Tretinoin Uses

Tretinoin is used to treat moderate to severe acne, including a type of inflammatory acne called cystic acne. It is also used to reduce the appearance of mottled discoloration (liver spots), rough texture of skin, and surface wrinkles (not deep wrinkles). 

There may be other uses of topical tretinoin, such as acute promyelocytic leukemia (oral tretinoin), psoriasis, cutaneous warts, male and female pattern hair loss, and early stretch marks—your health system pharmacists or doctor can give you further tretinoin drug information.

Tretinoin Mechanism of Action

Tretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A. It binds to retinoic acid receptors like the retinoic acid receptor alpha or retinoid X receptors which are involved in cell differentiation in human skin. Tretinoin promotes cell turnover (i.e., replacing old skin cells with new ones) and unclogs pores of oil and dead skin cells. It also acts on inflammatory mediators and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Tretinoin Doses

Tretinoin is available as a cream (0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1%), gel (0.01% and 0.025%) and lotion (0.05%). It is usually applied once daily at bedtime.