If you like to keep an eye on beauty news, you can’t have failed to have heard about tretinoin. This potent skincare hero is a topical retinoid that is used to treat a number of different skincare concerns. So why is tretinoin having such a moment, and what could it do for your skin? Let’s find out…
What is Tretinoin?
Tretinoin is a concentrated form of pure retinoic acid and a derivative of vitamin A. It is stronger than retinol and is available in a cream or gel format.
Tretinoin began life way back in the 1960s when it was initially developed as a treatment for acne. However, as scientists monitored tretinoin’s ability to tackle breakouts, they also witnessed its positive effects on other skin concerns such as ageing skin, sun damaged skin and skin suffering from pigmentation problems.
At MiQuest, it’s one of our go-to prescription ingredients to help tackle a range of tricky skincare concerns.
How does Tretinoin Work?
Prescription tretinoin works by agitating the skin. We appreciate that this may sound like the last thing you want a skincare ingredient to do, right? Wrong. The thing is, as tretinoin works to irritate the skin, it means the upper layers of your skin start to gently peel away. As these surface layers are removed, and skin cell turnover is boosted, new, fresher skin underneath is revealed.
Alongside this, tretinoin also works to -
- Reduce the production of oil in the skin
- Stimulate elastin and collagen
- Boost blood vessel formulation
Leading skincare scientists also believe that tretinoin works to actually alter the way ageing skin cells behave. In fact, it’s thought that tretinoin tricks older skin cells to behave as if they’re much younger than they really are - by escalating skin cell turnover which means skin texture stays looking smooth and refined. Which is great news for you if you’re planning on incorporating it into your skincare routine.
How to Get Tretinoin?
We know how in demand tretinoin is right now - and it’s little wonder. This must-have ingredient can really give your skin a new lease of life. If you’re keen to see what results tretinoin can achieve for you, sign up for a skincare subscription with us at MiQuest and you’ll get prescription tretinoin uk if our skincare scientists think it’s the right ingredient for your skincare concern. We use tretinoin to combat skin issues including -
- Acne
- Sun damage
- Pigmentation problems
- Ageing skin
- Melasma
- Dull skin
How Often to Use Tretinoin
When using tretinoin it’s important not to apply it to wet or damp skin as this can cause irritation. If you’ve been prescribed tretinoin it will form part of your Q-Stick formulation which is step three in your evening routine with MiQuest. When using, squeeze a small pea-sized amount onto your finger tip and then gently rub in, over your whole face - paying particular attention to detail to any areas of concern.
How Long does it take for Tretinoin to Work?
There are different tretinoin strengths available and the results you will see depend on the concentration of tretinoin in your Q-Stick. However, in general, most people tend to notice a difference to their skin approximately six weeks into their new tretinoin routine. To see the results you can expect to achieve, take a look at our tretinoin cream before and after images on our website.
Are There any Side Effects with Tretinoin?
When our MiQuest formulation scientists make a tretinoin prescription UK, they will have spent time assessing your skin to see whether tretinoin is the right ingredient for your skin concern. Most skin tolerates tretinoin well, but extremely sensitive skin may not be able to handle it. And even if you think your skin isn’t particularly sensitive you may still notice some side effects - especially when you first start using it. Possible side effects include -
- A tingling or stinging sensation
- A change in skin tone to become lighter or darker
- Peeling skin
- Reddening of the skin
- Drying, flaky skin
- Increased acne
- Swelling or blistering
As with all prescription medication, it’s imperative that you follow directions and only apply your Q-Stick formulation in the evening. With proper usage, you should find that your skin gets used to the tretinoin, and when coupled with regular application of your other MiQuest skincare products, any side effects such as drying, flaky skin are kept to a minimum.
As tretinoin works to reveal new skin it’s important to stay out of the sun as much as possible. You’ll find an SPF product is part of your MiQuest routine and it’s a must that you apply it - even in the depths of winter. The sun’s rays can still be strong in the colder months, and when using products such as tretinoin your skin can become much more sensitive to sun exposure.
Expert Advice and Guidance
If you’re concerned about using tretinoin for the first time, don’t be. When you choose the MiQuest routine, you’ve got expert guidance and advice on hand should you need it. We want you to get the best results from our products so we make it our priority to regularly check in with you and see how your skin is progressing. Should you have any concerns, simply get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to help.
Think prescription tretinoin is what your skin needs? Subscribe to MiQuest for a whole new skincare routine that will get your skin glowing again.
AI-Empowered Dermatology, Personalised For You.
