Stimulates collagen production, improves skin texture, and reverses photoaging.
Why Tretinoin
In a 6-month trial of nearly 300 adults with sun-damaged skin, 79% using tretinoin showed overall skin improvement versus 48% with placebo.
Source: Olsen et al., "Tretinoin Emollient Cream: A New Therapy for Photodamaged Skin," Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (1992) & Stern, "Treatment of Photoaging," NEJM (2004)
The trial found tretinoin was effective at reducing fine wrinkles, uneven brown spots (mottled hyperpigmentation), and rough skin texture.
Source: Olsen et al., "Tretinoin Emollient Cream: A New Therapy for Photodamaged Skin," JAAD (1992) & Stern, "Treatment of Photoaging," NEJM (2004)
Across multiple similar trials, the rate of improvement with tretinoin was roughly double that of placebo.
Source: Olsen et al., "Tretinoin Emollient Cream: A New Therapy for Photodamaged Skin," JAAD (1992) & Stern, "Treatment of Photoaging," NEJM (2004)
Tretinoin mechanism of action
Tretinoin is the active form of vitamin A. When applied to the skin, it enters cells and activates receptors that influence how skin cells grow, divide, and mature. Over time, this can lead to faster cell turnover, increased collagen production, and smoother, more even-looking skin.
Step 1
When applied to the skin, tretinoin enters skin cells and activates genes involved in how skin cells grow, divide, and mature.
Step 2
That same signal prompts cells in the deeper layer of skin (fibroblasts) to produce more collagen — the protein responsible for firmness and resilience.
Step 3
Tretinoin speeds up the rate at which old skin cells shed, restoring a pace of turnover that naturally slows with age and sun exposure. Over weeks to months, skin texture can smooth out, tone typically becomes more even, and fine lines may become less visible. Improvement is gradual and builds with consistent use.
About Tretinoin
Tretinoin
A topical cream shown in large-scale studies to help rebuild collagen and strengthen skin.
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