Tretinoin is a powerful skincare ingredient that speeds up cell turnover, decreases oil production and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It can also help treat pigmentation and sun damage.
In the UK, tretinoin can only be purchased by prescription from a dermatologist or GP. Alicia recommends using a low percentage prescription and pairing it with a simple, bland moisturiser to limit dryness and irritation.
Prescription Only
Tretinoin is a prescription only drug, much like roaccutane and adapalene, so you can’t buy it from your local pharmacy without the right paperwork from a qualified dermatologist or GP. This is why it’s generally more expensive than other acne medications, but worth the investment to improve blemishes, minimise fine lines and wrinkles and limit discolouration.
As with all medicines, there are a few things to watch out for, especially if you have certain medical conditions. It can cause pain in your tummy (abdomen), bones or chest, so speak to your doctor if this happens. It can also affect your appetite and make you feel sick.
It’s important to use it as directed by your dermatologist, and not to stop the treatment early. It can take a few weeks or months to see the results, but keep at it and you’ll see your skin get better and better. If it starts to irritate, try using it less frequently or switch to a lower strength.
In Person Clinics
Tretinoin is usually prescribed in a cream or gel. The cream formulation is often preferred as it can be very hydrating for dry skin, while the gel can help with oiliness and shine.
The ingredient is part of a group of medications called retinoids which are derived from Vitamin A. They have been shown to reduce wrinkles, improve discolouration and boost collagen production. They have also been proven to help treat acne and reduce breakouts.
You can get a prescription for tretinoin from a dermatologist or a doctor who provides cosmetic skincare services, such as Get Harley and Dermatica. These practitioners will be able to prescribe generic or branded versions of the product.
You can also find tretinoin through online telemedicine companies that offer virtual consultations with a dermatologist. These can be a good option for people who cannot afford to travel or who do not have time to visit a clinic. They can also provide advice on how to use the tretinoin correctly.
Pharmacy
Unlike other acne products that focus on killing bacteria or unblocking pores, tretinoin actually helps prevent the skin from developing breakouts in the first place. It works by accelerating the removal of dead skin cells and encouraging the growth of new ones, which improves complexions and reduces fine lines.
Alicia explains that the treatment is also an effective option for those suffering from moderate acne, as it targets the root cause of the problem rather than simply killing the bacteria or covering it up. But it’s essential for people to be prepared for the’retinoid uglies’ and cut out exfoliants while they use it, as well as keeping moisturised.
It’s also important to inform your GP of any medications or supplements you are taking before starting on tretinoin, as it can interact with some drugs. You should also avoid using skin products that can irritate it (shaving lotions, perfumes and cosmetics that contain alcohol, lime/menthol, and hair dyes that contain sulphur/resorcinol) unless directed to do so by your doctor.
Online Dermatologist
Those not lucky enough to have an in-person dermatologist (or those who just want to save time) may be able to get a prescription for Tretinoin from one of several telemedicine services. Push Doctor, for example, is a well-established telehealth service that has doctors review virtual assessment questionnaires and can provide a tretinoin prescription if necessary. A fee is charged that includes the consultation, prescription and medication.
UK Meds is another telehealth service that offers a tretinoin cream and gel prescription. Both forms perform the same function for your skin, but the cream formulation might be better suited for those with dry or normal skin as it is more moisturising than the gel.
Lastly, Nurx believes comprehensive healthcare should be accessible to everyone and offers a wide range of RX skincare products that can be ordered online without an IRL appointment. Their medical-grade treatments include tretinoin as well as other line-erasing actives. Their pricing starts at $30 a month for a three-month supply—far less than many in-person dermatologist copays. Tretinoin UK