Topical tretinoin is a medication to treat acne. This medicine can also be used to treat fine wrinkles, dark spots, and rough skin on the face caused by sun exposure.
Topical tretinoin is a retinoid drug that works by affecting the growth of skin cells by making the skin layer peel off like peeling. This way of working will also help open clogged skin pores.
Topical tretinoin trademarks: Lumiquin, Melavita, Refaquin, Retin-A, Skinovit-CP, Trentin, Trequinone, Vitacid
What is Topical Tretinoin
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Topical retinoids |
| Benefit | Overcoming acne, fine wrinkles, dark spots, and rough skin on the face due to sun exposure |
| Used by | Adults and youth 12 years old |
| Topical Tretinoin for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether topical tretinoin is absorbed into breast milk. Breastfeeding mothers are advised to consult their doctor first if they want to use this drug. |
| Drug form | Creams, gels and lotions |
Precautions Before Using Topical Tretinoin
Follow the doctor's recommendations and advice while undergoing treatment with topical tretinoin. Before using this drug, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Do not use topical tretinoin if you are allergic to this medicine or to other medicines that contain retinoids and vitamin A. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to fish.
- Tell your doctor if you have any skin problems, such as eczema, dermatitis, or actinic keratosis.
- Tell your doctor if you or your family have a history of skin cancer.
- Avoid long-term sun exposure and always use skin protection, such as closed clothing or sunscreen, while being treated with topical tretinoin, as this medication can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor about any medications you are currently taking, including supplements and herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or overdose after using topical tretinoin.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Topical Tretinoin
The following are common doses of topical tretinoin based on their intended use:
Purpose: Overcoming acne
- Use a cream, gel, or lotion that contains 0.01–0.05% tretinoin. Take an adequate amount of the medicine with your fingertips and apply it evenly on the acne-prone area once a day at night or before going to bed.
Purpose: Overcome rough skin, wrinkles, and dark spots (hyperpigmentation)
- Use a cream that contains 0.02–0.05% tretinoin. Take an adequate amount of cream with fingertips and apply evenly on the affected face area once a day at night or before going to bed.
How to Use Topical Tretinoin Correctly
Follow your doctor's advice and read the information on the packaging for topical tretinoin before starting to use it. Do not use topical tretinoin on broken or sunburned skin.
Wash your hands and clean your face with mild soap and warm water before applying topical tretinoin. Dry the area of the skin to be applied with topical tretinoin and wait about 20-30 minutes for the skin to dry completely before applying the medication.
Apply topical tretinoin to the area of skin you want to treat. Do not apply the medicine to sunburned skin areas or open wounds.
Avoid applying topical tretinoin to the eyes, nostrils, or mouth. If the drug comes into contact with the area, rinse immediately with clean water. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying topical tretinoin.
If you are using a product that contains sulfur, resorcinol or salicylic acid, wait for the effects of the product to wear off before using topical tretinoin.
Results of using topical tretinoin to treat acne can usually be seen after 2–6 weeks. Meanwhile, to reduce fine wrinkles, dark spots, and rough skin takes 3-6 months. Therefore, do not stop treatment less than this time.
Store topical tretinoin at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.
Topical Tretinoin Interactions with Other Drugs
Drug interactions that can occur when topical tretinoin is used in combination with other medicines or certain beauty products are:
- Increased skin sensitivity to sunlight when used with ciprofloxacin, chlorpromazine, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfamethoxazole, or tetracycline
- Increased risk of severe irritation and decreased effectiveness of topical tretinoin when used with benzoyl peroxide
- Increased risk of severe irritation or dry skin when used with products containing sulfur, salicylic acid, or resorcinol
Also, avoid using topical tretinoin with other products that can cause irritation, including hair removal products, products that contain alcohol, or products that can cause dry skin.
Topical Tretinoin Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that can occur after using topical tretinoin are:
- Itchy, swollen, red, dry, or peeling skin
- Warm or stinging sensation on facial skin
- Increased scars on acne
- The skin color becomes darker or lighter in the area that is applied to the medicine
Check with your doctor if you experience any of the side effects mentioned above. See your doctor right away if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug after using topical tretinoin.