The majority of degradation of tretinoin gel 0.025% occurred early during the exposure period, with an 83-percent degradation seen at the first measurement point (2 hours).
According to Dr. Alpana Mohta, dermatologist, as a general rule most tretinoin formulations will last 6 to 12 months after they have been opened. However, there are several key factors that play a crucial role in determining how long tretinoin remains effective and safe for use.
Background: Various formulations of tretinoin (gel, liquid, cream) have been reported to be unstable on the skin under bright artificial light or sunlight. This photodegradation can potentially influence treatment regimens and possibly modify efficacy.
On average a 45-gram tube of tretinoin cream may last around six months if applied daily to your face and up to a year if you apply it every other day.
How long does your face purge on tretinoin? Skin purging typically lasts anywhere between four to six weeks which is roughly in line with how long it takes for your skin cells to naturally turnover.
The time it takes the body to metabolize (to process) medication is not the same for everyone. In healthy non-pregnant adults, it takes up to 1 day, on average, for most of the tretinoin to be gone from the body.
That's normal! Tretinoin speeds up cell death and renewal, and your skin needs time to adjust. These breakouts are temporary. If you experience severe irritation, talk to your medical provider, as other medications can help lessen the likelihood of your skin becoming irritated while you're using tretinoin.
The degradation of tretinoin 0.025% in the conventional gel was greater than 83 percent within two hours. In the second light exposure study, in vitro exposure to simulated solar light provided a gradual dose-response effect with tretinoin 0.05% formulated as the micronized tretinoin gel.
When you open an OTC or prescription retinol product like Tretinoin or Retin-A, its effectiveness begins to diminish as time passes. Generally, the retinol expiration date will fall between 6 to 12 months after opening, although this can vary depending on the formulation, packaging, and storage conditions.
Renova and Retin-A are sometimes hailed as miracle products that promise youthful, blemish-free, smooth skin to anyone from the age of 15 through to 70. However long-term use of Tretinoin, the generic name for these products, does not come without long-term issues some of which are under-stated and rarely reported.
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.
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.
Tretinoin peeling is a side effect many people experience, especially in the first few weeks of using this medication. Tretinoin (Retin-A) can help reduce acne and brighten skin, but it also speeds up the skin's natural exfoliation process, resulting in dry and flaky skin.
Initial Adaptation: The first 2-6 weeks of using Tretinoin generally involve your skin getting used to it. During this time, it's common to experience some skin irritation, purging, dryness and peeling. Although these are signs that the Tretinoin is starting to work not everyone gets them.
With regard to efficacy, all studies consistently reported that topical tretinoin was efficacious in improving clinical appearance of photoaging in terms of wrinkling, mottled hyperpigmentation, sallowness, and lentigines as early as 1 month and lasted after 24 months.
Storage. Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep out of the reach of children.
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.
Using Tretinoin Correctly
The best time to use Tretinoin is at night. This is because light can degrade Tretinoin and make it less effective. Even more importantly, your skin regenerates the most at night and so your skills will get the maximum benefits from Tretinoin when it is applied during this period.
“Retinol does not have much of a scent when it's within its expiration time, but once it expires it can take on a chemical-like smell.” As a general rule with most skincare products, if the scent changes this can be a sign of expired product.
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.
Exposure to fluorescent light for 24 hours resulted in a 69% degradation of tretinoin in tretinoin gel 0.025% and an 89% degradation of tretinoin when combined with erythromycin- benzoyl peroxide topical gel.
Topical tretinoin stimulates epidermal proliferation and differentiation by upregulating heparin binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF), which causes increased exfoliation and thickening of the epidermis.
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.
Tretinoin topical lotion is a type of retinoid medication that treats acne and other skin issues like dark spots and wrinkles. The most common side effect is dryness and skin sensitivity. It can also make you more prone to sunburn.
The first 2 weeks apply it 2 to 3 nights per week, after that try applying it every other day, and then if your skin can handle it, apply it every night. However, skip a night or two if your skin is irritated, because it will make it worse.