‘Is Trentinoin going to clear my acne?’ – Dermatologist answers widely asked skincare question

Tretinoin, a potent retinoid, has gained significant attention as a potential acne treatment, particularly among social media users

She explained that while Tretinoin can be effective, it isn't a one-size-fits-all solution.

Give It Time

According to Dr. Aamna, the key to seeing results with Tretinoin is patience. 

She advised: "Give it at least 3 months." Tretinoin works by promoting cell turnover, which can help to unclog pores and reduce the appearance of acne over time. 

However, this process doesn’t happen overnight. 

Many users experience an initial “purging” phase where their skin may break out more before it starts to improve, which can be discouraging.

It's Not For Everyone

While tretinoin has a proven track record for many, Dr. Aamna is candid about the fact that it may not work for everyone. 

In response to a viewer who questioned why the medication wasn’t effective for her, Dr. Aamna replied: “It’s honestly not for everyone and if you’re still getting a lot of spots while being on it, it’s worth speaking to your derm to switch things up.” 

This highlights an important aspect of skincare: individual differences in skin type, severity of acne, and other factors can influence how well a treatment works. 

Consulting a dermatologist can help tailor the treatment to your specific needs.

Treating Acne Scars

In addition to treating active acne, many are interested in whether Tretinoin can help with acne scars. 

Dr. Aamna acknowledged that tretinoin can help with certain types of acne scars. 

“It can help with some types of acne scars for sure,” she said, but she also points out that a combination of treatments typically works best for acne scarring. 

While tretinoin can promote collagen production and skin renewal, deeper or more stubborn scars may require other treatments.

Keep It Simple

For those using tretinoin, Dr. Aamna stressed the importance of a simple skincare routine. 

She recommended: "Keep the rest of your routine super simple!!" 

Tretinoin can make the skin more sensitive, so it's essential to avoid potential irritants or products that can bring on dryness and irritation. 

A gentle cleanser, a hydrating moisturiser, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen are often all that’s needed alongside Tretinoin.

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