Tretinoin krema lekarna

Customer question:

Can tretinoin cream be bought in a pharmacy? Anonymous customer's question

Pharmacist's answer:

Tretinoin is a prescription medicine in Slovenia. This means you need a general practitioner or dermatologist prescription to get the medicine in a pharmacy. The requirement for a prescription is due to possible side effects and the possibility of abuse.

While prescription tretinoin is used for therapeutic purposes, many cosmetic products contain retinol or other retinoids. These are weaker derivatives of tretinoin and can be found in various over-the-counter skin care products.

Tretinoin is classified as a category C drug, meaning its safety during pregnancy has not been well studied. It is crucial for pregnant and nursing mothers to consult a doctor before using tretinoin or other retinoids.

Can tretinoin be used as an anti-wrinkle treatment?

Yes, tretinoin is often used as an anti-wrinkle or anti-aging treatment. It is one of the few topical treatments scientifically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Tretinoin has been shown to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is a protein that provides structure and elasticity to the skin. With aging, collagen production decreases, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin.

Tretinoin also increases the rate of skin cell renewal. This means it helps the skin get rid of old, damaged cells faster and replace them with new ones. This process can make the skin smoother and more youthful. With consistent use, tretinoin can thicken the outer layer of the skin, giving the skin a more youthful appearance. Tretinoin can increase the skin's hyaluronic acid content, leading to improved skin hydration.

If you are considering tretinoin as an anti-wrinkle treatment, it is best to consult a dermatologist!

What is the difference between tretinoin and retinol?

Tretinoin and retinol are vitamin A derivatives widely used in skincare products, especially for antiaging and acne treatments. Although they have some similarities, they have apparent differences in power, mechanism of action, and availability.

Tretinoin is retinoic acid and is biologically active. When applied to the skin, it can immediately bind to the retinoid receptors and take effect. Due to its direct action, tretinoin is more muscular and often produces more noticeable results faster than retinol. Retinol is a precursor to retinoic acid. When applied to the skin, retinol must first be converted to retinaldehyde and then to retinoic acid to become active. This two-step conversion process makes retinol less potent than tretinoin.

Because of its potency, tretinoin can cause more pronounced side effects, including redness, flaking, dryness, and increased sensitivity to the sun. These side effects may be particularly noticeable when treatment is first started. Retinol is generally better tolerated and causes fewer side effects than tretinoin. However, some people may still experience mild irritation, especially when using higher concentrations or if they have sensitive skin.

Both tretinoin and retinol can increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun. Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is crucial when using products containing one of these ingredients.

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