Prescription Tretinoin: The Complete Beginner's Guide
11 August 2026 11 min read 536 views 0
Tretinoin is pure retinoic acid and the most evidence-backed topical treatment for acne and photoageing, but it needs a slow, prescribed approach.
Key takeaways
- Tretinoin is active retinoic acid itself, needing no conversion, making it stronger and faster-acting than retinol or retinaldehyde.
- It requires a prescription in South Africa and typically starts at 0.025 percent, increasing gradually over months.
- A purging phase of dryness and flaking is common and expected in the first several weeks.
- Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential throughout treatment due to increased photosensitivity.
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