How to use tretinoin, an anti-aging ointment that is effective enough to ruin dermatologistsDermatologist Kim Ji-young

What is tretinoin ointment?

Have you heard of tretinoin ointment? It's a powerful vitamin A formulation that's been dubbed the "ointment that ruins dermatology" for both acne and anti-aging.

However, it is important to know how to apply tretinoin ointment, as it can cause dermatitis if used incorrectly.

Standard Tretinoin Usage

First, let me tell you about the well-known and standard use of tretinoin.

If you look at the instructions for tretinoin, it says to wash your face with a mild cleanser before going to bed, and then apply an appropriate amount of tretinoin ointment to your face. However, the appropriate amount here refers to a dose of about 0.5 grams, which is squeezed about 1 cm above the finger. This standard dose is actually the result of a study on Europeans, so it may be too much for Far East Asians with sensitive skin, such as Korea.

If you don't have thick or sensitive skin, you can use the ointment as recommended. However, if you have sensitive skin or dermatitis, applying the medicine in this way can irritate your skin and make it red.

Therefore, from now on, we are going to tell you how to use tretinoin to reduce the side effects even more.

How to use tretinoin to reduce side effects

There are 4 ways to use tretinoin without side effects.

First, don't start by using it every day. The instructions for tretinoin recommend using it twice a day, but if you apply the ointment daily from the beginning, it can be irritating. Instead, it is best to apply it every 2~3 days. If you feel too hot or reddened the morning after application, you should stop using it for a week and allow your skin to recover.

Second, start by applying a dose about the size of a grain of rice. The recommended dose of tretinoin is originally 0.5 grams. However, as I said, applying a lot of tretinoin from the beginning can be overly irritating to the skin. It is recommended to start with a grain of rice with the goal of applying 0.5 grams and gradually increase it.

Third, apply with moisturizer. There are two ways to apply tretinoin with a moisturizer. One is to apply a moisturizer first followed by tretinoin ointment, and the other is to mix it with a moisturizer. I recommend mixing the two with a moisturizer. It's hard to apply a grain of rice to your entire face. You can mix a little tretinoin with your last moisturizing cream and apply it evenly over your entire face.

Fourth, start with a low concentration. There are four types of tretinoin ointment: 0.01%, 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1%. Of course, the higher the concentration is applied first, the faster the therapeutic effect will appear, comparable to that of a laser. This method is also known as high-speed retinoidation therapy. However, it can irritate the skin, so it's best to start with 0.025% and gradually increase the concentration.

Precautions for using tretinoin

Tretinoin ointment is sensitive to light, so it is recommended to use it at night rather than during the day. If you are going to use it in the morning, be sure to apply sunscreen.

Tretinoin should not be used by pregnant or lactating women, and if you are planning to become pregnant, you should stop using the drug.

Tretinoin works well, but it can take weeks or months for symptoms to improve, so you need to apply the right amount consistently. If you experience severe or persistent irritation during use, it is best to stop using the medicine and visit a hospital or pharmacy.