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How To Use Tretinoin in Your Skincare Routine

We believe that transformative beauty rituals go beyond the surface level. They reach deep, resonating with the self and the skin, giving rise to a radiance that emanates from within. With a firm belief in the power of nature and science, we at Furtuna Skin meticulously craft skincare products designed to bring out your natural beauty. 

Today, we’ll delve into the world of tretinoin, a prescribed medication that has revolutionized the skincare industry. A potent force in the anti-aging realm, tretinoin is prescribed for everything from wrinkles to breakouts — but how can you use it in your skincare routine?

Tretinoin and Your Skincare Routine

Tretinoin, a vitamin A derivative, is a widely acclaimed anti-aging and acne treatment. Its prowess stems from its ability to communicate with our skin cells, stimulating cellular turnover to help minimize fine lines, breakouts, and dark spots.

Through its unique action, this topical retinoid encourages older skin cells on the surface to retire gracefully, making way for newer, healthier cells. This remarkable process can give the affected area a renewed, vibrant appearance, fading dark spots and reducing the signs of aging.

Tretinoin's influence extends beyond the surface, diving deep into the dermis to stimulate collagen production. By doing so, it helps the skin reclaim its plump, youthful firmness. 

The cream or gel versions of tretinoin can also help treat acne from its roots. Its role in preventing pimples, whiteheads, and related skin conditions is why dermatologists commonly prescribe this topical product.

Are Tretinoin and Accutane the Same?

The names tretinoin and Accutane, also called isotretinoin, may sound similar. Although these potent compounds are siblings in the retinoid family, they're not identical. 

Tretinoin, known by its brand name Retin-A, is a topical treatment primarily prescribed for acne and signs of aging. Its magic lies in its direct conversion to retinoic acid, the active form of vitamin A, when you apply it topically.

On the other hand, Accutane, a stronger derivative of vitamin A, is an oral medication prescribed by healthcare professionals for severe, often cystic, acne that hasn't responded to other treatments. It works systematically, reducing the size of the skin's oil glands, reducing the amount of oil produced, and slowing down cell turnover within pores, preventing clogging.

While they both combat skin conditions and are effective acne treatments, they have different potencies, uses, and side effects. Tretinoin is usually a part of a long-term skincare routine, while Accutane is often used as a short-term, last-resort treatment. 

It’s important to note that neither ingredient is available over the counter. To use a topical tretinoin cream or to take Accutane, you’ll need to see a dermatologist for medical advice and to get a prescription.

What Do You Need To Know To Use Tretinoin Safely?

Every powerful skincare treatment has its potential pitfalls, and tretinoin is no exception. Initial use of tretinoin may cause a "purging" phase where acne breakouts appear more frequently. But fear not — this is simply your skin acclimatizing to the new skincare regimen. It's a storm that often leads to a rainbow — in this case, clearer, smoother skin.

Dryness, redness, and peeling are also common side effects of tretinoin as your skin adjusts. For this reason, it’s important to be cautious about using other potent topical treatments, like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, alongside tretinoin, as they can further exacerbate skin irritation and dry skin.

It’s also important to make sure the rest of your skincare routine is designed to support your skin during your treatment. When building your supportive skincare routine, look for soothing, hydrating, and nourishing ingredients that can help keep your sensitive skin looking glowing and youthful after your treatments.

What Skincare Products Go Well With Tretinoin?

Using this powerful topical retinoid can yield quick and drastic results, but it can also contribute to redness, irritation, skin sensitivity, and photosensitivity. Because of this, if you’re using tretinoin as part of your evening routine, it’s generally a good idea to design your skincare routine to support your complexion as your skin adjusts to the new product.

Here are a few products you can use to support your skin during this process.

Non-Drying Cleanser

Before applying tretinoin, cleansing your skin is crucial. However, cleansers often contain potentially irritating ingredients like surfactants, as well as chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid and glycolic acid.

These ingredients can all exacerbate redness and dryness while you’re using tretinoin. Instead, you may want to look for a gentle cleanser that removes buildup while hydrating and nourishing your skin.

Our Cleansing Oil Balm does just this, gently purifying, clarifying, and balancing your skin. It doesn't strip or dry out the skin, but instead harnesses the ancient power of organic olive leaf water, organic olive oil, and olive squalane to provide a dual-phase cleanse that also imparts rich vitamins and antioxidants to your healing skin.

Soothing Moisturizer

For a skincare routine to be truly magical, the correct sequencing of steps is essential. One fundamental rule is to apply your moisturizing products after applying the suggested  pea-sized amount of tretinoin. This process can help hydrate the skin and seal moisture in as you prepare for an evening of gentle rejuvenation.

Our Nightly Renewal Cream is not your average moisturizer. Harnessing the regenerative powers of our Circadian Rhythm Complex and Triple Enzyme Technology, it works overtime during your slumber to counteract the appearance of wrinkles and provide a visibly rejuvenated look in the morning.

Our Triple Enzyme Technology, derived from green microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis and Chlorella vulgaris, is designed to support the skin’s healing process overnight. Its unique, marine-derived formula can encourage moisture and firmness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles for a more youthful, glowing complexion.

Finally, lock in all the goodness of your skincare routine with our award-winning Replenishing Balm. Powered by our organic, extra virgin olive oil and Wild-Foraged Replenishing Complex, this reparative balm is designed to rejuvenate stressed skin and seal in moisture.

Formulated with a potent blend of wild organic botanicals, including hawthorn, dandelion, and carrot, this balm can help revitalize the skin by supporting its natural moisture barrier and helping to even the complexion for a radiant glow.

Protective Sunscreen

Lastly, sun protection is vital in any skincare routine involving tretinoin. This retinoid increases your skin’s sensitivity to sun exposure, which can lead to sunburn, sun damage, and signs of premature aging. Applying sunscreen with a high SPF can help minimize these side effects. In particular, you may want to look for a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection.

In the world of skincare, tretinoin is a common superhero ingredient. But remember, even stars need the right supporting cast to shine their brightest. With the correct routine and the right products, the journey to radiant, youthful-looking skin can become not only easy, but deeply transformative.

Unveiling Your Skin’s True Radiance

We consider skincare to be a magical, luxurious journey rather than a destination. Harnessing the potency of tretinoin in your skincare routine, when done correctly, can help unlock the door to radiant, youthful skin. 

However, when using this powerful ingredient, it’s important to give your skin the proper nourishment so you can enjoy a youthful complexion without dryness or irritation. When you’re looking for products to support your skin during this process, look at Furtuna Skin. 

Our products are formulated with wild organic ingredients grown right here on our Sicilian farm. With Furtuna Skin, you can enjoy the nutrients that come from our regenerative soil right from the comfort of your own home. 

Sources:

Tretinoin | National Library of Medicine

Retinoids in the Treatment of Skin Aging: An Overview of Clinical Efficacy and Safety | National Library of Medicine

Isotretinoin | Medline Plus

Tretinoin (Topical Route) | Mayo Clinic

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