Known as retinoic acid, this beauty elixir is a powerful anti-ageing and acne treatment. A topical version of vitamin A, it speeds up cell turnover to minimise blemishes and wrinkles, as well as working on pigmentation issues and reducing pore visibility. It also helps to even out skin tone, and is a dream for anyone with sun damage.
You can only buy tretinoin in the UK by prescription, and this can only be obtained from a qualified dermatologist or GP. This is to ensure that you get the best possible results, as there is a real risk of side effects and reactions in those who misuse this powerful treatment. Some of these can be serious, so you should never purchase tretinoin from anywhere but an official prescription-only retailer such as UK Meds.
When you do receive a prescription, your doctor will design a treatment plan just for you. This will tell you how to apply the tretinoin, which strengths to start with, and how often you can increase the frequency and concentration of your application. It will also explain the benefits and risks associated with the product, as well as any general precautions that you should take.
The key with any tretinoin is to begin slowly and work your way up to the strength and application frequency that is right for you. Your doctor will recommend that you apply the cream 2-3 times a week to begin with, and then gradually increase the frequency. Some people experience a period of inflamed, red and flaking skin after first applying tretinoin. This is called the purge, and it happens as your skin gets used to the active ingredient. Don’t worry though – this is completely normal, and it will clear up within a few weeks. Once your skin is past the purge, you will notice a huge difference, and your fine lines and blemishes will be much less noticeable.
It is important to use a moisturiser during the day, as tretinoin can make your skin quite dry. It is also recommended to avoid exposure to sunlight whilst you are using tretinoin, as it may make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s harmful UV rays. Finally, it is recommended that you use a sun protection factor of at least 30. tretinoin uk