Dermatologist Dr. Dray explains the many evidence-based uses of topical tretinoin beyond acne and anti-aging. While tretinoin is best known for treating breakouts and reducing wrinkles, this powerful vitamin A derivative has a wide range of dermatologic applications supported by clinical research.
In this video, Dr. Dray breaks down how tretinoin works at the cellular level and how it can be used to improve hyperpigmentation, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, scarring, stretch marks, and even certain types of hair loss. She also reviews its role in treating conditions like acanthosis nigricans, keratosis pilaris, flat warts, and actinic keratoses.
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro
0:41 What tretinoin does in the skin
1:23 Hyperpigmentation, melasma, and dark spots
2:30 Acanthosis nigricans
4:05 Stretch marks
4:50 Scarring and wound healing
5:35 Hair loss and minoxidil synergy
7:47 Warts and keratinization disorders
9:00 Chronic wound healing
9:40 Actinic keratoses and precancerous lesions
11:11 Pre-treatment for procedures
12:07 Safety and how to use tretinoin
16:20 Bottom line
16:54 Outro
Key topics covered
Tretinoin for hyperpigmentation and melasma
Tretinoin for acne scars and stretch marks
Tretinoin for hair loss and minoxidil effectiveness
Tretinoin for acanthosis nigricans and dark neck
Tretinoin for keratosis pilaris and warts
Tretinoin for actinic keratoses and sun damage
How to use tretinoin safely and minimize irritation
Tretinoin, also known as all-trans retinoic acid, works by increasing skin cell turnover, stimulating collagen production, reducing pigmentation, and regulating inflammation. Because of these effects, it can be incorporated into treatment plans for a variety of skin concerns beyond wrinkles and acne.
Dr. Dray also discusses how to use tretinoin safely, including tips to reduce irritation such as starting slowly, moisturizing, and wearing sunscreen daily.
As always, treatment should be individualized, and it is important to consult with a board-certified dermatologist to determine if tretinoin is appropriate for specific skin concerns.
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Hi guys,
Tretinoin is one of the most well-studied ingredients in dermatology, but it is often thought of as only an acne or anti-aging treatment. As you can see, it actually has a wide range of uses because of how it works at the cellular level.
From improving pigmentation and supporting collagen production to playing a role in certain types of hair loss and scarring, it is a very versatile ingredient. That said, not every use is appropriate for everyone, and more is not always better.
If you are new to tretinoin, start slowly, use a good moisturizer, and be consistent. And of course, daily sunscreen is essential.
I would love to hear from you. What are you using tretinoin for, and has it helped your skin?
Thanks for watching and I will talk to you guys tomorrow. Bye.
I started with adapalene for 5 years..I developed melasma, bummer, lol and my dr. Prescribed tretinoin for that now..I started at .5 1 1/2 years ago and 4ish months ago I went up to .1 . It is making my skin tighter I beleive , idk how much it has faded my melasma cause it was lighter b4 tretinoin but I think a bit it has faded..they upped me to .1 to see if it helps fade it more. Overall I am happy with it and I focus it around my lip lines, I see an improvement there. Also I use it on my neck and back of my hands idk about my hands , but my neck seems tighter..age 56 and I beleive my use of adapalene and tretinoin helps me look younger than my age, but also I take general good care of my sk8n by moisturizing wearing spf 50 sunscreen, washing my face well and using non scented products on my skin 2 times a month i use the Ordinary bha exfoliator for 7 minutes..I have some snail mucin ..I occasionally remember to use it on my marionette lines n under eyes..idk how effective it will be but heard about it..but I do not use vitamin c, and a bunch of other things my beleif is with retinol or retinoid there is no reason to.
I’m on Tazarotene I upgraded a few months ago please do a video on Tazarotene. Pretty please with a cherry on top 🍒
Thanks for the helpful info! When it comes to using tretinoin before a cosmetic procedure like laser do you have to discontinue use before and after to avoid irritation or burns?
I’m not yet on tretinoin. My derm has me on Alpharet, expensive but i have PIH and it’s much less reactive. I’ve been using for 3 months and just now testing out doing consecutive days. Hope to be able to transition to tretinoin because of the scientific backing and the cost is much more affordable. @DrDrayzDay is tretinoin good for skin with PIH, even starting out slow?
Thank you Dr. Dray! I’m 58 and have been using tretinoin on and off for probably at least 7 years. I’ve never had any issues of redness or dryness but I do have to say that I’m one of those people that still does like a 10 step skincare routine every night. I can put on the Paula’s Choice BHA toner and Trey at the same time with no burning or irritation. I’m using the .1% tretinoin. I have seen remarkable results in the pores of my skin, the elasticity, the clearness, the melasma is pretty much all gone and wrinkles are definitely diminished a ton. I use it on my face, neck and the back of my hands. It has changed my hands tremendously. People freak out when I tell them my age.! I do have a question though… is there such a thing as using too many products in conjunction with tretinoin? Like I use a lot of peptides, growth factors, milky toners etc. just wondering. Thank you for all of your professional information!!
I love tretinoin, been using it for 15 plus years….I’m 56 and you’d never know it. LOL. Always sunscreen too.
Do u reapply sunscreen in every 2 hours while staying at home?
The truth!
Sunscreen is poison. Ur pale. U need vitamin d
Karen u don’t even go outside
Reduces hyperpigmentation? I can order it from India for cheap.
I’m 56 almost 57. Started tretinoin 5 months ago. Up to .05 strength every night. My skin has already been transformed. Tighter, smoother, more even skin tone.
I can relate. I started using Tret about a month ago. Apply it only twice a week using the sandwich method and Oh My my skin has changed.
I love how my skin looks when I wear makeup, so smooth and bright.
I would love to do an extra day but so afraid bc Im so sensitive and rather play it on the safe side sticking with 2 days.
