{"id":3530,"date":"2022-10-04T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-04T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/?p=3530"},"modified":"2023-03-20T15:36:35","modified_gmt":"2023-03-20T15:36:35","slug":"tretinoin-101","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/tretinoin-101\/","title":{"rendered":"Ingredient Deep Dive: Tretinoin"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/tretinoin-101-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3568\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Link to share article here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-social-links is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-block-social-links-is-layout-flex\"><li class=\"wp-social-link 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c-0.5,0.5-0.808,1.002-1.038,1.594C3.25,6.677,3.098,7.331,3.054,8.289C3.01,9.249,3,9.556,3,12c0,2.444,0.01,2.751,0.054,3.711 c0.044,0.958,0.196,1.612,0.418,2.185c0.23,0.592,0.538,1.094,1.038,1.594c0.5,0.5,1.002,0.808,1.594,1.038 c0.572,0.222,1.227,0.375,2.185,0.418C9.249,20.99,9.556,21,12,21s2.751-0.01,3.711-0.054c0.958-0.044,1.612-0.196,2.185-0.418 c0.592-0.23,1.094-0.538,1.594-1.038c0.5-0.5,0.808-1.002,1.038-1.594c0.222-0.572,0.375-1.227,0.418-2.185 C20.99,14.751,21,14.444,21,12s-0.01-2.751-0.054-3.711c-0.044-0.958-0.196-1.612-0.418-2.185c-0.23-0.592-0.538-1.094-1.038-1.594 c-0.5-0.5-1.002-0.808-1.594-1.038c-0.572-0.222-1.227-0.375-2.185-0.418C14.751,3.01,14.444,3,12,3L12,3z M12,7.378 c-2.552,0-4.622,2.069-4.622,4.622S9.448,16.622,12,16.622s4.622-2.069,4.622-4.622S14.552,7.378,12,7.378z M12,15 c-1.657,0-3-1.343-3-3s1.343-3,3-3s3,1.343,3,3S13.657,15,12,15z M16.804,6.116c-0.596,0-1.08,0.484-1.08,1.08 s0.484,1.08,1.08,1.08c0.596,0,1.08-0.484,1.08-1.08S17.401,6.116,16.804,6.116z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">Instagram<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-twitter  wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/skinandmehq\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M22.23,5.924c-0.736,0.326-1.527,0.547-2.357,0.646c0.847-0.508,1.498-1.312,1.804-2.27 c-0.793,0.47-1.671,0.812-2.606,0.996C18.324,4.498,17.257,4,16.077,4c-2.266,0-4.103,1.837-4.103,4.103 c0,0.322,0.036,0.635,0.106,0.935C8.67,8.867,5.647,7.234,3.623,4.751C3.27,5.357,3.067,6.062,3.067,6.814 c0,1.424,0.724,2.679,1.825,3.415c-0.673-0.021-1.305-0.206-1.859-0.513c0,0.017,0,0.034,0,0.052c0,1.988,1.414,3.647,3.292,4.023 c-0.344,0.094-0.707,0.144-1.081,0.144c-0.264,0-0.521-0.026-0.772-0.074c0.522,1.63,2.038,2.816,3.833,2.85 c-1.404,1.1-3.174,1.756-5.096,1.756c-0.331,0-0.658-0.019-0.979-0.057c1.816,1.164,3.973,1.843,6.29,1.843 c7.547,0,11.675-6.252,11.675-11.675c0-0.178-0.004-0.355-0.012-0.531C20.985,7.47,21.68,6.747,22.23,5.924z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-pinterest  wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.co.uk\/skinandmehq\/\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12.289,2C6.617,2,3.606,5.648,3.606,9.622c0,1.846,1.025,4.146,2.666,4.878c0.25,0.111,0.381,0.063,0.439-0.169 c0.044-0.175,0.267-1.029,0.365-1.428c0.032-0.128,0.017-0.237-0.091-0.362C6.445,11.911,6.01,10.75,6.01,9.668 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5.213-0.027 0.105 2.041 0.839 4.12 2.333 5.563 1.491 1.479 3.6 2.156 5.652 2.385v5.369c-1.923-0.063-3.855-0.463-5.6-1.291-0.76-0.344-1.468-0.787-2.161-1.24-0.009 3.896 0.016 7.787-0.025 11.667-0.104 1.864-0.719 3.719-1.803 5.255-1.744 2.557-4.771 4.224-7.88 4.276-1.907 0.109-3.812-0.411-5.437-1.369-2.693-1.588-4.588-4.495-4.864-7.615-0.032-0.667-0.043-1.333-0.016-1.984 0.24-2.537 1.495-4.964 3.443-6.615 2.208-1.923 5.301-2.839 8.197-2.297 0.027 1.975-0.052 3.948-0.052 5.923-1.323-0.428-2.869-0.308-4.025 0.495-0.844 0.547-1.485 1.385-1.819 2.333-0.276 0.676-0.197 1.427-0.181 2.145 0.317 2.188 2.421 4.027 4.667 3.828 1.489-0.016 2.916-0.88 3.692-2.145 0.251-0.443 0.532-0.896 0.547-1.417 0.131-2.385 0.079-4.76 0.095-7.145 0.011-5.375-0.016-10.735 0.025-16.093z\" \/><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">TikTok<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-youtube  wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/SkinandMeHQ\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M21.8,8.001c0,0-0.195-1.378-0.795-1.985c-0.76-0.797-1.613-0.801-2.004-0.847c-2.799-0.202-6.997-0.202-6.997-0.202 h-0.009c0,0-4.198,0-6.997,0.202C4.608,5.216,3.756,5.22,2.995,6.016C2.395,6.623,2.2,8.001,2.2,8.001S2,9.62,2,11.238v1.517 c0,1.618,0.2,3.237,0.2,3.237s0.195,1.378,0.795,1.985c0.761,0.797,1.76,0.771,2.205,0.855c1.6,0.153,6.8,0.201,6.8,0.201 s4.203-0.006,7.001-0.209c0.391-0.047,1.243-0.051,2.004-0.847c0.6-0.607,0.795-1.985,0.795-1.985s0.2-1.618,0.2-3.237v-1.517 C22,9.62,21.8,8.001,21.8,8.001z M9.935,14.594l-0.001-5.62l5.404,2.82L9.935,14.594z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">YouTube<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ingredient Deep Dive: Tretinoin<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Retinol ranks highly as one of the most popular \u2013 and effective \u2013 go-to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/myth-buster-getting-the-best-from-active-ingredients-in-skincare\/\">active ingredients<\/a> to tackle the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/skin-ageing-101\/\">signs of ageing<\/a> that you can find on the shelf. <em>Even more <\/em>effective than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/myth-buster-the-difference-between-retinol-and-retinoids\/\">retinol<\/a> \u2013 but available via your Dermatologist\u2019s prescription only \u2013 is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\">tretinoin<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tretinoin is a prescription-strength topical cream that\u2019s derived from vitamin A. You might have seen it get a shout-out on your social feeds \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a> gets heaps of love from the medical community to skincare experts, influencers to Skin + Me customers who have seen its glow-giving benefits for themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a> 101, we\u2019ll cover off more about this superstar active ingredient and what it can do for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is Tretinoin?