Proper storage: Tretinoin should be stored in its original packaging, away from light, heat, and humidity, and kept tightly closed to maintain its effectiveness.
Tretinoin or all trans retinoic acid is easily oxidizable, thermally unstable and it isomerizes fast when exposed to radiation. In this investigation, the chemical stability of tretinoin was studied in different dermatological preparations.
Also a reminder to store retinols in a cool environment, as it seems they can degrade rapidly at higher temperatures (40 deg C) compared to moderate (25 Deg C).
Conclusion: Micronized tretinoin (0.05%) aqueous gel showed less than 10-percent degradation when exposed to eight hours of ultraviolet A light, while tretinoin (0.025%) gel showed significant tretinoin degradation.
The bottom line. From acne to fine lines, tretinoin can treat an impressive list of skin concerns – however, it can also increase your sensitivity to sunlight. So, if you're using retinoids, make sure you're also using sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays.
Tretinoin and other topical retinoids should be replaced every 5-6 months. Even if the expiration date is well in the future, once the tube is opened it will begin to lose potency. Hot tip: Use a sharpie to write the date you opened the tube directly on the packaging.
During the first 6 months of use, avoid overexposing the treated areas to sunlight, wind, or cold weather. The skin will be more prone to sunburn, dryness, or irritation, especially during the first 2 or 3 weeks. However, you should not stop using this medicine unless the skin irritation becomes too severe.
The tretinoin in Retin A cream is very prone to break down by exposure to light. UVA breaks down tretinoin the most but the peak wavelength that does this is 420nm, which is just into the visible light spectrum right outside of the UVA wavelength spectrum.
Retinols themselves are sensitive to light so if you expose your skin to the sun immediately after applying, the retinol does degrade to some extent2. That's why it's suggested that you use it in your evening routine (more on that later).
On the other hand, classic tretinoin creams and gels can usually retain their effectiveness for about six months, provided they are stored properly and the container is tightly closed after each use.
Here's how to tell if your retinol has gone bad: Color Change: Fresh retinol products typically have a yellowish hue. If you notice that your retinol cream or serum has turned darker, especially brown, this is a sign that it has oxidized and is no longer effective.
Extreme temperature and sunlight can result in the breakdown, oxidisation, curdling, or melting of formulations. If the product contains active ingredients, those actives become less effective - a good example is Vitamin C. This skincare superstar quickly becomes unstable in heat which reduces its potency.
The results showed that the retinoids were degraded in almost all products, both at room temperature (0-80% degradation) and at 40°C (40-100% degradation). Retinol and Retinyl palmitate were similarly degraded, beta-carotene was slightly more stable and the most stable form was Hydroxypinacolone retinoate.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F).
Retinoids have been implicated in causing mild-to-moderate elevations in routine liver tests, but these elevations are usually asymptomatic and transient, resolving spontaneously even with continued therapy.
Keeping skin care products in the fridge or leaving them in a hot car during blazing summer weather for days on end are two examples of practices that can degrade skin care formulas, including sunscreens. So, don't forget to take such products out of your car this summer.
DeVito recommends using tretinoin, also known as Retin-A, a prescription topical cream or gel that is used to treat acne, all year long. "It's a fantastic molecule and it enhances cell turnover and also builds up elastin fibers, so from a sun damage perspective, it's brilliant," DeVito said.
Just like air and light, heat alters "the chemical structure and composition of retinol, making it less biologically active," says Gary Fisher, a professor of dermatology at the University of Michigan Medical School.
The skin goes red, inflamed, and peeling because retinol has chemically burned away the upper layer of skin, the new exposed skin has not had enough time to build up its natural protection film to UV light and pollutants that a good UV moisturising oil can help with and reduce the exposure to skin cancer risk, ...
“The symptoms related to tretinoin purging typically involve acne breakouts, severe skin dryness and peeling, redness and irritation, but it is important to know that this phase is temporary and once it's over, the skin will generally begin to improve, and you will be able to see the positive effects.
You may also want to avoid salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and erythromycin gel (Erthygel), as these ingredients and products can cause dryness. Though, your dermatologist can help you decide if combining these products with tretinoin is safe. Tretinoin can also cause sun sensitivity.
As tretinoin has been shown to degrade rapidly when exposed to light, its use in the clinical setting has essentially been limited to evening application, thus reducing the flexibility of the treatment regimen.
Tretinoin expiration
If you are wondering if tretinoin expires, tretinoin products typically have an expiration date of two years after the manufacturing date. After this time, the product may become less effective or even cause skin irritation or other side effects.
Prolonged exposure to sunlight will deactivate the active ingredients in your products, which will make it considerably less effective. So, it's no surprise that those in the know prefer to use retinol treatments at night, before bed.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: fever; weight gain; swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; shortness of breath; labored breathing; wheezing; chest pain; or cough.