Tretinoin

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Apr 20, 2023

Pros & Cons


Tretinoin Pros and Cons

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  • Tretinoin is available in various forms including gels, creams, and lotions.
  • This medicine is effective for the treatment of acne, including inflammatory acne.
  • It is easy to apply and only needs to be applied once daily.
  • Tretinoin gel and cream are available in a low-cost generic version.

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  • Tretinoin makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight and can lead to sunburns.
  • Acne typically worsens for the first few weeks of using tretinoin before it gets better.
  • This medicine can cause skin pigmentation (lightening or darkening of the skin).
  • You need to use only mild, non-medicated shampoos and soaps while on tretinoin to avoid irritation.
  • Tretinoin lotion (Altreno) is brand name only.