But yea all in all I am now a Tret fan hahah.
@rosygomez2752you can go to 3 days a week for 2-3 weeks and then try 4 days a week for 2-3 weeks. This is how I’m doing it. I start 3 days a week next week.
That’s encouraging! I just started I’m 54! It’s nice to know it’s not too late lol
@nursemehpatience is the key. It takes a while but it’s worth it.
Use cream pie on your face for soft skin.
Tretinoin for the past 30 years. Best decision ever in my life! 😊😊😊
30 yrs ? OMG ! Plse share your experience.
Im 53 and just started using Tret a month ago.
Yesss show us your results please!!!
Me to. 30 plus. I will never give it up. I just turned 70 years old and have no wrinkles,no lines and my skin is as firm as a 30 year old. Best anti aging ever.
How old are u 😮
@rosygomez2752I started at 16 for acne control. Now I use a very low % because I’m perimenopausal and my skin is more sensitive than it used to be. My main tip is do not overdo it, less is more in terms of tret, low %, very thin layer, start with 2x a week. Good luck!
I have been microneedling the backs of my hands and also using tret on them not at same time but it has transformed my hands they looked so old and wrinkly i was embarrassed now i cant stop looking at them its amazing what it has done i could not be happier.
I have yet to mn my hands but it’s time. People tell me I still look good but once they look at my hands my age is very visible.
I never thought of this. You probably just saved my hands. You’re a comment angel.
Microneedling the backs of the hands? Ouch!!!
What % tret do you use on hand?
What kind do you have? I’m
Looking at the Qure
Started using retinA as a young adult for acne. It definitely has delayed aging. Im 64.
I’m 63 and have been using tretinoin for 3 years now, and religiously applying sunscreen. Late skincare bloomer lol. I get so many compliments on my skin for my age 😊
U don’t even go outside
I started at 62. I say never too late!
Tretinoin is my best friend lol. Every now and then I’ll forget to reapply or not have a chance to put on sunscreen and the hyperpigmentation almost shows up immediately. Tretinioin makes it go away FAST, like a week or so. Nothing has ever worked that fast to reduce hyperpigmentation. My skin is just so so soooo happy when I’m consistent with tretinoin use.
I have no wrinkles smooth skin. I’ve been applying tretinoin for 25 years. I’m 50 now
🔑
Do you apply near eyes to avoid wrinkles the stem from the eyelids?
@cloudlight10 Please don’t apply tretinoin near the eyes.
Me too
My mom is 74. She started usinf tretinoin a few months ago and noticed new hair growth around her temples and widow’s peak. This was an accidental and welcome side effect that finally convinced her to be consistent.
How do you apply it to the scalp?
How about chin? lol
Tretinoin for me is like windex to the dad in My Big Fat Greek Wedding ❤
Lol
Tretinoin works wonders. ❤️
I just want to bathe in tretinoin lol
Sunscreen, Tretinoin, vitamin C and moisturizer used religiously will transform the skin.
Try cupper peptide serum. It compounds pretty well with what you already use
Hydroquoinone, ha, aha, squalene, niacinamide.
Lactic acid will as well.
@PixelPhobiaccan you use it with Tret?
dont use vitamin c, use niacynamide
I’m 71 and I’ve used prescription tretinoin every night for 7 years. I apply it every night from my forehead to the base of my chest, and from my fingertips to my elbows, and I am extremely happy with my 71 year old skin. I’m uninterested in looking younger, I’m only invested in looking like a 71 year old who makes an effort! I highly recommend tretinoin use.
Wow you must go through a tube very quickly. Fingertips to elbows? Wow.
bomboclatt every night ah hell nah 2x per week is good enough you are just begging for iritation
❤
@Aas@Aasmrrrelax1’ve been doing this every night for 7 years and I have no irritation. In the first 3-4 months I peeled, but that was over 6 1/2 years ago. Trust me, I’m fine, I wouldn’t do it if I weren’t.
You put it on your neck?
Dr. Sam Ellis stated in a recent video that studies have shown that 0.025% is all you need for anti-aging benefits.
this is what i’ve been using since I was maybe 27. I’m 29 now, I hope it pays off in 20-30 years.
I was on .025 for three years. Bumped up to .05 for almost a year. Wasn’t happy with it so am sticking to .025. My skin just wasn’t looking bright after I upped the strength.
I read that 0.025% gel is the equivalent of a higher strength cream due to better absorption or something.
@me-zb7qmIT WILL!!!
I’ve been using tretinoin for 35 years, I’m now 65.
Also UPF clothing, hats, neck gaiter, gloves.
Best thing I ever did for my skin health and beauty.
I love the way my skin looks.
Hey! I’m kinda your clone lol!
I’m 36 and started using retinol in 2022 and worked up to Tret and now Taz 0.1%
Definitely the best skin decision ever! Hope to follow your lead the next 30 years!
Tretinoin outperforms the S&P 500.
😮🔑🔔🔔
😭
But the DOW! 😂
😂😂😂
This is genius. Lmaoooo
Have been using 0.1% (full strength)) Tretinoin since 1980 every day. I’m 78 now and my skin is “flawless” as one dermatologist told me. Best decision I ever made. No Rx needed….. buy abroad.
😅 true!
Best method of buying abroad? Got a website name?
I order abroad as well along with generic Latisse for my thinning lashes and brows.
@lisakennedy9552you guys wanna share what website/company?
What method do you use to order abroad? I’d do it but I’m wary of being ripped off 😅
I’m almost 73. I’ve used tretinoin for 18 years. People think I’m in my 50s. I’ve always taken care of my skin, but I try to never go one evening without applying my tretinoin. When I remember, I also apply it on my creapy left arm because of the sun damage it received from years of morning traffic.