Introduction
Acne vulgaris, stretch marks, and the signs of aging on the skin are just some of the conditions that tretinoin can help treat. A member of a class of medications known as retinoids, tretinoin is a prescription medicine that is highly effective for treating a variety of skin conditions. It may even be used to treat skin cancer and leukemia.
Tretinoin Gels vs Creams
Doctors often prescribe tretinoin gel, which is a form of medication called a topical retinoid, to treat acne vulgaris. Topical retinoids work by clearing the pores of sebum and dead skin cells, which helps prevent and treat acne breakouts. Tretinoin cream is also used for the treatment of stretch marks, melasma (pregnancy marks), hyperpigmentation, and other skin conditions.
Tretinoin is available in gel, cream, or liquid forms that you apply to your skin. It’s often used as part of a treatment plan for acne vulgaris (acne) and other skin conditions that may benefit from the use of a mild exfoliant.
What do they do?
- Tretinoin, also known by its brand names Retin A moisturizer and Renova is a form of vitamin A. When applied to the skin as a topical treatment, tretinoin reduces inflammation by unclogging pores, peels affected skin, and breaks up melanin granules in the skin. Results include prevention against the formation of new acne, reduction of acne scarring, and minimization of fine lines and wrinkles.
- When used as a topical treatment, tretinoin reduces inflammation by unclogging pores and peeling the skin. It’s most commonly used to treat acne and acne scarring in patients over 12 years of age, although some studies have shown it to be a successful treatment for UV-damaged or wrinkled skin among people in their late 50s and 60s.
Difference between Tretinoin Gel and Cream
- The active ingredient of tretinoin is always the same, regardless of whether it comes in gel or cream form. However, the gel microsphere application of tretinoin, in which the active ingredient is contained in a porous reservoir, was created specifically to reduce irritation of treated skin; therefore, the gel may be less irritating than the cream.
- The primary difference between a tretinoin cream or gel is their vehicle or base. The cream is an emulsion of oil and water, whereas the gel is an oil-based product. With any retinoid product, including Retin-A and generic tretinoin, there are a few differences in a formulation that determine whether the active ingredient comes in a cream or gel base. For medications, the components of the vehicle may vary from product to product but decide largely if the active ingredient(s) will be more soluble in water or oil.
- The gel is a water-based formula, so it glides on easily and quickly. It also quickly absorbs into your skin and doesn’t leave a residue. You don’t need to wait for the gel to absorb into your skin after washing since it dries quickly.
- The gel and cream are essentially the same they both contain a form of tretinoin, which is the active ingredient in Retin-A. Tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative that has been in use as a topical acne medicine since the 1970s.
- The gel is better for oily skin since it dries more quickly and has a lighter feel on the skin. The cream is better for normal to dry skin types since it moisturizes throughout the day.
Your choice of tretinoin gel or cream will be based on several factors: skin type, the severity of the condition being treated, the concentration of tretinoin you need, and cost.
Effects of using both
The evidence for Retin-A products’ effectiveness is mixed. At best, the scientific data suggests tretinoin gel for wrinkles associated with sun damage and aging, reduce mottled areas of pigmentation and prompt a slight increase in the thickness and elasticity of your skin. In addition to tretinoin, other active ingredients in these products include hydroquinone, which may lighten and brighten skin; peptides, which may build collagen; or vitamin C, beta-carotene, and alpha-hydroxy acids that act as antioxidants.
Conclusion
Whether it’s in gel or cream form, tretinoin effectively improves the appearance and texture of skin by renewing and stimulating the growth of cells. And long-term benefits extend beyond appearance to include a marked improvement in skin health.
Most patients who follow a consistent tretinoin treatment regimen see the best results. Depending on your skin’s needs, it may be recommended by your dermatologist that you begin with the cream first, and then switch to tretinoin gel if necessary.
