How to Use Tretinoin Cream
People use tretinoin cream to combat acne and signs of aging skin. The cream comes in several tube sizes from 20 grams to 45 grams, and in strengths from 0.025 percent to 0.1 percent. You can buy it as a generic or under the brand names Renova and Retin-A. Tretinoin cream is only available by prescription. Make sure to use tretinoin cream properly to get the most benefit from the medication.
Instructions
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1
Wash your face with a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser such as Cetaphil.
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2
Wait 20 to 30 minutes.
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3
Squeeze up to 1/2 inch of tretinoin cream onto your fingertip, keeping the cream away from the sensitive palms of your hands.
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4
Dab tretinoin cream on your forehead, chin and cheeks.
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5
Rub the tretinoin cream gently into your face until you can no longer see the cream.
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Tips & Warnings
Apply tretinoin cream at night before bedtime so the medication can work while you're asleep. If you apply it during the day, you might experience irritation from tretinoin cream's interaction with cosmetics and sunlight.
Brand names of tretinoin have different niches. Doctors prescribe Renova for fine lines and Retin-A for acne.
If you have sensitive skin, use tretinoin cream every other night. Otherwise, your skin may become red, irritated and flaky.
Don't apply tretinoin cream to damp skin because it can cause irritation.
Don't use more tretinoin than your doctor advises because you'll waste medication and possibly irritate your skin.
Avoid getting tretinoin cream into open wounds and the corners of your mouth, eyes and nose as it can irritate these sensitive areas.
