Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat They AreUsesBefore UsingDosageSide EffectsWarnings
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What They Are
Uses
Before Using
Dosage
Side Effects
Warnings
Topicalretinoidsare prescribed to controlblackheads and whiteheads, orcomedonalacne. They also called retinoic acid or vitamin A acid.
This article looks at topical retinoids and how they work as an acne treatment. It also discusses side effects and precautions for using this medication.
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What Are Topical Retinoids?
Topical retinoids promote the exfoliation of dead skin cells and boost the production of new skin cells. The new cells push dead cells and excess oil out of blockedpores. Retinoids also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Two retinoids are prescribed for acne:
Both are available in generic formulations. Retinoids are also available in different forms, including:
Can Retinol Help Treat Acne?
Retinoids may be prescribed on their own or in combination with other acne therapies, such as:
In 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Cabtreo (clindamycin phosphate, adapalene, and benzoyl peroxide), the first-ever triple-combination topical gel for treating acne in people ages 12 and older.
What Are Topical Retinoids Used For?
Topical retinoids are also prescribed to help reduce signs of aging, including:
Retinoids sold for anti-aging purposes may have different brand names, such as Renova (tretinoin) and Avage (tazarotene). Retinoids are also sometimes used to treat other skin conditions such askeratosis pilarisandpsoriasis.
RecapTopical retinoids are used to treat acne and certain other skin conditions. They are also used to reduce the signs of aging.
Recap
Topical retinoids are used to treat acne and certain other skin conditions. They are also used to reduce the signs of aging.
Before Using Topical Retinoids
Retinoids may be used as a first-line treatment for acne or may be prescribed after trying other acne products. In some cases, yourdermatologistwill want you to try other remedies before prescribing a retinoid. These may include products with ingredients like:
Your doctor will also want to know about your medical history. If you haveeczema, for example, you may not be able to use topical retinoids. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should also avoid this medication. This is because the oral form of retinoic acid, isotretinoin (formerly sold asAccutane), is known to cause severe birth defects.
RecapTopical retinoids are usually only prescribed if other acne medications haven’t worked for you. You should not use them if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
Topical retinoids are usually only prescribed if other acne medications haven’t worked for you. You should not use them if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
Topical Retinol Dosage
Topical retinoids came in various strengths depending on the formulation:
Tretinoin
Tazarotene
Differin
These dosages come from the drug manufacturers. Always check your prescription and talk to your doctor to make sure you’re taking the right dose for you.
Tazarotene vs. Tretinoin: Comparing These Two Retinoids
Oral Retinoids
Isotretinoin is formerly known as Accutane. It is an oral retinoid sometimes prescribed for severe acne. Because it is associated with miscarriage and birth defects, it should never be taken while pregnant, breastfeeding, or during the month prior to conception.
How to Take and Store
Topical retinoids for treating acne are applied directly to affected areas. The skin should be clean and completely dry. Apply in a very thin layer with clean hands. Most dermatologists direct patients to use retinoids once a day, in the evening.
A retinoid should not be used on broken, infected, or sunburned skin. It should not be applied to the eyes, nose, mouth, or genitals.
Potential Side Effects
Topical retinoids are generally regarded as safe. Like all medications, though, they may have some side effects.
Common
You may experience mild side effects when you first start using a retinoid. These usually subside after two to four weeks. Side effects may include:
The most important side effect of retinoids is an increased sensitivity to ultraviolet rays. This can lead to severe sunburn. When using a retinoid it is very important to be vigilant about sun exposure. Use sunscreen, wear hats and sunglasses, and stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible.
Rare
Severe
It is possible to have a severe allergic reaction to this medication. Seek immediate medical care if you have any of these symptoms:
RecapMost side effects are mild and resolve in a few weeks. In rare cases, topical retinoids can cause a severe allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical care if you have symptoms like blistering or trouble breathing.
Most side effects are mild and resolve in a few weeks. In rare cases, topical retinoids can cause a severe allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical care if you have symptoms like blistering or trouble breathing.
Warnings and Interactions
Retinoids should not be used with certain other acne treatments. Combining a retinoid with a product containing salicylic acid, for example, can result in irritation, redness, and peeling.
