Tretinoin
Tretinoin (brand names Retin-A, Avita, Renova) is a derivative of vitamin A and is the treatment of choice for comedonal acne, as well as whiteheads and blackheads. It works by increasing skin cell turnover, which promotes the extrusion of the plugged material in the follicle. It also prevents the formation of new comedones.
Tretinoin is the only topical medication that has been proven to improve the appearance of wrinkles.1
How Retin-A Works
The effect of increased skin cell turnover can be irritation and flaking. For this reason, many people stop using Retin-A after a couple of days or weeks—and then think that it didn’t work.
It is important to realize that Retin-A is very effective for whiteheads and blackheads, but it may take six to nine weeks to see a noticeable difference in acne. And it takes at least six months to see a noticeable difference in wrinkles. In fact, the best benefit is seen if Retin-A is used for at least a year.2