Do you need a prescription for retinol?

Dr. Patrick Mahar explains whether you can get a retinol prescription or not and how you can secure a prescription for prescription retinoids.

Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Patrick Mahar
Dermatologist

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What is retinol?

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that is commonly used in skincare products for its various benefits, including its ability to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and promote overall skin health. It is often used in anti-aging and acne-fighting skincare routines..

Do you need a prescription for retinol?

Retinol belongs to class of medications called retinoids. Many retinoids require a doctor’s prescription in order to be purchased, however you do not need a prescription to buy retinol, as it is sold over the counter.

What are prescription retinoids?

Prescription retinoids are topical vitamin A derivatives prescribed by dermatologists for different skin conditions such as skin anti-aging, acne, and psoriasis among others¹.

Retinoids are potent and effective ingredients that have a positive effect on different cellular processes, such as cell growth and differentiation². Although retinoids as a class have a similar mechanism of action, they each have different properties that make them unique.

Because of their strength, retinoids tend to be very effective but can also cause side effects if not used adequately.

How to get a prescription for retinoids?

An online dermatologist needs to evaluate your skin and make a proper diagnosis. To do this you need to have a virtual consultation which includes answering some questions, taking a couple of photos and waiting 48 hours or less to get your prescription. The price of the consultation is $59 and if retinoids are safe and an adequate treatment option for you, you will get your prescription.

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About prescription retinoids

Types of prescription retinoids

Tretinoin

Tretinoin (commercially known as Retin-A or Altreno), is one of the most widely used retinoids for acne and anti-aging. It helps manage several skin conditions by controlling skin cell growth and maturation. Essentially, tretinoin speeds up the replacement of old skin cells with new ones, helping to unclog pores, decrease inflammation, and enhance skin texture³.

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Adapalene

Adapalene (commercially known as Differin) is a third-generation retinoid developed to minimize the side effects of tretinoin⁴. It is believed to be as efficient as tretinoin against acne but less irritating and better tolerated than tretinoin^5 6 .

Tazarotene

Similar to tretinoin, tazarotene (commercially known as Fabior, Arazlo) is a topical retinoid also used to treat acne, photoaging, and psoriasis. Studies show that tretinoin and tazarotene are equally efficient at treating acne, hyperpigmentation, skin roughness, fine wrinkles and photoaging^{7 8 9}. However, tazarotene is much more expensive than tretinoin.

Trifarotene

Trifarotene (commercially known as Aklief) is the newest retinoid, and clinical trials show that it is efficient and well tolerated, in the treatment of acne; it delivers great results with fewer side effects¹⁰.

Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin (commercially known as Accutane) is an oral retinoid used to treat severe, resistant, nodular acne in wide areas of the body. It is used when a patient has not responded to other treatments. However, it is only used in extreme acne cases and it is highly controlled due to the serious side effects it may cause and its teratogen effects¹¹.

Acitretin

Acitretin is an oral retinoid, primarily used in the treatment of severe psoriasis and other keratinization disorders. Acitretin works by inhibiting excessive cell growth and the keratinization process that occurs in conditions such as psoriasis, effectively reducing scaling, thickness, and inflammation associated with these conditions. Its use is generally reserved for adults with very severe psoriasis who have not adequately responded to other types of therapy.

Types of retinoids

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What are prescription retinoids used for?

Anti-aging

Retinoids, such as tretinoin can reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing collagen production. They also can improve skin texture, reduce dark spots, and promote an even skin tone, making them a popular choice as anti-aging agents¹³.

Acne

Topical retinoids, like tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene, are commonly prescribed to treat acne. They work by unclogging hair follicles, reducing inflammation, and promoting the turnover of skin cells¹⁴.

Psoriasis

Tazarotene is a retinoid specifically approved for the treatment of psoriasis. It helps slow down the rapid growth and shedding of skin cells characteristic of this condition¹⁵.

Hyperpigmentation

Retinoids can help in the treatment of hyperpigmentation by accelerating cell turnover and promoting an even skin tone¹⁶.

Keratosis pilaris

While not a primary treatment, retinoids can sometimes be used to help manage this condition characterized by rough, bump-like patches on the skin¹⁷.

Benefits of retinoids

Although retinoids have a similar effect on the skin, it is important to understand that each retinoid has its own profile of efficacy, potential side effects, and indications.

While many benefits overlap, the intensity, additional benefits, and potential side-effects might differ. Always consult with your online dermatologist when considering retinoid treatments.

Here is a general overview of the benefits most retinoids share:

Anti-inflammatory effects: Most retinoids have anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective against conditions like acne
Stimulation of collagen production: Many retinoids stimulate collagen production, resulting in reduced wrinkles and improved skin texture
Cell renewal: The promotion of skin cell turnover is a characteristic benefit of retinoids, leading to fresher, younger-looking skin
Normalization of keratinization: Retinoids, in general, can help regulate the process of keratinization, particularly in conditions where this process is disrupted.
Pore size reduction: The increased cell turnover promoted by many retinoids can help in reducing the appearance of pores¹⁸.

Side effects of prescription retinoids

Even though retinoids are effective in addressing various skin concerns, they can cause some side effects if not used adequately. The most common side effect of retinoids is skin purging (although this is not a medical term) which includes the following symptoms:

Dryness
Skin redness
Skin irritation
Burning sensation
Peeling
Increased sensitivity to sun¹⁹

How to apply prescription retinoids?

If you have been prescribed a retinoid and you are wondering how to use it, you can read our patient guide on “How to use tretinoin” by expert dermatologist Dr. Alpana Mohta.

Although this guide was specifically written for the application of tretinoin, following these same steps for other retinoids may also help you get less skin irritation.