Topical Retinoid Patient Information

Tretinoin is a topical retinoid, or vitamin A derivative, that is used for acne, photoaging, and rhytid (wrinkle) treatment.

Tretinoin is available in varying strengths, ranging from 0.025 to 0.1% potency in either a gel or cream formulation.

Gels and creams work well in younger clients with acne-prone skin. The more moisturizing creams are better suited for clients with dry and/or older skin types.

**PLEASE NOTE: Tretinoin should not be used if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Vitamin A derivatives can cause irreversible birth defects.**

Applying Tretinoin

BEFORE BED

Wash face with mild soap and gently dry your skin.
Wait 10-20 minutes before application of tretinoin. This ensures your skin is completely dry and minimizes chance of irritation.
Apply a pea-sized amount of Tretinoin by dabbing onto your forehead, chin, and both cheeks. Then, gently spread product over the entire affected area until fully absorbed.
1. Keep Tretinoin away from the corners of the eyes, nose, mouth, and open wounds.
2. When spreading the medication, it should become invisible almost immediately. If not, you are using too much. This just wastes product and may irritate your skin.

IN THE MORNING

1. Wash face with mild soap. Gently dry skin.
2. Apply moisturizer and sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater. Make sure it is non-comedogenic to avoid acne
exacerbation.

Tips for Success

Retinoids can make your skin more sensitive to sunburn. Wear daily facial sunscreen of SPF 15+.
Tingling during application is normal and may become less over time.
Avoid abrasive scrubs, alcohol-containing products, and other medicated products on areas treated with topical retinoid.
Take a break from Tretinoin for one week before waxing, bleaching, lasering, or threading your facial hair. This avoids irritation.
Stop use of Tretinoin 2 days before and 3 days after receiving neuromodulator (Botox) injections.

In the first 2 months, some patients see peeling, redness, and/or an increase in acne blemishes. This is normal as Tretinoin goes to work deep inside your skin layers and will settle over time.

Noticeable results can take 2-3 months. Be patient!

The benefit is skin with improved texture, decreased redness, and reduced signs of aging.