What are the side effects of Tretinoin?
Like other medications, applying tretinoin to treat acne can result in certain side effects. However, not everyone will experience the same side effects. Some effects are more severe and may lead to severe health complications.
- Peeling or redness on your skin [1]
- Your skin feels warm to the touch
- Strange dryness of your skin [2]
- Your skin turns to a lighter color at the spot where tretinoin was applied
- Burning or itching skin [3]
In most cases, it takes at least 12 weeks to start seeing the benefits of treating acne with tretinoin. It is important to visit your doctor or healthcare provider if you notice any signs of irritation on your skin. Your healthcare provider will check if your symptoms can be treated with OTC tretinoin.
Doctors advise pregnant or breastfeeding women to stay away from tretinoin. Reduce the amount of time you spend in the sun when you are using tretinoin. Since the drug increases your skin’s cell turnover [4] and reduces natural oil [5], it can make your skin very sensitive to the sun. According to experts, it is helpful to stay away from the sun for the first few weeks when you start using the drug because your skin is more sensitive to the sun and prone to burns during this period.
It would help to wear sunscreen whenever you are going outdoors. You can also check out other extra preventive measures, like wearing a hat with a brim. Stop applying the medication immediately if you notice any signs of allergic reaction or other severe side effects. Visit the hospital for appropriate treatment if you notice any serious signs.