According to Dr. Mohta, to maintain the benefits you achieved over the past year, it is crucial to continue using tretinoin as part of your long-term skincare routine. You can safely use tretinoin long-term. Research has shown no negative effects even with 2-4 years of usage.
It's true that some people with persistent acne use tretinoin for years, but generally speaking, most stop once they have clearer skin or if they're no longer seeing results. Other people may continue to use tretinoin after their breakouts subside for the most part for maintenance therapy.
Tretinoin works best when used within a skin care program that includes protecting the treated skin from the sun. However, it does not completely or permanently erase these skin problems or greatly improve more obvious changes in the skin, such as deep wrinkles caused by the sun or the natural aging process.
“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.
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.
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.
Retinol is one of the best antiaging ingredients in skin care. You do not have to use it forever, but you should if you want to slow skin aging. To get the best results from retinoids, use them in the correct step of your skin care routine.
Signs you should stop using tretinoin
It's normal to experience some dryness, peeling, and irritation—maybe even some purging—as you adjust to using tretinoin. But if the side effects become severe or don't go away, it might be time to hit pause and give your skin a breather.
Topical tretinoin can cause your skin to become dry, red, swollen, blistered, or flaky. It may also cause your skin to itch, be painful, or feel like it is burning. Stop using topical tretinoin and call your healthcare provider if these symptoms become worse or do not go away.
AFTER 4 – 6 WEEKS
After 4-6 weeks, your skin will get used to Tretinoin and will begin to be noticeably smoother and more even.
Skipping days gives your skin a rest. Once it starts feeling better, slowly work up to using it every day (or as directed by your healthcare provider). Don't stop using your treatment altogether. As your skin adjusts, dryness and peeling will taper off.
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.
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.
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.
Dubbed the fountain of youth, tretinoin is considered the benchmark ingredient for youthful, clear skin. Though tretinoin has been more in the background compared to the ease of getting other OTC anti-aging retinols, the superstar powerhouse has seen a rise in popularity.
The idea behind skin cycling is to reduce irritation, so if you are already using tretinoin or retinol multiple times a week with no irritation, then there's no need to add in rest days.
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.
Treatment with this drug may lead to higher cholesterol and triglycerides. The effect of these changes on heart health is not known. Talk with the doctor.
Tretinoin helps remove dead skin cells, allowing new cells to rise to the surface more efficiently. This stimulates collagen production and helps to reverse the effects of long-term sun exposure1. Tretinoin should be used for at least 6 months for maximum effect.
Vitamin A can be unstable as an ingredient, and this can mean your skin will become more sensitive. There is often an initial phase when using retinoids for the first time, known by many as the 'retinoid uglies'. Essentially, your skin can see a decline before improvement during an adjustment period.
Option one: The sandwich technique
After washing your face, apply a layer of moisturiser. Allow it to dry down for 5-10 minutes. Then, apply a pea-sized amount of tretinoin to your entire face. Allow this to dry down for 5-10 minutes.
Dr. Mohta says that tretinoin can be used long term, even your entire life, as tretinoin is commonly used for the treatment of acne, fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Dr. Mohta, also says that it may be necessary to use tretinoin for a few weeks before you can notice changes in your skin.
Three inexpensive moisturizers that our physicians love are Vanicream Daily Facial Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid, Neutrogena Hydroboost Gel, and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid Serum. All three of these are affordable, non-comedogenic,and blend well with tretinoin.
Rather than the results being permanent, Retin A resets the starting point, with continual use affecting how quickly the process occurs.