Tretinoin topical

Tretinoin is a type of retinoid medication commonly used topically to treat signs of acne and/or photoaging. It can also be taken orally for moderate to severe cystic acne and acute promyelocytic leukemia, among other conditions. As a topical, it’s sold as generic tretinoin or under the brand name Retin-A^®.

There is limited research on the off-label use of topical tretinoin for hair loss. Some small studies suggest that combining tretinoin with topical minoxidil boosts the effectiveness of minoxidil, particularly in people who don’t see promising results from using minoxidil alone. The theory is that this combination promotes hair regrowth because the tretinoin enhances the absorption of the minoxidil. 

Limited evidence supports the use of tretinoin as a standalone treatment for hair loss. Overall, more high-quality research is needed to better understand tretinoin’s potential role in treating hair loss.

On a related note, hair loss is a known side effect of oral tretinoin, although this effect is not associated with topical use of tretinoin.

Tretinoin topical has many different types and names. The information below is about Retin-A Micro^®.

Retin-A Micro (tretinoin) is indicated:

• For topical treatment of acne vulgaris

Retinoid

Most common adverse reactions are:

• Skin pain

• Itchiness

• Skin irritation/Subcutaneous irritation

• Inflammation of the throat

• Redness

The cost of generic tretinoin or brand-name Retin-A varies depending on the strength of the product, where you buy it, and your health insurance coverage. Without insurance, the average retail price of tretinoin cream is about $120 per 45-gram tube, but many pharmacy coupons are available to bring down the price as low as $35. The average retail price of Retin-A is about $95 for the same quantity, but coupons may bring down the price as low as about $31. Insurance may cover some or all of this cost, depending on your plan.

You can get a prescription for tretinoin after being evaluated by a healthcare provider if they decide the medication is right for you and your condition.

• Retin-A Micro should not be used on eczematous or sunburned skin due to potential for severe irritation

• Avoid unprotected exposure to sunlight including sunlamps (UV light), when using Retin-A Micro due to potential for increased photosensitization. Use sunscreen of at least SPF 15 and protective clothing during exposure

• Avoid use of Retin-A Micro with weather extremes, such as wind or cold due to potential for increased irritation

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Retin-A Micro should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant and nursing women

There are other treatments available to help manage acne, treat signs of photoaging, or deal with hair loss. Some treatments may be better suited to you than others. If you’re interested in an alternative to tretinoin, consider connecting with a healthcare provider to help you evaluate your options. 

Other treatments for acne include:

• Other topical retinoids, including over-the-counter Differin^® (adapalene) and prescription Aklief^® (trifarotene) and Tazorac^® (tazarotene)

• Other topical medications:

  • Azelaic acid 

  • Benzoyl peroxide

  • Salicylic acid 

  • Topical antibiotics

  • Combination medications

  • Winlevi^® (clascoterone)

• Oral medications:

  • Aldactone^® (spironolactone)

  • Antibiotics

  • Birth control pills

  • Isotretinoin

• Acne extraction surgery 

• Corticosteroid injections

• Chemical peels

• Laser or light treatments

Other treatments for photoaging include:

• Other topical retinoids, including prescription Aklief^® (trifarotene) and Tazorac^® (tazarotene)

• Botox^® (botulinum toxin)

• Chemical peels

• Dermabrasion

• Fillers

• Intense pulsed light therapy

• Laser skin resurfacing 

Other hair loss interventions include:

• Biotin and other hair-supportive supplements

• Hair transplant surgery

• Low-level light therapy

• Microneedling

• Oral medications such as finasteride and minoxidil (prescribed off-label at the discretion of a healthcare provider)

• Platelet-rich plasma therapy for hair loss

• Scalp micropigmentation

• Topical products including finasteride, minoxidil, and combination products (prescribed at the discretion of a healthcare provider)

• Targeted hair-care products containing ketoconazole and/or saw palmetto, such as Hims’ thickening shampoo

*This information is from the label for brand name Retin-A Micro^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Tretinoin, the active ingredient in Retin-A Micro, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient tretinoin.