Tretinoin: The Secret Anti-Aging Ingredient by Musely Editors Tretinoin: The Secret Anti-Aging IngredientMeet the secret anti-aging ingredient: Tretinoin!  . Heard the buzz about tretinoin? With over 296 million views on TikTok, and Google searches more than doubling in just one year, it’s clear this age-reversing ingredient is having a viral moment. But is it worth the hype? Dermatologists agree - YES! According to Board-Certified Dermatologist, Dr. Brandon Kirsch, "Tretinoin is the most studied, proven and popular prescription treatment for reversing the structural changes associated with aging skin and slowing the aging process."We’re here to answer your most burning questions about this anti-aging, acne-fighting powerhouse, and tell you how to get your hands on it. HINT: You can get it online here!What is Tretinoin?Part of the retinoid family and often sold under many different brand names, tretinoin is the generic name for synthetic vitamin A. Retinoids are available in varying strengths, and can offer skin benefits such as unclogging pores, alleviating inflammation, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and increasing cell turnover. Tretinoin was the first retinoid on the market, according to Harvard Health. Initially, it was used to treat acne, but patients using tretinoin daily also reported general improvement in their skin aside from acne. Studies found that tretinoin also visibly improved fine lines and wrinkles on skin that had been damaged by UV rays (aka - sun damage)! In the 1990s, tretinoin started being used as an anti-aging treatment and since then, it has become known. as a “gold standard” skincare ingredient.Retinol vs. TretinoinWhile retinol and tretinoin are both part of the Retinoid family, they are differentiated by their strength. Simply put, tretinoin is 20 times more potent than retinol, allowing it to act faster and provide more dramatic results than its less potent cousin. You have likely seen or heard of retinol, since it can be purchased over-the-counter at most major drug stores. Perhaps you’ve even tried OTC retinol products but didn’t feel like they made much of a difference in your skin. It’s likely because these products contain just trace amounts of retinol, since companies are not required by the FDA to provide the exact percentage. The truth is, many over-the-counter skincare products are essentially glorified moisturizers. But still, according to a 2021 survey, the average American spends more than $320 per year on skincare products, and more than $15,000 in their lifetime. Rather than splurge on diluted retinol products, you should instead opt for tretinoin - the more effective member of the retinoid family (and the only ingredient FDA-approved to reduce signs of aging). . How Does Tretinoin Work?Tretinoin works by increasing skin turnover. This means your skin cells will divide and regenerate more rapidly to reveal newer, healthier and smoother skin beneath, while also reducing the appearance of skin discoloration. Tretinoin can boost collagen production and elastin, which leads to a more youthful appearance of smoother, tighter skin. Because tretinoin encourages skin regeneration, it’s normal to experience peeling and redness during early use.Tretinoin can also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it’s important to avoid excessive sun exposure while using this ingredient. Learn more about the do’s and don’ts of tretinoin use.  . How Can I Get Tretinoin?The only way to get your hands on this age-reversing ingredient is with a prescription. We know what you’re thinking…getting a prescription typically means you have to jump through hoop after hoop even before you can collect your medication from the pharmacy. But Musely makes a tretinoin prescription easy by eliminating the doctor visits and pharmacy lines! With a quick 3-minute online questionnaire (like the one you would fill out at the dermatologist’s office) and a couple of photos of your skin, you’ll be well on your way to more youthful, radiant skin. Your responses are immediately sent off to our team of Board-Certified Dermatologists who will examine your medical history and your skin concerns to create a personalized treatment plan complete with a coveted tretinoin prescription. The prescription is then transmitted to one of Musely’s partner pharmacies, where your medication is freshly compounded and shipped out within 24 hours. And there you’ll have it - your own personalized tretinoin treatment delivered straight to your door. With every treatment, you’ll also receive a 60-Day Consultation Period with your prescribing dermatologist and access to the first skincare tracking app designed to guide your skincare journey. You’ll have your own personal care provider, right at your fingertips!  . The Anti-Aging Night Cream: Not Your Average Tretinoin CreamStill on the fence? In contrast to the generic tretinoin cream you’d be prescribed at your dermatologist’s office, The Anti-Aging Night Cream from Musely combines tretinoin with other gold-standard ingredients to maximize your results and reduce side effects. In order to combat the irritation and flaking that is common in the early stages of tretinoin use, we’ve added soothing and hydrating ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to make your skin softer, smoother, and more radiant. You won't get these perks with a general tretinoin prescription. Many people also don't realize that all skincare products have a short shelf life. The factory-made medications typically prescribed by your doctor and picked up at the pharmacy were likely packaged 9 (or more) months ago, and therefore are largely oxidized and less effective by the time they get to you. Instead, we freshly compound our medications, meaning the ingredients are combined to create a custom medication tailored to your needs, just days before you receive it in the mail.We believe there is nothing more personal than your skin, and there is no “one size fits all” solution for skincare. This is why we have specially formulated over 80+ prescriptions and treatments that are custom selected by your dermatologist depending on your individual skin concerns. Our Board-Certified dermatologists work with you to create a treatment plan and will prescribe long-term, medical solutions starting at just $1 per day. Musely allows you to access the luxury and ease of prescription skincare - with the perk of a lower price. With more than 350,000 loyal customers, there’s no denying that #MuselyWorks.  .