How to use Tretinoin Gel for Acne?

For best results with Tretinoin gel for acne, it is important to use it properly. Forget about the instructions given for other anti-acne products and advice of loved ones. Just stick to your doctor’s special plan for you and be patient. Note- when Tretinoin cream is used properly, many users see improvement after twelve weeks of regular usage. Do not start and stop treatment on your own; if you have further questions about the usage of the medicine, please ask your doctor. 

To help you use the topical medicine correctly, keep the following instructions in mind: 

1. Use Tretinoin once a day before bedtime or as directed by your dermatologist. Your dermatologist may advise that you begin treatment by applying Tretinoin every other night, especially if your skin is sensitive. First, rinse your hands with mild soap and dry your skin gently. Wait for at least 20 to 30 minutes before applying the topical medication. Skin needs to be completely dry to minimize possible irritation.

1. It is best not to use more than the amount recommended by your dermatologist or to apply more frequently than advised. Too much application may irritate the skin, waste medicine, and won’t offer you quick or better results. 

1. Avoid applying the medication in the corners of the nose, eyes, mouth, and open wounds. Spread eth medication away from these areas when applying. 

1. Squeeze about half an inch or less of tretinoin gel onto the fingertip. While this amount should be enough for your entire face after you have some experience with the topical product, you may find you need slightly more or less to do the job. By gently rubbing the medicine into the skin, the medicine should become invisible almost immediately. If it is still visible or dry flaking occurs from the gel within a minute or so, you are applying too much. Cover the affected area lightly with the gel by dabbing it on your forehead, cheeks, and chin, then spread it over the affected area.

1. You should use a moisturizer or a moisturizer with sunscreen that will not worsen your acne every morning you wash.  

While you are on Tretinoin therapy

Use a mild, non-medicated soap during the entire treatment. Avoid frequent washings and harsh facial scrubbing. Acne isn’t developed due to dirt, so no matter how hard you scrub, you can’t get rid of them. Washing too frequently or scrubbing too roughly at times aggravates your condition. While using a tretinoin formulation, wash your skin gently with a mild soap or cleanser. Washing two or three times a day should be sufficient. Pat your skin dry with a towel. Let your face dry for 20 to 3 minutes before applying Tretinoin gel. Remember, excessive irritation from rubbing too much, frequently washing, and using other medicines not suggested by your health care specialist may worsen your acne.   

Precautions   

Use caution in the sun- overexposure to natural sunlight or the artificial sunlight of a sunlamp can cause sunburn. Excessive sun exposure over many years may cause premature ageing of the skin and even skin cancer. The probability of these effects occurring will vary depending on the skin type, the climate, and the care taken to avoid exposure to the sun. Treatment with Retin A may make your skin more susceptible to sunburn and other effects related to sun exposure; therefore, unprotected exposure to natural or artificial sunlight should be minimized. 

When outside, even on hazy days, areas treated with the retinoid formulation should be protected with sun protection measures. An effective sunscreen should be used, and you can consult a dermatologist for a recommendation of an SPF level that will provide you with the required level of protection. Protective clothing like a hat or full sleeves shirts/tops for extended sun exposure should be worn. If you become sunburned, stop treatment immediately until your skin has recovered.

Possible problems- The skin of certain sensitive individuals may become excessively red, swollen, or crusted. If you develop severe or persistent irritation, discontinue treatment and consult your dermatologist.

There have been reports that in some tretinoin users, there is a temporary increase or decrease in the amount of skin pigment present. The skin condition returned to normal once the skin began to adjust to retinoid formulations or treatment was discontinued.  

Use other medications only on your dermatologist’s advice- Only your dermatologist knows which other topical medications may be helpful during tretinoin therapy and will recommend them if necessary. Follow the dermatologist’s instructions carefully. In addition, you should avoid formulations that may irritate your skin.  

Takeaway 

Understanding how to use Tretinoin gel will help you achieve the best results with fewer side effects. Use Tretinoin only as directed by your dermatologist. Apply just enough to cover the affected areas and rub it gently but well. A pea size amount is enough to cover the affected face. The topical medication is effective but can cause itchiness, dryness, redness, and other skin issues. Using the medication as directed can help reduce the risk of these issues.