About Tretinoin Cream
Tretinoin cream belongs to a class of medications called retinoids. It is a topical Vitamin A and is a prescription drug used for the treatment of acne, whiteheads, or pimples. It also reduces the appearance of wrinkles and rough skin caused by sunburn. It is important to protect the Tretinoin-treated skin from sunlight.
Brand name: Retin-A, Atralin, Altreno
Manufacturer: Bausch Health Companies Inc
Drug class: Retinoids
Product form: Cream
Consult a dermatologist for acne and hyperpigmentation treatment.
What is the Price of Tretinoin Cream in Pakistan?
Tretinoin cream price in Pakistan ranges between 90-100 PKR. The price varies depending on the brands and the manufacturers.
What are the Uses of Tretinoin Cream?
Tretinoin cream uses include;
- Acne: Tretinoin cream is used for the treatment of mild to severe acne. It also reduces the inflammation associated with acne. Tretinoin also prevents acne by reducing the clogging of the pores
- Hyperpigmentation: Tretinoin cream cause skin lightening by replacing the old skin with new skin. It also slows down the process by which old damaged skin is replaced by new one. It evens out the pigmented skin tone
- Fine lines: Tretinoin cream reduce the fine lines and wrinkles caused by sun rays damage and aging. It also prevents collagen destruction caused by sun damage as this can lead to premature aging
- Skin lightening: Retinoids like Tretinoin cream improve skin complexion by stimulating the production of new blood vessels. Improved blood flow improves the skin’s appearance. It also improves the appearance of photo-aged skin
- Skin smoothing: Tretinoin improves the skin texture and locks the moisture in the skin. It can be used with alpha hydroxy acids to provide additional skin-smoothing effects.
How to use Tretinoin Cream?
- Follow the prescribed dose of Tretinoin cream for your skin condition
- Apply the topical Tretinoin cream on the affected skin areas, then rub it gently and thoroughly
- Apply a moisturizer before using Tretinoin cream as it can cause severely dry skin and irritation
- Use sunscreen after using retinoid creams as they cause photosensitivity
- Avoid direct sun exposure for Tretinoin treated skin
- Use the cream continuously till prescribed to get optimum therapeutic benefits
Also read: Best acne creams in Pakistan
What is Tretinoin Cream Dosage?
The recommended Tretinoin cream dose is;
Adults and Pediatric doses for Acne
- At night-time, apply a thin layer of this cream to the entire affected area of your skin.
Adult Dose for changes due to Sun Exposure (Dermatoheliosis)
- Every day at bedtime, apply a pea-sized amount to the affected area of your skin.
It is advised to consult a skin specialist to get a Tretinoin cream dose according to your specific skin condition.
What are the Side Effects of Tretinoin Cream?
Major side effects of Tretinoin cream include;
- Skin Irritation
- Skin dryness
- Skin Redness
- Burning sensations
- Photosensitivity
- Skin Peeling
Severe side effects of Tretinoin include;
- Dizziness
- Breathing difficulties
- Allergic reactions
If any of these side effects get worse, inform your doctor immediately as they may need to discontinue or reduce the Tretinoin dose.
What are the precautions and warning for Tretinoin Cream?
- Inform your doctor if you have sensitivity to Vitamin A or any other products
- Inform your doctor about all the skin conditions that you have especially eczema
- If you have an allergy to any ingredient present in tretinoin creams like stearic acid, or isopropyl myristate, you should avoid using this.
- Without consulting a doctor, avoid using this medication for a child younger than 2 years
- Do not use the medication Tretinoin has caused severe skin irritation or allergy
- Avoid using the cream if you have prior sensitivity to sunlight or sunburn
- Use Tretinoin according to the prescribed dosing schedule and avoid direct exposure to sunlight after using Tretinoin cream
- Avoid waxing, laser, or other skin treatments while using Tretinoin
How to store Tretinoin Cream?
The following are some details regarding the storage of tretinoin cream;
- Store in a cool dry place
- Keep out of reach of children
- Keep it away from sunlight and moisture
- Do not store expired medications
Can you use Tretinoin cream during pregnancy?
Tretinoin cream is placed in pregnancy class C which shows birth defects in animal models but no sufficient clinical data is available showing the adverse effects of Tretinoin in pregnant humans. Use Tretinoin cream during pregnancy upon the doctor’s recommendation only.
There is no sufficient data indicating the secretion of Tretinoin cream in breast milk. Use the cream in lactating women only on prescription.
Does Tretinoin Cream interact with other drugs?
Tretinoin can have possible drug interactions with the following:
- Aminolevulinic acid
- Benzoyl peroxide topical
- Clascoterone topical
- Isotretinoin
- Methoxsalen
- Methyl aminolevulinate topical
- Porfimer
What is Tretinoin Cream Alternatives?
Here is the list of drugs that can be used in place of tretinoin cream for the treatment of acne;
- Benzoyl peroxide topical
- Tazarotene topical
- Salicylic acid topical
- Azelaic acid topical
- Clindamycin topical
FAQs
1- Is Tretinoin cream good for the skin?
Retinoic acid containing Tretinoin cream prevents and treats wrinkles and acne. It also helps in the treatment and prevention of signs of aging. Tretinoin gives skin a more youthful appearance by increasing collagen formation.
2- Can you put tretinoin on your face every day?
Use Tretinoin cream as prescribed. Generally, Tretinoin cream is applied to the skin every day and then reduced to once every night application.
3- How long should you leave Tretinoin on your face?
After using tretinoin, you should wait for at least one hour before washing the skin. You should avoid using any other topical medication or sunlight exposure when treated the skin with Tretinoin cream.
Disclaimer: The content published on Marham.pk is for informational or educational purposes only, produced from FDA-approved literature, and does not substitute professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before using a prescription or over-the-counter drug, or any other treatment option.