If you’re thinking about incorporating this buy tretinoin online into the skincare routine, you’ll must ensure you use it properly to prevent any unwelcome side effects. Plus, you’ll should be extra careful when out inside the sun. Read on to learn why.
What is tretinoin?
Tretinoin (also called prescription retinoids or prescription vitamin A) is often a highly potent, medical-grade topical vitamin A cream or gel. It contains retinoic acid, which is regarded as the biologically available active form of vitamin A, and will come in different formula strengths.
Unlike retinol and other over-the-counter versions of vitamin A, tretinoin is a prescription-only topical treatment. This means you is only able to purchase it if you have a script from your doctor or dermatologist who's properly assessed the skin and deemed its use appropriate.
Tretinoin vs. Retinol: exactly what is the difference?
Tretinoin and retinol are both classified as retinoids — but there are a few key differences between them:
Tretinoin
Synthetic type of vitamin A
Only available which has a prescription (classed as a medical-grade skincare product)
Highly potent
Retinol
Natural type of vitamin A
Available over-the-counter and located in many skincare products
Milder formulation
What is tretinoin used by?
It may seem like tretinoin just has been on the skincare radar recently, nevertheless it’s actually a popular topical treatment for acne that’s been used by almost 50 years. It has been found in lowering inflammation associated with acne, clear existing acne minimizing the severity of outbreaks.
But treating acne isn’t tretinoin’s only benefit. A 2012 study indicates it may also be helpful for:
Improving skin and texture
Reducing the appearance of face lines and wrinkles
Reducing the appearance of liver spots on your skin layer
Improving premature aging of skin on account of sun damage (photoaging)
Other research on the use of retinoids in the treatment of aging of the skin found that “amongst the retinoids, tretinoin possibly is the most potent and certainly the most widely investigated retinoid for photoaging therapy.”
How does tretinoin work?
Tretinoin works by speeding up the cellular turnover inside skin, making skin cells divide and die faster to ensure new, healthier cells can replace them. However, as a way to stimulate this procedure, tretinoin must ultimately irritate skin. This is why people often experience uncomfortable unwanted effects when first applying this product.
Most people start to notice a difference in their skin after two or three weeks utilizing the product, nevertheless it can take 6 or even more weeks for the full benefit to wear.
Can tretinoin fade skin spots or sunspots?
Some research suggests tretinoin can fade the appearance of brown spots on the skin. However, everyone’s skin is different as well as a topical treatment alone may not be one of the most effective method to fade sun spots on the face or body. This is why it’s important to consult using a dermatologist before starting any sun spot removal treatment so you can get personalised advice for the best approach for the skin.
Likewise, it’s important to have a thorough skin check by way of a melanographer or dermatologist to confirm if the spots you wish to fade truly are sunspots instead of something more sinister. It can be difficult to identify the difference from your harmless sunspot along with a potential skin cancer or melanoma so be sure you have the skin spots professionally checked before using tretinoin or other prescription retinoids.
What are the unwanted side effects of tretinoin?
Prescription retinoids like tretinoin are extremely powerful. This means you must rely on them properly within the guidance of your dermatologist or doctor — or you might risk some unpleasant reactions like burning skin or a damaged skin barrier.
Due to its potency, tretinoin may cause some skin irritation when you begin using it as your skin needs time for you to adjust on the active ingredients. Some other common side effects of tretinoin include mild to moderate:
Skin redness or inflammation
Dryness
Peeling or flaking
Itching
However, most people notice a reduction in these unwanted effects after a few weeks utilizing the product.
Tretinoin photosensitivity: Why you need to be extra careful within the sun when utilizing this product
Another complication associated with the using tretinoin is photosensitisation. This means it makes you more sensitive to the sun’s harmful UV rays and you can burn easily when confronted with sunlight.
From a skin cancer prevention perspective, this might be problematic. One of the key risk factors for skin cancer is often a history of sunburn so it’s clear to understand why photosensitivity from tretinoin is concerning. While there is currently no evidence to suggest tretinoin use increases your risk of skin cancer, it’s crucial that you take extra precautions with sun protection when using this product.
How to protect your skin from the sun when using tretinoin:
Avoid excessive sun exposure — do not use this product if you work outdoors or spend a lot of time out in the sun
Wear SPF 50+ sunscreen every day — even if you’re only staying indoors as indirect sunlight through windows can still damage or burn your epidermis
Wear sun protective clothing when outdoors
Make regular skin checks part of your epidermiscare routine
At MoleMap, we agree that looking after your skin can be a top priority. But when it comes to your skin layer health, we encourage you to definitely think beyond skincare products and begin making regular skin cancer checks part of your skin wellness routine too.
By having a professional skin check or mole check every 6 to 1 year, you’ll give yourself the top chance to catch any suspicious spots or lesions early. Plus, you’ll also relish peace of mind that you simply’re keeping your skin safe — inside and out. Consider scheduling these regular checks at MoleMap Australia Skin Cancer Clinics for expert care and thorough examination.