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dermatologists namecheck <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a> as the gold standard active ingredient to treat multiple skin concerns from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/the-skin-and-me-guide-to-acne\/\">acne<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/ask-a-dermatologist-what-is-hyperpigmentation\/\">hyperpigmentation<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/skincare-and-the-sun-guide-freckles-sun-spots-spf-and-makeup-know-how\/\">sun damaged cells<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/skin-ageing-101\/\">fine lines and wrinkles<\/a>. It belongs to a family of synthetic and naturally occurring compounds called retinoids that are all derived from vitamin A. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">Tretinoin<\/a> works directly on the retinoic acid receptors found on your skin cells, making it the most powerful retinoid available. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">Tretinoin<\/a> was first used in 1962 and has over 50 years years of scientific evidence resulting from clinical use to support its efficacy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p><em>Dermatologists namecheck tretinoin as the gold standard active ingredient to treat multiple skin concerns from acne to hyperpigmentation, sun damaged cells and fine lines and wrinkles.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is tretinoin used for?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">Tretinoin<\/a> works to accelerate new skin cell growth, speeding up the removal of dead cells and debris that can block pores. It also works to repair sun-damaged cells and boosts the production of collagen; a protein that acts like scaffolding for your skin. It reveals younger skin, at a cellular level \u2013 and while that might sound like magic, it\u2019s proven science!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tretinoin can be used to effectively treat:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>sun damaged cells<\/li><li>acne<\/li><li>making pores appear less visible&nbsp;<\/li><li>fine lines and wrinkles&nbsp;<\/li><li>texture&nbsp;<\/li><li>pigmentation<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>What\u2019s the history of tretinoin?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">Tretinoin<\/a> was the first topical retinoid introduced in 1962 and has been the mainstay of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/the-skin-and-me-guide-to-acne\/\">acne treatment<\/a> for decades (1). Numerous trials have demonstrated <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a> is effective as monotherapy in mild-moderate comedonal or inflammatory acne where it significantly reduces both comedones and inflammatory lesions (1, 2, 3). How long does it take to see results? Initial response to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a> is seen two to three weeks into treatment, but substantial clinical improvement can be seen at four to six weeks and maximum improvement occurs after three to four months (4).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The anti-ageing effects of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a> initially came from observations in the 1980s from post-adolescent women with persistent acne applying topical tretinoin. In addition to treating acne, these women often reported smoother, less wrinkled skin. Since then, many studies have been conducted into <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a> and anti-ageing and randomised trials have confirmed its efficacy in slowing the progression as well as reversing the signs of ageing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tretinoin works in the epidermis stimulating <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/skin-ageing-101\/\">cell renewal<\/a> and enhancing the cell layer, reducing pigmentation and normalising sun-damaged cells. It also works in the dermis to increase <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/skin-ageing-101\/\">collagen<\/a>, elastin and glycosaminoglycans which thickens the dermal layer and makes the skin appear plump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to apply tretinoin cream<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Remove makeup or SPF with a gentle cleanser<\/li><li>Add a second, gentle cleanse to clean the skin<\/li><li>Pat dry with a towel to avoid irritation<\/li><li>Ensure skin is completely dry<\/li><li>Apply <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a> all over the face<\/li><li>Wait ten minutes&nbsp;<\/li><li>Apply <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/skin-and-me-cleansers-and-moisturisers-with-dermatologist-and-head-of-medical-dr-jason-thomson\/\">moisturiser<\/a> \u2013 and relax&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>Top three tretinoin tips from a Dermatologist&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Skin + Me\u2019s Head of Medical, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/meet-the-team\">Dr Jason Thomson<\/a>, reveals his top <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a> tips to get the most from the all-around game-changing active ingredient.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-transform:uppercase\"><strong>Tip 1&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cTretinoin can be used in place of an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/ask-a-dermatologist-do-i-really-need-a-separate-eye-cream\/\">eye cream<\/a> if used carefully. Buffer your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a> by applying a thin layer of moisturiser immediately before application serves to effectively dilute the concentration and make it less potent and more tolerated for the eye area.