Tretinoin
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Reviewed on Jul 23, 2023. by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer Next review due on July 24, 2026.
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell

Last updated on Jul 23, 2023.

Product info

  • Tretinoin is a topical cream or capsule treatment that can be used to manage the appearance of the skin, often when areas have become darker or thicker. It’s prescribed off-label for conditions like hyperpigmentation and acanthosis nigricans.

  • Start a consultation and our clinicians will help you find suitable skin treatments. Order Tretinoin online and get fast, reliable deliveries.

Tretinoin Tretinoin

What is Tretinoin?

Tretinoin is a capsule or topical cream that can be used to lighten the appearance of skin. It’s applied directly to areas that need treating. Although it’s typically used to treat acne, it can also be prescribed off-label for conditions like acanthosis nigricans and hyperpigmentation.

It contains a retinoid (called tretinoin), a compound derived from vitamin A. Retinoids have several jobs in the human body, involving immunity and cell growth. Tretinoin uses a type of retinoid called retinoic acid, sometimes called all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). This acid has anti-inflammatory properties, which can improve skin pigmentation.[1]

How does Tretinoin work?

Retinoids share structural similarities with vitamin A. Sometimes called retinol, vitamin A is essential for lots of bodily functions. It helps your immune system fight off infection and illness, it helps you to see in dim light, and it maintains the mucous membranes in your nose and mouth.[2] It’s also needed for healthy skin.

Tretinoin has been used as an acne treatment since the 1970s. It was the first retinoid, sold as a branded medication called Retin-A. After being researched further, it was found to even pigmentation, speed up the turnover of new skin cells, and help actinic keratosis spots (rough, scaly skin) fade.[3]

While increasing collagen production, retinoids also help create new blood vessels, which can even out discoloured skin.

What doses of Tretinoin are there?

Tretinoin is available as 10mg capsules or a cream, which you can get in strengths of 0.015%, 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1%. Your clinician will tell you which dose and form of Tretinoin they think you should use.

The cream can be applied once a day, before you go to bed, to any areas of skin that you want to treat. If your skin is sensitive, you might be told to use the cream every other day so it doesn’t cause too much irritation.

Treated trusted sources:

  1. Callender, Valerie D., et al. “Effects of Topical Retinoids on Acne and Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Patients with Skin of Color: A Clinical Review and Implications for Practice.” American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 9 Nov. 2021.
  2. NHS Choices. “Vitamin a – Vitamins and Minerals.” NHS, 3 Aug. 2020.
  3. Publishing, Harvard Health. “Do Retinoids Really Reduce Wrinkles?” Harvard Health, 3 Mar. 2022.
treated.com This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell 1218322
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on July 24, 2023. Next review due on July 24, 2026.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Tretinoin Tretinoin

How to use Tretinoin

Tretinoin cream is usually applied daily, in the evening before you go to bed. You might be advised to use it more or less often, depending on your symptoms. Before you use the cream, you should clean your skin with a mild soap. It’s important to make sure your skin is completely dry before you apply the cream, so it’s advised you wait for around half an hour after you’ve dried the areas you want to treat.

Squeeze a small amount of the cream (about half an inch) onto your fingertip, and then gently smooth it into your skin. There should be no cream visible on the area you’re applying it to, so you only need to cover the affected patches of skin lightly.

If you’re using Tretinoin capsules, swallow them whole with a glass of water. The capsules should be taken with a meal, or just after you’ve eaten. Avoid chewing the capsules, as it will prevent the medication from working properly.

How long does Tretinoin take to work?

Because Tretinoin is usually prescribed for acne, it’s hard to say how long it will be before you see improvements in the appearance of your skin. Retinoids can improve skin pigmentation [1] , but the length of time they take to work can differ from person-to-person. You can talk to a clinician about the results you want to achieve before you start using Tretinoin.

For acne, signs of improvement can sometimes be seen after two or three weeks of daily Tretinoin use, but it might be much longer (over six weeks) before significant changes to your skin can be seen.

What should I do if I make a mistake while using Tretinoin?

Using more Tretinoin than you need, or swallowing the medication, can lead to vitamin A toxicity. This can cause skin irritation, erythema (redness), and peeling.[2]

You should always use retinoids as they’ve been prescribed. Using excessive amounts of the cream won’t speed up the effects of Tretinoin.

If you feel like the cream is causing unwanted side effects, stop using it and let us know. It could be that you need to change the amount you’re using or switch to an alternative skin cream.

