What is Tretinoin?
Tretinoin is a member of vitamin A group. Also known as all-trans retinoic acid, it is the most potent form of vitamin A. Tretinoin is often used topically for the treatment of acne, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. It is particularly effective at a 0.3% concentration.
The Benefits of Tretinoin
- Tretinoin has been proven to be effective for the treatment of acne. A study involving 577 people showed that tretinoin reduces the acne inflammation.
- Tretinoin effectively reduces hyperpigmentation spots.
- Tretinoin boosts the collagen synthesis in the skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and lines.
The Commonly-Known Side Effects of Tretinoin
- Similar to retinol, tretinoin increases the risk of UV-induced skin damage including skin cancer. Studies showed that at a 0.05% concentration or higher, tretinoin increases the phototoxicity of UV light.
- Tretinoin is commonly known to cause excessive peeling, skin dryness and hypersensitivity.
- Tretinoin should only be used under the supervision of a dermatologist as some of its side effects can be very serious.
The Alternative to Tretinoin
Some skincare ingredients can be as effective as tretinoin in reversing the signs of skin ageing and damage without having commonly-known side effects such as niacinamide, n-acetyl glucosamine, coenzyme Q10 and resveratrol. In facts, these ingredients strengthen skin's defense against UV and environmental damage.
The Alternative To Tretinoin Skincare Products
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Author:
Henry Tianus is a multi-award-winning Anti-Ageing Specialist with 3 decades experience in skincare research and product development. Henry Tianus's articles have been read by people in more than 100 countries with USA and UK at the top of the list.
Scientific Sources: (1) Evaluation of tretinoin cream 0.05% as a potential cause of phototoxicity and photoallergy, Cosmetic Dermatology, April 2002, 15(4): 17-20. (2) Retinoid Associated Phototoxicity and Photosensitivity, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Volume 40, Issue 1, 1989, Pages 123-135. (3) Why Topical Retinoids Are Mainstay of Therapy for Acne, Dermatology and Therapy, 2017 Sep, 7(3): 293–304.