prescription-only topical retinoid which binds directly to retinoic acid receptors in the skin. Once absorbed, it speeds up cellular turnover and regeneration. First first discovered in the late 1960s for acne treatment, its wide variety of benefits in dermatology became apparent over time. Today, Tretinoin cream (as well as other forms) remains a cornerstone of prescription skincare and it mainly delivers its benefits through:

• Accelerating Cellular Turnover: Promotes rapid shedding of dead skin cells to keep pores clear and prevent blockages.
• Stimulating Collagen Production: Boosts collagen synthesis to improve skin elasticity and firmness.
• Enhancing Skin Regeneration: Speeds up the growth of new cells and vascularisation.
• Reducing Melanin Production: May regulate melanin production by the skin cells.

Whilst the benefits of Tretinoin cream are impressive, it does not work right away. In fact don’t expect to notice much difference for at least 8-12 weeks and even this varies from person to person. Also, the benefits of Tretinoin cream are cumulative and most people see ongoing progress with consistent application. It’s also safe and effective for long-term use.

What are the Uses of Tretinoin Cream?

Tretinoin cream has come a long way since its discovery. Not only is Tretinoin use widespread, it is also available in a number of formulations including creams, gels and solutions. Whilst Tretinoin is licensed specifically for acne vulgaris treatment, it is routinely prescribed off-label and in unlicensed formulas for large number of skin conditions. The main uses of Tretinoin cream and other formulas include:

• Acne Vulgaris: Tretinoin effectively treats mild to moderate acne by exfoliating the skin and preventing clogged pores. It also reduces inflammation especially in combination with antibiotics and may prevent scarring, redness as well as post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
• Photoageing: Through increasing collagen production and cell renewal, Tretinoin can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin tone and smooth texture. This ca help reverse sun-induced skin damage.
• Hyperpigmentation: Alone or alongside agents like Hydroquinone, Tretinoin can help treat melasma, sun spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation by boosting skin cell turnover and reducing melanin production.
• Keratosis Pilaris & Skin Texture: Tretinoin can help with rough skin conditions like keratosis pilaris by exfoliating dead skin cells and reducing keratin build-up. This results in softer and smoother skin.
• Psoriasis Plaques: Although not a first-line treatment, Tretinoin can improve psoriasis plaques by regulating skin cell growth. It may help reduce plaque thickness especially when used alongside other treatments.
• Hair Loss: In conditions like androgenetic alopecia, Tretinoin can support hair regrowth. It is especially beneficial when used in combination with ingredients like minoxidil where it can improve scalp skin health and boost follicular activity.
• Wound Healing & Scarring: Tretinoin can enhances wound healing by promoting collagen formation and cell renewal. As such it may help reduce the appearance and severity of some scars over time.
• Stretch Marks: Regular application of Tretinoin can reduce the appearance of stretch marks especially when they’re in the early stages.

Limitations & Risks of Tretinoin

Whilst Tretinoin cream and other formulations have a large number of benefits and uses, it’s not a miracle product. There are a number of limitations to be aware of including:

• Tretinoin does not provide instant results and improvements may take weeks or even months.
• Strict sun protection is essential as it makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.
• There’s a limit to what it can do alone and hence it is best to pair it with other treatments for severe skin conditions or hair loss.
• It usually requires ongoing use to maintain results.

Its also worth stressing that whilst Tretinoin is safe, its not for every one. It can cause dryness, flaking, irritation and purging. Improper use or dosage can also lead to burns and skin damage. You also can not use Tretinoin during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This is why its a prescription only treatment that requires monitoring and cautious use.

Complementary Treatments

To get the most benefits from Tretinoin cream (or other formulations), you may need to pair it with other treatments for more complex uses. For skin and hair uses, the following treatments can boost the benefits of Tretinoin cream, gel or other formulas:

• Hydroquinone: This prescription-only pigment suppressor may be useful for stubborn pigmentation issues like melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
• Niacinamide: This over the counter ingredient helps brighten skin, soothe irritation, reduce redness and reinforce the skin barrier. As such niacinamide pairs well with Tretinoin cream for uses like acne, skin ageing and uneven skin tone as well as to reduce irritation as a side effects.
• Exfoliants: When used carefully, exfoliating acids like AHAs, BHAs and azelaic acid or enzymes can further improve skin texture and clarity.
• Microneedling: This boosts collagen production and smooths skin texture. It compliments Tretinoin’s anti-ageing and smoothing effects but you will need to stop it before and after each session.
• Chemical Peels or Lasers: These can boost the skin clarifying, smoothing and brightening effects of Tretinoin. However you’ll need to stop Tretinoin before and after any laser of chemical peel sessions.
• Minoxidil: This is widely used in combination with Tretinoin to boost hair growth, improve scalp circulation and stimulate hair follicles. The combination of Tretinoin and Minoxidil may however be initially irritating to the scalp so they’re often compounded with corticosteroids like hydrocortisone.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy or Microneedling: Both PRP and scalp microneedling may enhance scalp health and follicular regeneration when paired with tretinoin containing hair loss treatments.

Tretinoin is an incredibly versatile medicine in dermatology that comes in a range of formulas including creams and has a surprising number of uses. The benefits of Tretinoin cream and other formulations extend to both the skin and hair. Depending on the condition, it may be effective alone or work best in unison with other therapies or ingredients. Whilst it has an excellent safety record, it requires careful use to avoid risks and side effects, This is why it is a prescription-only medicine which should only be used where medically appropriate under the supervision of a doctor or other medical professional.

At City Skin Clinic, we are beyond passionate with personalised beauty. We offer safe and effective compound skincare and hair growth treatments using prescription-strength ingredients like Tretinoin and Hydroquinone where appropriate through our online skin clinic. Our doctors treat a range of conditions such as acne and scars, hyperpigmentation, melasma, skin ageing, rosacea and hair loss. To start your personalised skincare plan, book a virtual video consultation or use our online consultation form. The journey towards great skin (and hair) starts here.