Dermatologists and estheticians agree that retinoids are the gold standard in anti-aging and anti-acne ingredients. That’s because they resurface the skin, transforming it to be smoother, plumper, brighter, firmer, and more even. It’s worth noting that I’m using the plural “they,” because the word “retinoid” doesn’t refer to a single ingredient. Rather, it refers to a category of ingredients. Yep, that’s right. It’s an umbrella term that encompasses a variety of vitamin A derivatives, including retinol, retinaldehyde, and tretinoin. (Here’s a breakdown of the different types of retinoids for your reference.)
Different retinoids have different strengths, and tretinoin is in the top tier. Sure, it can dramatically improve the state of the skin, but it can also cause gnarly side effects like dryness, flakiness, redness, and irritation. That’s why it’s only available by prescription so it can be used (and your skin can be monitored) under the guidance of a medical professional.
Still, tretinoin is a popular skincare ingredient for a reason. It’s potent, and it can give the skin incredible anti-aging (and anti-acne!) results. But before you book that appointment with your derm to get your hands on a tube of tretinoin, I recommend taking a beat. First, let’s get answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about it. Questions like, ‘How does it work?’ ‘What skin types is it best suited for?’ And, last but not least, ‘how can you avoid—or at least minimize—the potential side effects?’ Keep scrolling for all of this and more.
(Image credit: Stocksy)
What Is Tretinoin?
#1: It is one of the strongest retinoids, so use it responsibly
Just like all retinoids, tretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A. Unlike other retinoids, though, it’s the strongest form. It’s also the active ingredient in brand-name prescriptions such as Retin-A. So, what makes it the strongest? Here’s a crash course. Every retinoid must be converted to retinoic acid in the skin before it can take effect. “Weaker” retinoids require more steps to convert to retinoic acid. “Stronger” retinoids require fewer steps to convert to retinoic acid. This is why tretinoin can cause more intense side effects, like flakiness, dryness, and irritation, than “weaker,” non-prescription retinoids (more on that in a minute). This is also why it’s important to follow label instructions and doctor’s orders when using it. If you don’t you could be doing more harm than good.
(Image credit: Original illustration by Jamie Brown)
What Skin Concerns Does It Treat?
Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, says that it’s FDA-approved to treat acne, as well as “concerns associated with mature skin, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots because of its ability to increase collagen production and improve cell turnover.”
Esthetician and skin expert, Kristin Gunn, echoes this, saying, “It can be used to address a wide variety of skin concerns like fine lines, acne, and hyperpigmentation. It’s fantastic for anti-aging and great at improving skin texture by increasing cell turnover.”
As for its anti-acne benefits, know that it’s more about the long game than it is about instant effects. That’s according to Mina Amin, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist who says, ‘It is helpful for acne-prone skin,” but not necessarily for clearing existing acne. Rather, it “helps prevent new acne” from forming. She adds that tretinoin “can also help with skin texture and hyperpigmentation.”
Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD is a leading board-certified cosmetic, medical, and surgical dermatologist at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York. She says tretinoin is “a gold standard” acne treatment. “Tretinoin binds to receptors in the skin which triggers processes that speed up skin cell turnover to help reduce clogged pores and to decrease sebum and oil production – excellent for acne treatment. In fact, most dermatologists recommend a prescription-strength retinoid to their teenage and adult acne patients.”
To sum it up, tretinoin can treat the following skin concerns:
- Acne
- Wrinkles
- Fine Lines
- Discoloration
- Texture
- Enlarged Pores
- Loss of Firmness and Elasticity
What Skin Types Is It Suited For?
All of the experts say that tretinoin works its magic on all skin types. However, it “tends to be best tolerated by oily or combination skin,” Amin says. The only time it should be avoided entirely is during pregnancy. “Avoid using if pregnant or breastfeeding,” Murphy-Rose warns. “We know that taking high doses of vitamin A by mouth is associated with birth defects. We recommend avoidance of topical forms of vitamin A during pregnancy because we do not have data to suggest that it is safe, and in theory, it may not be safe.”
However, if you’re not pregnant or breastfeeding, Camp reiterates that it’s generally suitable for all skin types, although oily skin will tolerate it best. “Tretinoin is best tolerated by those with oily, acne-prone skin because of its ability to cause skin dryness, redness, and flaking,” he says. “However, when used cautiously, tretinoin may be tolerated by most skin types. Particularly sensitive skin may have difficulty getting adjusted to the changes associated with tretinoin use.”
