Tretinoin is a prescription-only medicine that can be bought from any pharmacy with a valid Australian prescription from a doctor or dermatologist.
However, prescription-strength Tretinoin typically delivers the quickest results, but it does require a prescription from a physician or dermatologist.
Retinoid. Retinoids are a family of chemical compounds that are all related to vitamin A. Retinol and Retin-A are types of retinoids. Most products specifically labeled 'retinoid' require a prescription from a dermatologist.
“Retinol typically refers to a category of ingredients that are available over the counter like retinyl palmitate, retinaldehyde and retinal — they'll usually be found in your serums and creams. Retinoids, for example tretinoin, are only available with a prescription from your doctor or dermatologist.”
The short answer is that over-the-counter retinol products are generally not as strong as prescription-grade retinoids. “Differin 0.3 (or adapalene), Tazorac (or tazarotene) and Retin-A (or tretinoin) are the most common prescription-strength retinoids,” says Dr. Sperling.
Tretinoin is available by prescription only in the UK. Traditionally, you had to get a prescription from a dermatologist or a doctor providing cosmetic skin services. Unlike roaccutane or adapalene, it is generally not available through the NHS. As such most people would need to see a private dermatologist or GP.
Unlike retinol and other over-the-counter versions of vitamin A, tretinoin is a prescription-only topical treatment. This means you can only purchase it if you have a script from a doctor or dermatologist who has properly assessed your skin and deemed its use appropriate.
Insurance coverage of a prescription retinoid, like Retin-A, varies by plan, and a 20-gram tube will cost about $75. But generic tretinoin costs about $40—not bad for a product guaranteed (by decades of science) to work. (For now, only tretinoin is available in a generic version.)
Because prescription retinoid creams are prescribed, this really is a decision that should be made by your doctor or dermatologist. But generally speaking, prescription retinoids are a proven and effective treatment for wrinkles, pigmentation, pores and acne, as well as improving skin clarity and luminosity.
The strongest of topical retinoids is tazarotene (also known as Tazorac), a retinoid that binds to both the beta and gamma retinoic acid receptors in the skin. It's used to address concerns such as acne, psoriasis, and photo damage of the skin.
Both retinoid and retinol are derivatives of vitamin A, just with slightly different molecular structures. Retinols have a molecular structure that causes it to convert more slowly. In short, all retinols are retinoids, but not all retinoids are retinol.
"Your dermatologist can provide prescription products like Retin-A or others aimed at your specific condition," he explains. "You'll get the best results and save both time and money."
Tazarotene (Common brand names: Tazorac®)
This is one of the strongest retinoids and is prescription-grade for a reason. It's so effective that it's more frequently used to treat psoriasis than acne or wrinkles.
Prescription strength retinoids
One of the most common forms of prescription retinoids is tretinoin, often known under the brand name Retin-A. Tretinoin is not available over the counter because it is far more powerful than any non-prescription retinol.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription. This product is available in the following dosage forms: Gel/Jelly.
“Retinol and retinoid esters are generally expensive to manufacture and even more expensive to stabilize in a skin-care product, hence their usual price point,” she says. Dr.
A 0.5-percent concentration is a good baseline.
For beginners, most dermatologists recommend a retinol with a concentration of 0.25 percent to one percent to see results. If your skin is not sensitive, you can usually tolerate something right in the middle; Dr.
But if you're wondering how to get tretinoin, you'll need a prescription from your healthcare provider. But getting a tretinoin prescription may be easier through telemedicine appointments with a provider. This is an online appointment where you talk to a provider about your concerns.
'1% retinol is equivalent to prescription tretinoin…. Also, to be clear, research has long confirmed that 1% retinol is absolutely equivalent to prescription retinoids (i.e. tretinoin)…
Begin in Your Mid-20s or Early 30s
“Your mid-twenties are a great time to start using retinol,” says Ellen Marmur, M.D. “Many patients who have used it for years swear by it.”
What's the Best Age to Start Using Retinol? Generally speaking, I recommend most people start using retinol in their mid to late-20s, anywhere from 25-30. This is when collagen and elastin production starts to slow down, so it's the perfect time to start reaping the preventative-aging benefits retinol has to offer.
If you have access to a dermatologist, they will likely be able to prescribe you tretinoin if you're a good candidate.
However, prescription-strength Tretinoin typically delivers the quickest results, but it does require a prescription from a physician or dermatologist.
Tretinoin is a valuable medication in treating mild, moderate, and severe acne that can be used topically or systemically. Tretinoin is also used systemically in the management of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Tretinoin is a vitamin A derivate in the retinoids class of medications.