Tretinoin: Fact Vs Fiction

posted in Compounded Ingredients on May 09, 2025


Article Summary:

This article explores how tretinoin, a powerful vitamin A derivative, effectively addresses common signs of skin aging, such as uneven tone, wrinkles, rough texture, and age spots. It also debunks common myths about tretinoin usage, clarifying how it benefits a wide range of skin types and concerns.


Tretinoin Fact vs Fiction Key Takeaways:

  • Tretinoin stimulates collagen production and boosts cell turnover, improving wrinkles, texture, and pigmentation.

  • It is significantly stronger and faster-acting than retinol, as it is already in its active form.

  • Tretinoin can be safely used on sensitive skin and around the eyes with proper guidance.

  • Mild irritation is common when starting tretinoin but usually subsides as skin adjusts.

  • Dermatologists recommend tretinoin as a preventative anti-aging treatment, even before wrinkles appear.


As we age, our skin undergoes various changes that can lead to several aesthetic concerns, including uneven skin tone, wrinkles, rough texture, and the development of age spots. These issues are primarily due to a decline in collagen production, reduced cell turnover, and cumulative sun damage over the years. 


Uneven skin tone often manifests as dark spots or discoloration, while wrinkles and fine lines become more pronounced due to the loss of skin elasticity. Additionally, the skin may feel rough or textured, making it appear less youthful and vibrant. Age spots, often referred to as liver spots or solar lentigines, are flat, brown areas that typically develop on sun-exposed skin and are a common sign of aging.


Tretinoin, a derivative of vitamin A, is a powerful topical treatment that can significantly address these aging skin concerns. By promoting increased cell turnover, tretinoin helps to slough off dead skin cells and fade pigmentation irregularities, thereby improving the overall evenness of skin tone. Its ability to stimulate collagen production not only reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines but also enhances skin texture, making it feel smoother and more youthful. 


Tretinoin can diminish the visibility of age spots by accelerating skin renewal and encouraging the growth of healthier skin cells. Incorporating tretinoin into a consistent skincare routine can lead to a revitalized complexion, effectively combating the signs of aging and restoring a more radiant appearance.


Dermatologists consider tretinoin the "gold standard" of skincare for anti-aging. And although tretinoin is the single most studied skincare drug out there, plenty of people are hesitant to try it because they don't know the real facts about it. Here's what's fact and what's fiction when it comes to tretinoin and your skin:

Is Tretinoin and Retinol the same thing?


Fiction: Tretinoin and retinol are the same thing

Fact: While both fall under the umbrella of retinoids—the term used to describe a group of compounds that are derived from vitamin A—they are not the same thing. Although they work in similar ways, they aren't interchangeable. Because enzymes within the skin first must convert retinol into retinoic acid and tretinoin is already a retinoic acid, tretinoin works much harder and faster than retinol. Even the lowest strength tretinoin is stronger than the highest strength retinol product.


Because retinol first needs to convert to a retinoic acid, it's a slow worker, meaning it can take weeks before it actually improves your skin. In the end, retinol is so easily oxidized that 95% of that conversion is lost in the process, so your skin won't get to fully benefit from retinol.

Is Tretinoin Okay to use for Sensitive SkinFiction: People with sensitive skin need to avoid tretinoinFact: Anyone can use a tretinoin treatment, it's simply a case of speaking to a dermatologist to make sure you're prescribed the right dosage. Low concentrations of tretinoin will still give you the visible results you're looking for with little irritation.Fiction: You can't use tretinoin in the eye areaFact: This just isn't the case. Tretinoin can be applied sparingly around the eyes with very little concern, and users have seen great improvement of wrinkles and fine lines in the eye area when using tretinoin. But because the skin around the eyes is thin and prone to dryness, tretinoin can be slightly irritating. To prevent irritation, avoid the eye area for the first couple weeks of using tretinoin to allow your skin time to adjust.