(Image credit: Unsplash)
What Are the Potential Side Effects?
The potential side effects of tretinoin are no joke. “While it has great benefits, tretinoin is notorious for unwanted side effects like skin irritation, redness, peeling, and increased sun sensitivity,” Murphy-Rose says. While the first three effects can usually be managed by decreasing the frequency or amount of product used, the adjustment stage in which the skin adapts to the retinoid—commonly referred to as the “retinization” period”—is often unavoidable.
“The skin will be more prone to sunburn, dryness, or irritation, especially during the first 2-3 weeks,” Amin says. This is because it stimulates cell turnover, which causes the skin cells to slough off faster than they would normally.
Murphy-Rose says the length of the retinization period will differ according to your skin type, the strength of the tretinoin, and the amount and frequency with which you use it. “Classically this takes about 2 weeks but it will vary among individuals,” she says.
2. Purging can be expected—don’t dramatically increase or decrease usage
As if that’s not enough, it can cause a temporary increase in acne, which is known as purging. “It can cause some increase in acne also known as a ‘purging’ stage at the beginning which tends to improve with time,” Amin says. Usually, it’s a few weeks, so be prepared, and don’t automatically stop using it if you see more breakouts appear. Or, on the flip side, don’t start using more of the product to minimize said breakouts. “Like most acne prescriptions, tretinoin should be used for 2-3 months before deciding if it is helpful or not,” Camp says.
How Should You Incorporate It Into Your Skincare Routine?
3. Incorporate it into your skincare routine slowly
The experts recommend starting slow. “To limit irritation, try to develop a tolerance to the medication gradually,” Camp says. “Consider applying a pea-sized amount to the face once every third night for one month, then every other night for one month, then nightly as tolerated. Apply a gentle moisturizer to the skin afterwards, or consider mixing the medication and the moisturizer together to dilute the tretinoin.”
Murphy-Rose recommends being intentional about where you place the tretinoin on your face. “Spare the eyelids and corners of the nose and lips where more product can accumulate and cause excess irritation near mucosal surfaces,” she says. “Moisturize well while using tretinoin. I generally recommend applying your moisturizer after tretinoin. If you are struggling to tolerate tretinoin and have tried these tips, you can try the ‘sandwich method.’
What is the ‘sandwich method,’ you ask? Amin recommends sensitive skin types use it to mitigate the drying and irritating effects of tretinoin. Start by applying moisturizer. Then, apply the retinoid. Then, apply moisturizer again. it creates a sort of protective barrier for the skin and helps keep sensitivity at bay.
(Image credit: Andy Skye)
4. Apply it only at night & use sunscreen during the day
Oh, and tretinoin, like all retinoids, should only be applied at night. That’s because it increases photosensitivity, AKA the skin’s susceptibility to UV rays. “The skin will be more sensitive to the sun when you’re using tretinoin, even though you’re applying it at night,” Amin says. “Therefore, it is important to wear sunscreen during the day.”
Shop 8 of The Best Over-the-Counter Retinoids
Since tretinoin is only available by prescription, we asked the experts to share some of their favorite over-the-counter retinoids. As Amin puts it, “Tretinoin is more effective than over the counter retinoids but over the counter retinoids have great skincare benefits as well.”
La Roche-Posay
Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment
“Adapalene used to be a prescription but now it’s available over the counter,” Amin says. It’s particularly effective as a topical acne treatment. Camp recommends it too. “Marketed for acne, this product contains adapalene, which has been found to be helpful for addressing changes related to photoaging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots,” he says.
The Ordinary
Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
Gunn recommends The Ordinary’s budget-friendly retinoid options.
SkinCeuticals
Retinol 0.5
Experts and editors alike love SkinCeuticals. “Available in three different concentrations, this OTC retinol night cream is appropriate for novices, experienced, and expert users,” Camp says.
Paula’s Choice
Clinical Anti-Aging 1% Retinol Treatment
This retinol treatment includes brightening vitamin C and firming peptides.
Differin
Acne Treatment Gel – Adapalene 0.1%
Here’s another effective adapalene gel for acne treatment.
Farmacy
1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum
An editor-favorite formula, this retinol is powerful and effective.
Shani Darden Skin Care
Retinol Reform Treatment Serum
Another editor-favorite, this retinol serum is a cult-classic.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum
Camp recommends this retinol-infused eye seurm. “Retinol, and a plant-based bakuchiol, thought to be as effective as retinol but better tolerated, are features in this eye serum to address fine lines and wrinkles in the periocular area.”