Treated trusted sources:

  1. Callender, Valerie D., et al. “Effects of Topical Retinoids on Acne and Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Patients with Skin of Color: A Clinical Review and Implications for Practice.” American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 9 Nov. 2021.
  2. Olson, Jazmine M., et al. “Vitamin a Toxicity.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 2023.
treated.com This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell 1218322
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on July 24, 2023. Next review due on July 24, 2026.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Tretinoin Tretinoin

Tretinoin isn’t suitable for everyone, and there are some things that you need to be aware of when taking it.

Here’s all the official info on it. If anything is unclear, let our clinician know, and they can talk with you about it.

Tretinoin Tretinoin

FAQ: Tretinoin

Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

Why should I buy Tretinoin online with Treated?

Answer:
We take every condition seriously and understand the importance of getting the treatment you need when you need it. Answering a few questions about your health, and we’ll find safe, reliable options we think can help you.

With deliveries directly to your door, we can get your medication to you as quickly as the next working day. You can ask questions and get expert clinical advice from your mobile or laptop, at any time of the day. However you want to get healthcare, we’ve made it easy.

Once you’ve started a treatment, we’ll check in with you regularly to make sure you’re happy with it.

Do I need a prescription for Tretinoin?

Answer:
You’ll need a prescription to start using Tretinoin. Using a medication off-label means it’s being used in a way that’s different to the purpose it’s licensed for. Careful guidelines need to be adhered to when medications are dispensed this way. It ensures the treatment is safe, and that all the possible benefits and harms have been considered before you start using it.[1]

Will Tretinoin cause side effects?

Answer:
It might take some time before you start to see the full effects of Tretinoin. For acne, it’s recommended you use the cream for around 6-12 weeks. A clinician can advise you about how long to use Tretinoin for hyperpigmentation or acanthosis nigricans.

During a course of treatment, it’s common for people to get some side effects such as peeling, or blushing, as they adapt to using the cream regularly. Not everyone is affected, which means there’s no guarantee you’ll react this way to using Tretinoin.

If you develop any side effects that are bothering you persistently, let a clinician know. If Tretinoin causes you severe irritation, or your reaction to the cream seems allergic (for example it causes your skin to swell or gives you hives) seek immediate medical attention.

Is Tretinoin similar to any other treatments?

Answer:
Topical retinoids are used to treat acne symptoms and are often used as anti-ageing creams. Tretinoin is a generic medication, but it’s also available as brands like Retin-A, Obagi and Acretin.

Other retinoids, like Differin (containing adapalene) and Tazorac (tazarotene), are also used to manage acne and other skin conditions such as psoriasis. Like Tretinoin, they’re both derived from vitamin A.

Antibacterial creams like Skinoren and CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream contain acids (Skinoren contains azelaic acid and CeraVe contains salicylic acid) and are sometimes prescribed off-label to help improve darkened patches of skin. There are lots of skincare treatments available, so finding one that suits you might take a bit of trial and error.

Can Tretinoin cure skin pigmentation disorders?

Answer:
Topical retinoids can improve the appearance of unwanted skin discolouration caused by hyperpigmentation and acanthosis nigricans. While there are a wide range of dermatological conditions (those that affect the skin) that are manageable, changes to skin, such as patches that are darker or rougher, can sometimes require time and patience. The severity of symptoms can vary person-to-person, which means there’s no guarantee your dark patches will fade, or completely return to normal.

How effective is Tretinoin?

Answer:
Acne is often a cause of hyperpigmentation. Retinoids have been shown to be effective at treating acne, and are known to improve hyperpigmentation.[2]

Topical retinoids have also been studied as a treatment for acanthosis nigricans. In one study of 30 patients, 0.05% tretinoin was used for two weeks. All patients showed improvements after 14 days. After 16 weeks, acanthosis nigricans had fully cleared for 24 (80%) of those involved in the study.[3]

Treated trusted sources:

  1. https://www.facebook.com/NationalInstituteforHealthandCareExcellence. “Information for the Public on Medicines | Making Decisions about Your Care | NICE and the Public | NICE Communities | about | NICE.” NICE, NICE, 2021
  2. Callender, Valerie D., et al. “Effects of Topical Retinoids on Acne and Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Patients with Skin of Color: A Clinical Review and Implications for Practice.” American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 9 Nov. 2021.
  3. Patel, Nupur Uma, et al. “Current Treatment Options for Acanthosis Nigricans.” Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, vol. Volume 11, Aug. 2018, pp. 407–413

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