Do you also want to keep your skin fair, wrinkle-free, and youthful? So while looking for solutions to this, you may have heard about different types of creams. Maybe your doctor has prescribed a cream called Tretinoin for you. Or maybe you have heard about it from a friend and become interested in it. So today, let's talk about everything about this Tretinoin cream, which is famous among many as a beauty treatment.
Simply put, what is Tretinoin?
Tretinoin is a drug that belongs to a class of drugs called retinoids , which are made from vitamin A. This is not a medicine that we take by mouth, but a topical application (a cream or gel) that is applied to the skin.
The main thing it does is increase the rate at which our skin cells renew themselves. Think about it, our skin naturally sheds dead cells and new cells come in. Tretinoin speeds up this process. Here's why:
- Fine wrinkles on the face are visibly reduced.
- It stimulates the production of new collagen in the skin. Collagen is a protein responsible for the firmness and elasticity of our skin.
- Helps reduce dark spots and sun damage on the skin's surface.
- It is also used to control acne because it prevents the cells inside the skin pores from sticking together and clogging up.
The most important thing is that this is a medicine that should only be used under medical advice. It's not a good idea to buy it from the pharmacy just because a friend used it. Because not everyone's skin is the same.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using the medicine
Before your doctor prescribes Tretinoin, he or she will need to know your complete medical history. Therefore, be sure to tell him or her about the following:
- Allergies: If you have any allergies to tretinoin, any other medicine, food, or dye, please let us know.
- Other skin conditions: It is not recommended to apply this product on areas where you have other skin conditions such as burns, cuts, eczema, etc. So tell us about your skin problems.
- Pregnancy: Do not use this product if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or suspect you are pregnant . Retinoids can harm your unborn baby. This is very important.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother, you should also tell the doctor.
How exactly do you use this?
To get the best results, it's essential to know how to use it correctly.
1. First, wash your face: Wash your face with a mild cleanser, gently pat dry with a clean towel, and let it dry. After your face is completely dry, wait about 20-30 minutes.
2. How much to apply: Don't apply too much. A pea-sized amount is enough for the entire face. Remember, applying too much will not give you quick results, it will only increase your skin's sensitivity.
3. How to apply: Take the cream on your fingertips, apply dots on your forehead, cheeks, chin, and nose, and gently apply a thin film.
4. Be careful: Avoid touching sensitive areas like the eyes, mouth, and nostrils . Wash your hands thoroughly.
5. Best time: Doctors usually advise applying this at night because Tretinoin makes the skin sensitive to the sun.
6. Use consistently: Use it at the same time every day as directed by your doctor. It may take several weeks or months to see results, so be patient and continue using it.
What if I miss a dose?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as usual. Never take a double dose.
What if you accidentally hit too much or someone drinks?
A small amount of the cream on the skin is not a major emergency, although it may cause redness, dryness, and peeling. However, if someone, especially a small child, puts this cream in their mouth, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or take them to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) .
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
When using Tretinoin, there may be conflicts with other things you are using, so be aware of this.
| What can cause conflicts? | Description and examples |
|---|---|
| Other products that dry out the skin | Using acne-fighting products like Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid , toners containing alcohol, and harsh scrubs with Tretinoin can cause excessive dryness, redness, and inflammation of the skin. |
| Medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight | Some antibiotics, such as tetracycline, and sulfa drugs can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Tell your doctor if you are taking these medications. |
| Other medicines and cosmetics | Tell your doctor about all medications you use (other cosmetics, vitamins, Ayurvedic medicines). |
What are the side effects? Should I be afraid?
Like any medication, Tretinoin can cause side effects, but most of them are not serious.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Things to inform your doctor immediately | |
| Serious Allergic Reaction | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Severe skin allergy | Unbearable inflammation, excessive peeling, and blistering of the skin. |
| Common (if it persists, tell your doctor ) | |
| Minor skin changes | Skin redness, dryness, slight peeling, slight itching or burning. (These are normal in the first few weeks and will subside as the skin adjusts to the medication.) |
| Skin discoloration | There may be a temporary change in skin color where the treatment is applied. |
Sun protection is a must!
This is the most important thing to remember when using Tretinoin. When using this medication, your skin becomes very sensitive to the sun (photosensitive). This means that you can sunburn much more quickly than usual.
- Wear sunscreen every day: Be sure to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, even on a rainy day or a day when you're staying home.
- Cover up from the sun: Avoid going out in the strong sun as much as possible. If you do go out, use a hat and an umbrella.
- Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds.
Take-Home Message
- Tretinoin is a prescription medication that should only be used under medical advice. Never use other people's medications.
- When grating, only use a pea-sized amount. Grating too much will not give you faster results.
- It is essential to protect yourself from the sun while using this medication. Use sunscreen every day.
- It may take several months to see results, so be patient and continue using it.
- Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- It's normal to experience redness and dryness in the early stages. However, if you experience an unbearable allergic reaction, talk to your doctor immediately.
- Keep the medicine out of the reach of children, at room temperature. Throw it away after the expiration date.
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