A topical retinoid for acne
Tretinoin
A topical retinoid (a form of vitamin A) applied to the skin to treat acne.
What is Tretinoin?
Tretinoin is a topical retinoid, a form of vitamin A, applied to the skin to treat acne. It works by speeding up skin renewal and helping to unblock pores, which reduces spots over time. It commonly causes dryness, peeling and irritation, makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight, and must not be used in pregnancy.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Tretinoin — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Tretinoin is a retinoid, meaning it is related to vitamin A, and is applied as a cream or gel to treat acne. It helps the skin shed and renew its cells more effectively, which clears blocked pores (blackheads and whiteheads) and reduces inflamed spots. It is applied directly to the skin and is one of the established topical treatments for acne.
How it works
Tretinoin acts on skin cells to speed up their natural turnover, so the surface layer renews more quickly. This helps to clear and prevent the blocked pores that lead to blackheads, whiteheads and spots, and it reduces the inflammation involved in acne. Because it changes how the skin behaves, it often causes dryness, peeling and irritation at first while the skin adjusts.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: A vitamin A derivative; topical forms have been marketed by several companies..
Tretinoin is a form of vitamin A (a retinoid) used on the skin for acne. It has been used as a topical acne treatment for several decades and works by helping the skin renew itself and unblock pores.
What it treats
Conditions Tretinoin is used for
Practical use
How to take Tretinoin
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Apply it thinly at night to clean, dry skin, as directed.
- Wait for the skin to be fully dry before applying, and wash your hands afterwards.
- Expect dryness, peeling and irritation, and possibly an early flare, as your skin adjusts.
- Protect your skin from the sun and use sunscreen, as it makes skin more sensitive to sunlight.
- Keep using it as directed — results take several weeks, so do not give up too soon.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Tretinoin
Advantages
- It is an effective, established treatment for acne, especially blackheads and whiteheads.
- It treats the blocked pores that cause acne, not just existing spots.
- Applied directly to the skin, it acts where it is needed.
Disadvantages
- It commonly causes dryness, peeling and irritation, especially when starting.
- Acne can seem to flare early before it improves, and results take several weeks.
- It must not be used in pregnancy, and it makes the skin much more sensitive to sunlight.
Practical use
Good to know
Tretinoin is applied thinly at night to clean, dry skin, as directed. It is normal to get dryness, peeling and irritation, especially early on, and acne can sometimes seem to flare before it improves — this often settles as the skin gets used to it. It makes the skin much more sensitive to sunlight, so you should protect your skin and use sunscreen. Importantly, it must not be used in pregnancy. Results take several weeks, so it is important to keep using it and be patient.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- Women who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding, unless specifically advised by a specialist.
- Anyone who has had an allergic reaction to tretinoin or similar retinoids.
- People with eczema or very sensitive or broken skin should be cautious and seek advice.
Monitoring
- No blood tests are needed, but your skin's response is reviewed over the first weeks.
- If irritation is severe, your prescriber may adjust how often you apply it.
Side effects
- Dryness, peeling, redness and irritation where it is applied.
- A stinging or burning feeling, especially early in treatment.
- Increased sensitivity to sunlight and a possible early flare of acne.
Key interactions
- Other irritating skin products, such as harsh scrubs or some acne washes, can increase irritation.
- Products containing benzoyl peroxide may be advised to use at a different time of day.
- Tell your pharmacist about other skin treatments you are using.
Available as: cream and gel
Answers
Tretinoin: frequently asked questions
What is tretinoin used for?
It is a topical retinoid, a form of vitamin A, applied to the skin to treat acne. It helps clear blocked pores and reduces spots over time.
How should I apply it?
Apply it thinly at night to clean, dry skin, as directed, and wash your hands afterwards. Make sure your skin is dry before applying.
Why is my skin dry and peeling?
Dryness, peeling and irritation are common, especially early in treatment, as your skin adjusts. Acne can also seem to flare before it improves; this often settles with time.
Can I use it in pregnancy?
No. Tretinoin must not be used in pregnancy. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding, tell your prescriber so a different treatment can be considered.
How long until I see results?
Results take several weeks, so it is important to keep using it as directed and be patient. You should also protect your skin from the sun and use sunscreen.
The wider class
About Topical retinoids
Tretinoin belongs to the topical retinoids class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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