What is Optimal Percentage of Tretinoin?

asked 1 year ago by melagiff in Houston, TX
Latest answer by Emily Altman, MD
Question viewed 825 times
Tags: percentage, tretinoin

I am 23 and I currently do not have any wrinkles, however I have been using Tretinoin for the past year for the prevention of wrinkles as I have read it is best to start early. I started with 0.025% and now I can use 0.05% daily with no adverse side effects (only very minimal peeling). Now that my skin has gotten used to this percentage, should I move up to the 0.1% to further enhance collagen building and prevention of aging? Or should I stay at 0.05%?

5 answers to What is Optimal Percentage of Tretinoin?

Retin A for sun damage and wrinkle prevention

The higher the dose the more effective is the Retin A, however the higher the dose the more side effects too, like irritation and dryness. Whatever increases you make, do it slowly. Introduce the new dose twice a week, while continuing the old dose the other days, and gradually increase the number of days with the new dose. Make sure you are using the Retin A at nighttime. Retin A makes your skin more sun sensitive, and it is also not stable in the sun light, so you are... more

Emily Altman, MD
Short Hills Dermatologic Surgeon

Retin A/Tretinoin strength to prevent wrinkles

The optimal strength of Tretinoin or Retin-A is usually what is best tolerated. If you can use the 0.05% with minimal to no irritation, you can try the 0.1%, but you will likely ultimately have similar results with either strength in the long run. If you develop any redness or peeling, you can use a moisturizer before, after, or mixed in with the product.

Alison Stallings, MD
Tarrytown Dermatologic Surgeon

Retin-A Treatment to Prevent Wrinkles

There is no dose of Retin-A proven through research studies to be best at preventing wrinkles. However, Retin-A has been shown to be effective in improving fine facial wrinkles as well as treating acne. This medication is a derivative of Vitamin A and comes in three strengths, 0.025%, 0.05% and 0.1%. I prescribe Retin-A once nightly using the cream at the highest concentration that does not cause side effects, such as dry or red skin. Use of sunscreen daily and avoidance... more

Temp Patterson, MD
Burley Facial Plastic Surgeon

Strength of tretinoin

Most of the time we push levels up to as high as can be tolerated without side effects. However, you are young and I think that 0.05% will serve you well if used over many years . That being said, there is no harm in trying 0.1%. If you do, do not use immediately after washing face. Make sure to use sunscreen every AM.

Jo Herzog, MD
Birmingham Dermatologist

Use of Tretinoin or Retin-A

As you have noted Tretinoin or Retin-A comes in various strengths (0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1%). Depending on the sensitivity or delicacy of the skin and the depth of the wrinkles to be treated, the strength of Tretinoin or Retin-A can be adjusted to achieve the maximum benefit with the least amount of side effects (redness, dryness, flaking). One can also vary how often the Tretinoin is applied from everyday to once every other day or less frequently. In most cases, I... more

Vincent D. Lepore, MD
San Jose Plastic Surgeon

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