What is tretinoin and what does it do?
Tretinoin is retinoic acid itself, so it does not need conversion in the skin. It binds retinoic acid receptors and changes how skin cells grow and mature. In acne, it normalises the shedding of cells lining the pore, which reduces blocked follicles and comedones and helps other acne treatments penetrate. In photoaged skin, it increases collagen production, compacts the outer skin layer and gradually evens pigmentation. Effects build over months. Because it is potent, an adjustment phase of dryness, peeling and redness, sometimes called retinisation, is common. This entry is educational; strength, frequency and duration are decided by a doctor. [1]
What does the evidence show?
Tretinoin has been studied extensively in dermatology over several decades. A systematic review of randomised controlled trials supports its use for photoaging, with improvement in fine wrinkles, roughness and pigmentation over months, and acne guidelines recommend topical retinoids as a core treatment. Evidence is strongest for photoaging and comedonal and inflammatory acne. Irritation is the main reason people stop, and benefits fade gradually if treatment ends.
Who should avoid tretinoin?
Tretinoin should not be used during pregnancy or when trying to conceive, and a doctor should advise on breastfeeding. Caution is needed with eczema, rosacea, sunburn, broken skin and within days of waxing, peels or laser. It increases sun sensitivity. It should only be used as prescribed, with a doctor reviewing tolerance and progress.
Is tretinoin available in Singapore?
Tretinoin is a prescription-only medicine in Singapore and is supplied through a doctor. Retinoic acid is not permitted as an ingredient in cosmetic products, so skincare sold as cosmetics should not contain it. The Health Sciences Authority has warned about unregistered products found to contain tretinoin; buy only from legitimate sources.
If a dark patch, breakout or irritation is not responding to what you are using, the next step is a diagnosis rather than another product. See the Skin A–Z library for related ingredients.
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