• Skin Care
• Acne

Tretinoin Cream: Skin Benefits, How to Use, and Side Effects

Published: March 25, 2025
Updated: March 25, 2025
4 mins

Tretinoin is one of those skincare ingredients that dermatologists swear by – and for good reason. It’s a prescription-strength retinoid that’s been around for decades, originally developed for acne but later recognized for its powerful anti-aging benefits.

Tretinoin is incredibly effective for treating acne, smoothing fine lines, and improving overall skin texture. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn breakouts, early signs of aging, or just want a more even complexion, tretinoin is often a go-to solution.

What is Tretinoin?

Tretinoin is a type of retinoid, which means it’s a derivative of vitamin A. If you’ve ever heard of retinol you may be wondering what exactly the difference is. The short answer is that tretinoin is stronger and works faster. While both tretinoin and retinol are part of the retinoid family, tretinoin is prescription-strength and gets straight to work as soon as it's applied. Retinol, on the other hand, needs to go through a conversion process in the skin before it becomes active, making it gentler but also slower to show results. 

A common misconception is that tretinoin is a steroid. While topical steroids can help with skin related conditions like eczema or psoriasis, they don’t work the same way as tretinoin. Tretinoin, on the other hand, promotes collagen production, improves skin texture, and helps with acne by preventing clogged pores. While it can cause some irritation initially, it doesn’t have the same long-term side effects associated with steroid use, such as skin thinning or dependency.

How Does Tretinoin Work?

Tretinoin works by speeding up your skin’s natural renewal process. This means that old, damaged skin cells shed more quickly, making room for fresh, healthy ones. In doing so, tretinoin does a few key things including:

• Fighting acne: By keeping pores clear and preventing dead skin and oil buildup, tretinoin helps stop breakouts before they start

• Smoothing fine lines: By boosting collagen production, tretinoin helps improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles over time.

• Fading hyperpigmentation: By encouraging the turnover of pigmented cells, tretinoin evens out skin tone. This makes it great for dark spots, melasma, and acne scars.

Because of its ability to improve both acne and signs of aging, tretinoin is often considered a gold-standard skincare treatment. Be sure to remember that it does take time for results to show and your skin may need to adjust before you see the full benefits. 

Tretinoin Cream vs. Tretinoin Gel

Tretinoin comes in two main formulations: cream and gel. While they both contain the same active ingredient, their textures and how they absorb into the skin can make a difference in how they feel and work for different skin types.

Tretinoin cream is thicker and more hydrating. This typically makes it less irritating since it contains moisturizing ingredients. It absorbs more slowly, making it a good option for dry or sensitive skin.

Tretinoin gel is lighter and absorbs faster. It tends to be stronger since it penetrates the skin more easily. It’s often recommended for oil or acne-prone skin but can be more drying.

Ultimately, both versions work the same in the long run – it just depends on what feels best for your skin!

How to Use Tretinoin Properly

Tretinoin is powerful but to get the best results (without excessive irritation), it’s important to use it the right way. Here are some tips to help maximize the benefits of tretinoin:

1. Start slow: If you’re new to tretinoin, begin by applying it just two to three nights a week and gradually increase to nightly use as your skin adjusts

2. Use a pea-sized amount: A little goes a long way. Applying more won't make it work faster – it’ll just increase irritation.

3. Apply to dry skin: Wait at least 15-20 minutes after washing your face before applying tretinoin. This helps reduce irritation.

4. Moisturize well: Tretinoin can be drying, so follow up with a good moisturizer to keep your skin barrier healthy. 

5. Always wear sunscreen: Your skin becomes more sensitive to the sun while using tretinoin, so daily SPF is a must to prevent damage.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Don’t apply too much: Using more won’t speed up results – it’ll just lead to more redness and peeling.

• Always wear moisturizer: Even oily skin types need hydration to counteract tretinoin’s drying effects.

• Avoid combining with harsh products: Avoid using exfoliating acids (like glycolic or salicylic acid) or benzoyl peroxide at the same time as tretinoin to prevent irritation.

• Practice patience: Tretinoin takes time! It usually takes six to 12 to see noticeable improvements, and sometimes skin may get worse before it gets better (known as “the purge”).

With consistency and patience, tretinoin can transform your skin – but easing into it is key.

Tretinoin Side Effects and What to Expect

It’s normal to experience some side effects with tretinoin – especially when you first start using it. Some of the most common potential side effects of tretinoin include:

• Dryness and peeling

• Redness and sensitivity

• A “purge” phase

Side effects are temporary, and with consistent use, most people find their skin adjusts within a few months. The key is to be patient and support your skin barrier while it adapts!

How Long Does Tretinoin Take to Work?

Tretinoin is effective, but it’s not an overnight fix. The timeline for results depends on what you’re using it for.

Acne treatment timeline

If you’re using tretinoin for acne, you might see:

• Weeks one to four: Skin adjustment phase; dryness, peeling, and possible purging

• Weeks six to eight: Breakouts may start to clear, and skin texture improves

• Weeks 12+: Significant reduction in acne, fewer breakouts, and smoother skin

Anti-aging and hyperpigmentation timeline

Tretinoin works gradually to boost collagen and fade dark spots, so expect:

• Three to six months: Visible improvement in fine lines, skin tone, and texture.

• Six to 12 months: More noticeable firmness, reduced wrinkles, and a brighter complexion.

While tretinoin takes time, the long-term benefits for acne, wrinkles, and overall skin health make it worth the wait.

How to Get Tretinoin

Tretinoin is a prescription-only medication, meaning you can’t just grab it off the shelf at your local drugstore. Here’s how to access it:

Prescription tretinoin: The most common way to get tretinoin is through a prescription from a healthcare provider, such as a dermatologist. Prescription tretinoin is usually stronger and more effective, making it ideal for treating acne, signs of aging, and pigmentation issues.

Over-the-counter alternatives: While tretinoin itself isn’t available over the counter, you can find milder retinol products in many drugstores. Retinol is a less potent, over-the-counter version of vitamin A, and while it doesn’t work as quickly as tretinoin, it can still offer skin benefits with fewer side effects.

Does Tretinoin Expire?

Yes, tretinoin does expire. Like most medications, it comes with an expiration date, typically two to three years from the manufacturing date.

What happens if you use expired tretinoin?

Over time, tretinoin can break down and become less potent, meaning it won’t work as well for acne or anti-aging. While not always harmful, expired tretinoin may cause increased dryness or irritation due to changes in its formulation.

How to store tretinoin for maximum shelf life

• Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.

• Avoid storing it in humid areas like the bathroom, as moisture can degrade the formula.

• If you’re unsure whether your tretinoin is still good, check for changes in texture, color, or smell – these may be signs that it’s time to replace it.

For the best results, it’s always a good idea to use tretinoin within its recommended shelf life!

Where Can I Learn More About Skincare?

If you’re concerned about your acne or want to know more about anti-aging strategies, LifeMD is here to help.

LifeMD can connect you with a healthcare professional who can provide information about skin care and guidance on choosing the right products for your skin throughout the year.

Make an online appointment to learn how to maximize your skincare routine.

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