Is Tretinoin Okay to use for Sensitive Skin


Fiction: People with sensitive skin need to avoid tretinoin
Fact: Anyone can use a tretinoin treatment, it's simply a case of speaking to a dermatologist to make sure you're prescribed the right dosage. Low concentrations of tretinoin will still give you the visible results you're looking for with little irritation.

Fiction: You can't use tretinoin in the eye area
Fact: This just isn't the case. Tretinoin can be applied sparingly around the eyes with very little concern, and users have seen great improvement of wrinkles and fine lines in the eye area when using tretinoin. But because the skin around the eyes is thin and prone to dryness, tretinoin can be slightly irritating. To prevent irritation, avoid the eye area for the first couple weeks of using tretinoin to allow your skin time to adjust.

Can you use Tretinoin around your eyes?Fiction: You can't use tretinoin in the eye areaFact: This just isn't the case. Tretinoin can be applied sparingly around the eyes with very little concern, and users have seen great improvement of wrinkles and fine lines in the eye area when using tretinoin. But because the skin around the eyes is thin and prone to dryness, tretinoin can be slightly irritating. To prevent irritation, avoid the eye area for the first couple weeks of using tretinoin to allow your skin time to adjust.Source: A randomized, controlled comparative study of the wrinkle reduction benefits of a cosmetic niacinamide/peptide/retinyl propionate product regimen vs. a prescription 0.02% tretinoin product regimen (The British Journal of Dermatology - Mar, 2010)
Can you use Tretinoin around your eyes?

Fiction: You can't use tretinoin in the eye area
Fact: This just isn't the case. Tretinoin can be applied sparingly around the eyes with very little concern, and users have seen great improvement of wrinkles and fine lines in the eye area when using tretinoin. But because the skin around the eyes is thin and prone to dryness, tretinoin can be slightly irritating. To prevent irritation, avoid the eye area for the first couple weeks of using tretinoin to allow your skin time to adjust.

Source: A randomized, controlled comparative study of the wrinkle reduction benefits of a cosmetic niacinamide/peptide/retinyl propionate product regimen vs. a prescription 0.02% tretinoin product regimen (The British Journal of Dermatology - Mar, 2010)

Can Tretinoin be used if skin is irritated?


Fiction: If your skin gets irritated, you should stop using tretinoin immediately

Fact: It's important to be patient with any irritation you have when starting your tretinoin journey. A little bit of skin irritation is all part of the process, so don't worry if your skin becomes slightly dry, flaky, or red when you first introduce tretinoin into your skincare routine. However, if your skin is extremely uncomfortable and dry, speak to your dermatologist about switching to a lesser concentrated tretinoin dosage.

Does Tretinoin help before you get wrinkles?


Fiction: You don't need to use tretinoin until you have wrinkles

Fact: Dermatologists actually recommend adding an active ingredient such as tretinoin into your skincare routine once you hit 30 to prevent the visible signs of aging. Plus, even if you don't have wrinkles yet, tretinoin will help reduce the sun damage you may have gotten over the years and will prevent wrinkles and dark spots.

Does Tretinoin Help with Rosacea?


Fiction: Tretinoin will make your rosacea worse

Fact: It's not a good idea to use tretinoin in the midst of a rosacea outbreak. Otherwise, however, you shouldn't have any additional redness after the first couple weeks of use. And, in fact, studies have found that tretinoin might even be a treatment for rosacea.

Tretinoin: Facts vs Fiction Summary


For sensitive or damaged skin, incorporating tretinoin requires careful consideration. It's beneficial to start with a lower concentration, allowing the skin to adjust and minimize irritation. Employing a well-rounded skincare routine, including hydration and barrier repair, further supports skin health. Additionally, using tretinoin in conjunction with products designed to soothe and protect sensitive skin can enhance its benefits while minimizing potential drawbacks. This approach optimizes the therapeutic effects of tretinoin, improving texture, tone, and overall skin resilience.