Whether you’ve been seeing Tretinoin videos on TikTok or heard about it from beauty influencers, chances are that you are intrigued by the results it can bring. But how can you get your hands on it without visiting a dermatologist?
There are several popular telemedicine startups that offer virtual consultations with doctors who can prescribe Tretinoin for their customers. These companies then deliver the products directly to their customers.
Acne
If you’re in the skincare know, you may have heard of Tretinoin and how it helps treat acne. The prescription-only skincare ingredient has exploded on social media thanks to TikTok’skinfluencers’ sharing their results with this skin boosting treatment. But what is it exactly? And can you get it from the NHS?
The topical retinoid speeds up the shedding of dead skin cells, which in turn leads to new cell growth. This increases collagen production, tackles pigmentation and reduces pore visibility. It also prevents the overproduction of inflammatory enzymes by P. acnes, which are responsible for inflammation and the formation of pimples.
You should use tretinoin at night (it’s degraded by sunlight) after cleansing and applying any other products your doctor recommends. Avoid using other topical treatments that can irritate your skin, especially those that contain alcohol, lime, menthol or spices; and hair dyes/perms/wart removers that contain sulfur, resorcinol or salicylic acid. It can take a few weeks to months for the full effects of your tretinoin cream to appear, so be patient.
Fine lines
Tretinoin (aka retinoic acid) is the big sister of over-the-counter retinol. It’s super powerful, only available by prescription and able to treat serious skin concerns like blemishes, melasma, wrinkles and sun damage.
Its main benefits include unclogging pores, smoothing fine lines, reducing hyperpigmentation and boosting collagen production. It also accelerates skin cell turnover, so it fades areas of hyperpigmentation over time.
The biggest drawback to tretinoin is that it can cause early temporary side effects, such as dryness and flaking. The good news is that you can reduce these by avoiding excessive sun exposure, using a gentle cleanser and moisturiser and drinking plenty of water.
It’s also important to avoid rubbing it too close to the eyes as it can irritate them. We recommend leaving a gap of at least 5 mm around the upper eyelid and the lower lash line. It’s also a good idea to apply tretinoin at night, as it can make your face sensitive to sunlight during the day.
Wrinkles
Wrinkles are inevitable, and even if you’re careful with your sun cream, repetitive muscle movements and smoking they’ll still appear. But they can be a big confidence killer and you don’t want to have to resort to expensive anti-wrinkle treatments or surgery.
The tretinoin molecule is one of the most researched and proven wrinkle-reducers. It works by speeding up the skin cell turnover process so that old cells are sloughed off more quickly, and younger fresher cells form on the surface of the skin. It also fades actinic keratosis spots and improves uneven pigmentation, leaving you with smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
Many people use tretinoin in combination with other prescription skincare products, and it can take weeks or months to see results. The good news is that tretinoin is considered safe to use long-term when it’s prescribed by your GP or dermatologist. However, it’s important to note that the higher strength tretinoin does have more side effects than the over-the-counter version.
Rosacea
For those with rosacea, tretinoin UK can be used to minimise the appearance of redness, pink bumps and skin thickening. It increases cell turnover and unclogs pores to help with this condition. It also reduces pigmentation and helps prevent collagen breakdown, which is a common problem with rosacea.
Tretinoin may not be suitable if you have certain underlying conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis as these can make the skin sensitive. It is important to talk to your doctor or dermatologist about any underlying conditions and how these might impact the use of tretinoin.
In the UK, tretinoin is available on prescription only and can be obtained from a dermatologist or GP who specialises in cosmetic skin services. Alternatively, there are online dermatologist services such as Get Harley, Dermatica and Skin + Me that offer virtual consultations and then deliver tretinoin products directly to your door. This means you can avoid a waiting room or having to pay for expensive private appointments with a dermatologist. Tretinoin UK