How To Use Tretinoin

Tretinoin comes in the form of a cream, gel, or lotion. You should apply this medicine to affected skin once daily at bedtime. 

Wash your hands and the affected area with a mild soap (avoid abrasive cleansers). Apply a thin layer of tretinoin to your skin. Do not allow tretinoin to get into mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina). Do not apply topical retinoids such as tretinoin on sunburned skin.

Read the patient information leaflet and follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. Use tretinoin exactly as prescribed for maximum clinical efficacy. Do not use more of this medication or use it more often than advised by your doctor. Talk to your provider about which moisturizer is best to prevent and treat skin dryness associated with tretinoin.

Tretinoin can help to control acne but will not cure it. You will likely experience worsening of your acne (redness, sores, scaling) for the first 7-10 days. It can take 2-3 weeks or even longer of regular topical tretinoin use before you notice an improvement in your acne.

Tretinoin can help to improve the appearance of photodamaged skin including surface wrinkles, mottled skin pigmentation (liver spots or dark spots), and rough skin. It usually takes 3-4 months or longer to notice a difference in these skin issues. If you stop using tretinoin, the improvement may gradually fade.

Do not use cosmetics (astringents, aftershave lotions, perfumes) that contain a lot of alcohol, menthol, lime, or spices as they can cause stinging of the skin, especially when you first start topical treatment with tretinoin gel, cream, or lotion.

Check with your healthcare provider before using other anti-acne products such as benzoyl peroxide, dandruff shampoos containing resorcinol or sulfur, hair removers, and salicylic acid (wart removers). If you have recently used these products, you may need to wait before using tretinoin.

Missed dose: If you forget to apply tretinoin, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed application and go back to your regular schedule. Do not apply extra lotion, gel, or cream to make up for a missed application.

Storage: Store tretinoin at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in its original container, tightly closed. Do not allow this medicine to freeze. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.

Unused medicine: Unused tretinoin should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw tretinoin in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to dispose of expired or unneeded tretinoin is through a drug take-back program. Learn more about proper medication disposal. 

NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on tretinoin. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about tretinoin, talk to your doctor for medical advice.

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