Tretinoin, retinol’s big and more powerful sister, is continuing to have a moment, with #tretinoin boasting billions of views on TikTok! So, what exactly is tretinoin and how do you use it? Cosmetic Doctor, Founder of BLANC Skin and Co-Founder of The Secret Skincare, Dr Clara Hurst, explains.
What is Tretinoin?
Not a new one in the realm of skincare, however, it is becoming increasingly popular as the world clues into prescription skincare. Tretinoin has been used amongst dermatologist circles for years to treat a variety of both medical and aesthetic skin conditions such as acne, melasma and ageing skin. Essentially, tretinoin works to communicate with our skin cells to encourage healthier, younger cells to make their way to the surface, subsequently ridding the skin of older, damaged skin cells for a smooth, even-toned complexion. It will also help to stimulate collagen and elastin production for firmness and eventually reduce redness and inflammation by producing healthier skin cells.
How do you use Tretinoin?
Tretinoin is only available with a prescription from a doctor. Why? The answer lies in its strength. While tretinoin is more effective and works significantly faster than over the counter retinols and vitamin As, its strength also means you need to take care when using it. Methods for using tretinoin will vary from patient to patient, however our best tip for usage would be to start slow, so that you can build a tolerance to the ingredient. A pea-sized amount of your tretinoin cream is all that’s needed and should only be applied to clean, dry skin, not layered with any other products. As nightly use of your retinoid can induce an initial drying period to the skin you want to make sure you are supporting this process during the day. Using hydrating serums, moisturisers and non-stripping cleansers will help immensely. Diligently using SPF 50+ every day is a must too.
The initial stages of using tretinoin is formally known as “retinisation”, this adjusting phase may include redness and flaking, dryness, purging and deeper pigmentation surfacing, but this should only be temporary as skin becomes healthier and builds resilience.
What is medical grade skincare?
Medical grade or prescription skincare is backed by extensive clinical research with scientifically proven benefits and the products/ingredients are formulated to reach the deepest layers of your skin. Due to the nature of the ingredients used and the concerns that medical grade skincare tackles, you’re also able to have completely customised products that are developed to help treat your specific concerns based on your skin and history with skincare products. However, with this level of customisation and formulation comes a higher price than what you might be used to paying for over-the-counter solutions. The Secret Skincare offers an accessible solution, allowing patients to take an online skin quiz and medical questionnaire before receiving a doctor’s recommendation and customised skincare solutions tailored to one’s needs.
Tretinoin is used in The Secret’s Cellular Repair Night Cream, a key product designed to enhance skin’s natural glow using prescription-strength ingredients. It focuses on creating healthy skin cells for a smoother, even-toned complexion. The cream features this powerful retinoid that promotes rapid cell turnover, replacing damaged skin cells with healthier ones while regulating melanin production to even out skin tone.
Tretinoin, retinol’s big and more powerful sister, is continuing to have a moment, with #tretinoin boasting billions of views on TikTok! So, what exactly is tretinoin and how do you use it? Cosmetic Doctor, Founder of BLANC Skin and Co-Founder of The Secret Skincare, Dr Clara Hurst, explains.
What is Tretinoin?
Not a new one in the realm of skincare, however, it is becoming increasingly popular as the world clues into prescription skincare. Tretinoin has been used amongst dermatologist circles for years to treat a variety of both medical and aesthetic skin conditions such as acne, melasma and ageing skin. Essentially, tretinoin works to communicate with our skin cells to encourage healthier, younger cells to make their way to the surface, subsequently ridding the skin of older, damaged skin cells for a smooth, even-toned complexion. It will also help to stimulate collagen and elastin production for firmness and eventually reduce redness and inflammation by producing healthier skin cells.
How do you use Tretinoin?
Tretinoin is only available with a prescription from a doctor. Why? The answer lies in its strength. While tretinoin is more effective and works significantly faster than over the counter retinols and vitamin As, its strength also means you need to take care when using it. Methods for using tretinoin will vary from patient to patient, however our best tip for usage would be to start slow, so that you can build a tolerance to the ingredient. A pea-sized amount of your tretinoin cream is all that’s needed and should only be applied to clean, dry skin, not layered with any other products. As nightly use of your retinoid can induce an initial drying period to the skin you want to make sure you are supporting this process during the day. Using hydrating serums, moisturisers and non-stripping cleansers will help immensely. Diligently using SPF 50+ every day is a must too.
The initial stages of using tretinoin is formally known as “retinisation”, this adjusting phase may include redness and flaking, dryness, purging and deeper pigmentation surfacing, but this should only be temporary as skin becomes healthier and builds resilience.
What is medical grade skincare?
Medical grade or prescription skincare is backed by extensive clinical research with scientifically proven benefits and the products/ingredients are formulated to reach the deepest layers of your skin. Due to the nature of the ingredients used and the concerns that medical grade skincare tackles, you’re also able to have completely customised products that are developed to help treat your specific concerns based on your skin and history with skincare products. However, with this level of customisation and formulation comes a higher price than what you might be used to paying for over-the-counter solutions. The Secret Skincare offers an accessible solution, allowing patients to take an online skin quiz and medical questionnaire before receiving a doctor’s recommendation and customised skincare solutions tailored to one’s needs.
Tretinoin is used in The Secret’s Cellular Repair Night Cream, a key product designed to enhance skin’s natural glow using prescription-strength ingredients. It focuses on creating healthy skin cells for a smoother, even-toned complexion. The cream features this powerful retinoid that promotes rapid cell turnover, replacing damaged skin cells with healthier ones while regulating melanin production to even out skin tone.
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