It is generally recommended to avoid using retinoids and benzoyl peroxide at the same time as the benzoyl peroxide may degrade the retinoid and make it less effective. Certain prescriptions may combine these ingredients, but it is always best to talk to your healthcare provider before adding other medications to your routine, even OTC ones.
Summary
These medicines are usually only prescribed after other acne treatments have failed. They may have side effects like mild skin irritation. They can also make you more prone to sunburn.
Don’t use topical retinoids if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.US Food & Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information DIFFERIN® (adapalene) gel, 0.3%.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis treatment: a retinoid you apply to the skin.US Food & Drug Administration.RETIN-A.Latter G, Grice JE, Mohammed Y, Roberts MS, Benson HAE.Targeted topical delivery of retinoids in the management of acne vulgaris: current formulations and novel delivery systems.Pharmaceutics. 2019;11(10). doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics11100490US Food & Drug Administration.TAZORAC.US National Library of Medicine.Tretinoin Topical.Dellavalle RP.United States skin disease needs assessment, an issue of dermatologic clinics (volume 30-1) (The clinics: dermatology (volume 30-1)). Elsevier Health Sciences; 2011.US Food & Drug Administration.ATRALIN.US Food & Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: FABIOR.Nikalji N, Godse K, Sakhiya J, Patil S, Nadkarni N.Complications of medium depth and deep chemical peels.J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2012;5(4):254-60. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.104913Sacchidanand SA, Lahiri K, Godse K, et al.Synchronizing pharmacotherapy in acne with review of clinical care.Indian J Dermatol. 2017;62(4):341-357. doi:10.4103/ijd.IJD_41_17
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.US Food & Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information DIFFERIN® (adapalene) gel, 0.3%.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis treatment: a retinoid you apply to the skin.US Food & Drug Administration.RETIN-A.Latter G, Grice JE, Mohammed Y, Roberts MS, Benson HAE.Targeted topical delivery of retinoids in the management of acne vulgaris: current formulations and novel delivery systems.Pharmaceutics. 2019;11(10). doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics11100490US Food & Drug Administration.TAZORAC.US National Library of Medicine.Tretinoin Topical.Dellavalle RP.United States skin disease needs assessment, an issue of dermatologic clinics (volume 30-1) (The clinics: dermatology (volume 30-1)). Elsevier Health Sciences; 2011.US Food & Drug Administration.ATRALIN.US Food & Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: FABIOR.Nikalji N, Godse K, Sakhiya J, Patil S, Nadkarni N.Complications of medium depth and deep chemical peels.J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2012;5(4):254-60. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.104913Sacchidanand SA, Lahiri K, Godse K, et al.Synchronizing pharmacotherapy in acne with review of clinical care.Indian J Dermatol. 2017;62(4):341-357. doi:10.4103/ijd.IJD_41_17
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
US Food & Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information DIFFERIN® (adapalene) gel, 0.3%.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis treatment: a retinoid you apply to the skin.US Food & Drug Administration.RETIN-A.Latter G, Grice JE, Mohammed Y, Roberts MS, Benson HAE.Targeted topical delivery of retinoids in the management of acne vulgaris: current formulations and novel delivery systems.Pharmaceutics. 2019;11(10). doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics11100490US Food & Drug Administration.TAZORAC.US National Library of Medicine.Tretinoin Topical.Dellavalle RP.United States skin disease needs assessment, an issue of dermatologic clinics (volume 30-1) (The clinics: dermatology (volume 30-1)). Elsevier Health Sciences; 2011.US Food & Drug Administration.ATRALIN.US Food & Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: FABIOR.Nikalji N, Godse K, Sakhiya J, Patil S, Nadkarni N.Complications of medium depth and deep chemical peels.J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2012;5(4):254-60. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.104913Sacchidanand SA, Lahiri K, Godse K, et al.Synchronizing pharmacotherapy in acne with review of clinical care.Indian J Dermatol. 2017;62(4):341-357. doi:10.4103/ijd.IJD_41_17
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US Food & Drug Administration.RETIN-A.
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Sacchidanand SA, Lahiri K, Godse K, et al.Synchronizing pharmacotherapy in acne with review of clinical care.Indian J Dermatol. 2017;62(4):341-357. doi:10.4103/ijd.IJD_41_17
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