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-transform:uppercase\"><strong>Tip 2<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIf irritation or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/mythbuster-purging-explained\/\">purging<\/a> occurs after use, you should add a layer of moisturiser to your skin as a buffer before your topical <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a> cream.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-transform:uppercase\"><strong>Tip 3<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cTretinoin can make your skin more <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/can-i-use-tretinoin-on-sensitive-skin\/\">sensitive<\/a> to sunlight, especially during the first three to six months of using it. It\u2019s essential to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen every day (SPF 50) and try to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure while you\u2019re using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a>, especially during peak sunlight hours and cover up with protective clothing to shield your skin from UV-related damage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>How long does a Tretinoin prescription take to work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When using a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a> prescription, a difference in your skin is often visible from three weeks onwards. In other cases, it can take up to 12 weeks for some people to see visible results with significant improvement after six months. Ongoing use as maintenance is important to continue seeing the benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is long-term use of Tretinoin safe?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Studies, where people have used <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a> regularly for between one and four years, have shown that clinical improvements (as well as improvements seen under a microscope from biopsies) are seen over long periods and these benefits increase over time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These studies make clear that consistent use for at least six months is needed to see the best results and they also indicate that long-term use of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a> is safe, with no untoward effects.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>Are there side effects from using a Tretinoin prescription?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tretinoin is a powerful active ingredient and skin often needs to build a tolerance to it over time. Adding it to your routine at a lower concentration (known as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/ask-a-dermatologist-what-is-microdosing\/\">microdosing<\/a>) and gradually increasing over time as your skin evolves is the most effective way to see results with the lowest chance of side effects. If you have a history of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/can-i-use-tretinoin-on-sensitive-skin\/\">sensitive skin<\/a> you may also benefit from lower initial concentrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Temporary <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/managing-prescription-skincare-side-effects\/\">side effects<\/a> can include dry skin, redness, irritation and mild peeling \u2013 which usually occur in the first few weeks of treatment, while your skin adjusts to the ingredient\u2019s powerful properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s also a chance of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/mythbuster-purging-explained\/\">tretinoin purging<\/a> too, which is where the increase in cell turnover can cause breakouts. This can appear as a few more blackheads, whiteheads or bigger, red spots that can take a few weeks to clear up again. While it can feel as though the treatment is making your skin worse, purging is actually a normal process in clearing your skin \u2013 a bit like a spring clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>What should you know before using Tretinoin cream?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Certain underlying skin conditions, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/rosacea-awareness-month-five-things-to-know-about-rosacea\/\">rosacea<\/a> and eczema, can cause sensitivity and you\u2019ll need to be more careful introducing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a> if you suffer from these. Rosacea is a common cause of skin sensitivity whereby the skin often feels dry and reacts easily. It can often lead to redness and breakouts and can be mistaken for acne. Using tretinoin when you have rosacea is not always going to lead to problems (and in fact, it can be helpful in certain situations), but the inflammation in rosacea needs to be controlled first before any tretinoin is applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important to remember that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a> is a prescription-only active ingredient, and the first thing that needs to be considered is whether it\u2019s appropriate for your skin.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s also worth noting that prescription retinoids and over-the-counter retinoids can\u2019t be used in pregnancy. If you\u2019re using a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a> treatment and planning to become <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/a-dermatologists-guide-to-pregnancy-safe-skincare\/\">pregnant<\/a>, contact your prescriber to discuss alternative treatments for this period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Skin irritation is a common expected side effect of retinoids particularly during the first month of use. When starting off your retinoid journey we advise avoiding any other active skincare ingredients in particular exfoliants such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/skincare-and-acids-guide-ahas-bhas-and-your-routine\/\">AHA and BHAs<\/a> and harsh cleansers or toners to minimise the risk of irritation. These products can later be introduced once retinoids are tolerated to maximise the benefit of both active ingredients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>Tretinoin vs retinol, what\u2019s the difference?