Is topical tretinoin a steroid? Is it safe to use long-term?

Question

I would like to move to a stronger retinol and want to use tretinoin (for aging skin/wrinkles). However, I was told that tretinoin is a steroid and should not be used long-term. I understood that it is a vitamin A derivative and is supposed to be used long-term for the best effects. I have not been able to find any information supporting that this is a steroid, and not suggested for long-term use so far. Can anyone chime in?

Gabriel Chiu, DO · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Tretinoin, RetinA or adapalene are retinoids and Vitamin A derivatives, not a steroid, and can be used long term. Retinol is an over the counter version of tretinoin, a prescription strength. If you are not having redness or peeling from your current cream, you are ready to move up to a stronger version.

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

Tretinoin is not a steroid and is safe for long term use. I have been using it myself for at least 25 years. I almost always use it with Obagi's ELASTIderm that converts some collagen to elastic tissue and frequently with their Nu-Derm System that treats all signs of skin aging to increase the effectiveness of the tretinoin. Make sure you see a physician who specializes in skin rejuvenation.

Is topical tretinoin a steroid? Is it safe to use long-term?

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