Tretinoin

Pronounced TRET-i-noin

Brand names: Retin-A

Type: Retinoid (skin medicine) · All Other Medicines

What Tretinoin is used for

  • Acne
  • Sun-damaged skin and fine wrinkling (cosmetic products)

Common side effects

  • Skin redness, peeling, and dryness
  • Increased sun sensitivity
  • Burning or stinging

Important cautions

  • Skin becomes more sun-sensitive — sun protection is essential during treatment
  • Generally avoided in pregnancy as a precaution, and not applied to eczema or broken skin

How it comes

Creams, gels, lotions. This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.

Please note: This page is a patient-education summary, not medical advice, and it deliberately contains no doses. Medicines affect everyone differently — always follow your own prescription and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.