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve explored the difference between <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/myth-buster-the-difference-between-retinol-and-retinoids\/\">retinol and retinoids<\/a>, but to summarise, retinol and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a> (as well as others such as retinaldehyde and retinyl palmitate) are types of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/myth-buster-the-difference-between-retinol-and-retinoids\/\">retinoids<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a bit science-heavy, but weaker retinoids like retinol need to be converted (by skin enzymes) to retinoic acid which activates retinoid receptors found on skin cells. The conversion of retinol to retinoic acid is slow and varies between individuals. Tretinoin is already retinoic acid and so works directly on the skin\u2019s receptors.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the reason over-the-counter retinoids are less effective than a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a> prescription, and why it can take you longer to see results using shop-bought creams.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>References<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>1. Thielitz A, Abdel\u2010Naser MB, Fluhr JW, Zouboulis CC, Gollnick H. Topical retinoids in acne\u2013an evidence\u2010based overview. JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft. 2008;6(12):1023-31.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2 Krautheim A, Gollnick HPM. Acne: topical treatment. Clinics in dermatology. 2004;22(5):398-407.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3. Krishnan G. Comparison of two concentrations of tretinoin solution in the topical treatment of acne vulgaris. The Practitioner. 1976;216(1291):106-9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>4. Webster GF. Topical tretinoin in acne therapy. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 1998;39(2):S38-S44.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Medical facts checked by Head of Medical, <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/meet-the-team\"><strong>Dr Jason Thomson<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-the-dose wp-block-embed-the-dose\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"eH8uk1TYMj\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/ask-a-dermatologist-mixing-active-ingredients-with-tretinoin\/\">Ask A Dermatologist: Mixing Active Ingredients with Tretinoin<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Ask A Dermatologist: Mixing Active Ingredients with Tretinoin&#8221; &#8212; The Dose\" src=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/ask-a-dermatologist-mixing-active-ingredients-with-tretinoin\/embed\/#?secret=qc870kbV1Q#?secret=eH8uk1TYMj\" data-secret=\"eH8uk1TYMj\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-the-dose wp-block-embed-the-dose\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"EDBaCLafIF\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/can-i-use-tretinoin-on-sensitive-skin\/\">Ask A Dermatologist: Using Tretinoin on Sensitive Skin<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Ask A Dermatologist: Using Tretinoin on Sensitive Skin&#8221; &#8212; The Dose\" src=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/can-i-use-tretinoin-on-sensitive-skin\/embed\/#?secret=oOmRqnGaw6#?secret=EDBaCLafIF\" data-secret=\"EDBaCLafIF\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f0f6fb\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#edf5f8\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f0f6fb\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>New to Skin + Me? <\/strong>Get your first month of personalised skincare for \u00a34.99 with promo code DOSE \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/consultation\/sign-up\/create-account\">complete our quick consultation here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Looking for a routine refresh? <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/login?back=%2Faccount-summary%2Fmanage-upcoming-orders\">Add the Dream Routine to your Skin + Me subscription<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In need of a restock? <\/strong>Head to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/shop\">The Skincare Shop<\/a> for one-off purchases of your Routine Essentials.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>One active ingredient to rule them all? Step forward tretinoin. The Dermatologist\u2019s choice when to tackle acne, signs of ageing and more. Read all about this super retinoid here.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":179265348,"featured_media":3568,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1942,2196,1],"tags":[1374,1424,1615,1411,1631,1568,2137,1679,1498,1425,1389,1362,1861,1423,2139,1613],"class_list":["post-3530","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","category-ingredients","category-latest-articles","tag-acne","tag-active-ingredients","tag-anti-ageing","tag-dermatologist","tag-healthy-skin","tag-hyperpigmentation","tag-prescription-ingredients","tag-retinoids","tag-retinol","tag-sensitive-skin","tag-skin-and-me","tag-skincare","tag-sun-damage","tag-tretinoin","tag-tretinoin-purging","tag-vitamin-a"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3530","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/179265348"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3530"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3530\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4000,"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3530\/revisions\/4000"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3568"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3530"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3530"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3530"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}