Retinoids

Retinoids are the most prescribed acne treatments, but not without controversy. There are 3 retinoids on the market: (1) tretinoin, (2) adapalene, and (3) tazarotene, with tretinoin being the most prescribed. While relatively safe, their lack of powerful results, tendency to produce discomfort (particularly with tazarotene), and likelihood to increase the skin's susceptibility to sunburn, makes the cost/benefit decision difficult, particularly when proper application of over-the-counter treatments can produce better and more consistent results. However, they are a mainstay of acne treatment for their ability to help skin cells keep turning over, reducing inflammation, and helping to prevent acne from becoming worse. 

The bottom line: If you choose to use retinoids, be realistic about results, and ask your doctor if you can combine them with other treatments to increase the chance of clear skin.
 

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Retinoids Do Topical Retinoids Increase Sensitivity to the Sun? Widely available topical retinoids include tretinoin, tazarotene, and adapalene. All three come with package inserts that warn about sun exposure and recommend sun protection. However,... April 19, 2021

Retinoids If You Use Retinoids, Will You Get Younger-looking Skin as You Treat Your Acne? The topical retinoid prescription medications tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene can help reduce acne symptoms and the signs of aging at the same time. They do this by stimulating skin turnover, protecting from sun damage, and increasing collagen. Results are temporary. February 09, 2021

Retinoids What's the Difference Between Retinol and Retinoids? Retinol is available over-the-counter and retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene) are only available by prescription (except for 0.1% adapalene which is available over-the-counter). Retinol is weaker than retinoids and comes with less side effects. November 24, 2020

Retinoids What Topical Retinoid Formulation Is Most Effective for the Treatment of Acne? No studies have directly compared all 3 topical prescription retinoids, so we can't say for sure which works best, but from a few head-to-head studies comparing two retinoids to each other, tazarotene may be slightly more effective than either adapalene or tretinoin. November 24, 2020

Retinoids What Are Retinoids, and Why Are They Used to Treat Acne? When people refer to retinoids in acne treatment, they are normally referring to the three approved prescription topical retinoids: tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene. All three... October 02, 2020

Retinoids Is It Safe to Use Topical Retinoid Medications (Tretinoin, Adapalene, Tazarotene) When Pregnant? If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before using a topical retinoid (tretinoin, adapalene, or tazarotene). In fact, it is important to speak to your doctor before you use any over-the-counter or prescription medication, whether it be oral or topical. July 01, 2020

Retinoids Will the Skin Really Worsen Before It Improves on the Retinoids Tretinoin, Adapalene, or Tazarotene? A very common myth surrounds topical retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene). Many people, including dermatologists, warn that the skin will get worse before it gets better when you start using one of them. However, research shows us that this is not true. February 04, 2020