Tretinoin cream

Tretinoin should be used once daily at bedtime. To use tretinoin cream, simply wash your face with a mild facial cleanser. Make sure your skin is dry before using the product. Then, take a pea-sized amount of tretinoin and apply a thin layer to your skin. We recommend following up with a layer of moisturizer for acne-prone skin.

Tretinoin can make your skin more sensitive to UV light. Using tretinoin at night lowers your risk of sun damage. During the daylight hours, protect your skin from sunburn and sun damage by wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Avoid getting tretinoin in your eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. Tretinoin should be stored tightly closed, at room temperature, in its original container.

If you are new to tretinoin, you may be surprised to experience more blemishes after using the product for three to six weeks. This is a normal part of the skin renewal process. Don't give up! Most people see a noticeable improvement in their complexion after using tretinoin for 6 to 12 weeks.

Tretinoin should be applied once at night. It should not be used during the day as it can increase sensitivity to the sun.

Like every topical retinoid, tretinoin use may cause side effects. Most of the side effects caused by tretinoin are mild and include drying, flaking, or peeling skin. These effects can be managed by using more moisturizer and using the medication less frequently such as every other night when first starting. You may also experience a mild, temporary stinging or warming sensation when applying tretinoin. Skin treated with tretinoin is more prone to sunburn Repeated use of tretinoin may also cause temporary lightening or darkening of the skin. Most people using tretinoin find that side effects lessen as their skin adjusts to treatment. These mild side effects generally dissipate when tretinoin is no longer used.

Although severe reactions are uncommon, possible serious side effects include itching, hives, and pain. These side effects are usually a result of an allergic reaction. Such reactions to tretinoin are considered rare. If you are allergic to drugs that contain Vitamin A, you may be at higher risk for an allergic reaction.

As with any prescription medication, discuss your medications, allergies, and treatment options with your doctor or a Nurx provider before using tretinoin cream. If your skin is irritated or sunburned, you may need to allow your skin to heal before beginning treatment. Your medical provider can advise you when to add tretinoin to your skin care regimen.

Tretinoin cream can make your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light. Using tretinoin at night lowers your risk of sun damage. During the daylight hours, protect your skin from sunburn and sun damage by wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Avoid spending time in tanning beds and under sunlamps. If you get sunburned or your skin becomes extremely red or blistered, stop tretinoin cream and contact your healthcare professional immediately.

Some tretinoin users experience new or increased sensitivity to extreme weather conditions, such as low temperatures or high winds. Wear protective clothing to stay comfortable during cold or windy weather.

When using tretinoin, your facial cleansers and cosmetics should be gentle, non-abrasive, and non-drying. Confused about which products to use? Your Nurx provider can help you choose products that maximize the benefits of tretinoin and minimize unpleasant side effects.

Tretinoin should not be used by patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive. If this applies to you, then your provider may help you find an alternative treatment that is safe to use.

Tretinoin is generally compatible with other medications. To prevent excessive dryness and irritation, avoid using facial cleansers, toners, and cosmetics that contain sulfur, salicylic acid, or resorcinol. Never combine tretinoin with products containing benzoyl peroxide, as they diminish tretinoin's effectiveness and can result in dryness.

Topical products that may interact with tretinoin include perm solutions, medicated cleansers, exfoliating soaps, alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, and products that contain alcohol, lime, or menthol. Using these products with tretinoin can cause excessive redness, irritation, and peeling.

Your Nurx provider can help you determine if the 0.025%, 0.05% or 0.1% tretinoin cream is best for you based on your symptoms and medical history.

If breakouts have left you with uneven, bumpy skin and scars, tretinoin can help. Tretinoin helps flatten acne scars and lighten dark patches, making scars less noticeable. Tretinoin is most effective on newer, smaller acne scars.