Will tretinoin help my skin? (Photo)

Question

black, 28F. i've recently gotten a prescription for tretinoin, however i've had a dermatologist tell me these bumps on my skin are not acne and there pretty much wasn't anything else they could do. looking for alternatives or anything i should use in conjunction to tretinoin

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. Based on your concerns, I recommend treatments with a PICO laser and/or CO2 resurfacing lasers in area of concern to help break down the pigmentation and even out the skin tone/texture. I hope this helps and best of luck!

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

At least from the photos provided, the small deeply pigmented bumps appear to be Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra, a condition quite common in skin of color and are typically located around the upper cheeks and lower temples regions around the eyes.It is certainly not a new or rare condition, nor are its treatment. This is certainly not acne, and tretinoin will have little to no benefit.
I have personally been treating DPN with gratifying results for several decades using light electrocautery to flatten the bumps. You would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist. Be wary of any suggestions for the use of laser treatments or cryotherapy since these treatments, in particular, carry a risk for post-treatment dyspigmentation, particularly permanent loss of pigmentation ijn connection with cryotherapy. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Will tretinoin help my skin? (Photo)

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Will tretinoin help my skin? (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Retin-A

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.