Tretinoin over the counter (OTC): Can you get it?
Do you want to know if tretinoin, a popular acne treatment medication, is available over the counter (OTC)? Keep reading to find out the steps you need to take in order to get it.
Table of Content:
Can you get tretinoin over-the-counter? | How to get tretinoin? | How to get a tretinoin prescription? | Benefits | Brand names | How to apply it? | Alternatives | FAQs
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You probably have heard a lot about tretinoin as it is one of the most sought-after ingredients in dermatology due to its many benefits. But, can you get tretinoin over the counter (OTC) or does it require a prescription from a healthcare provider?
In this article, we will explore the availability of tretinoin, including whether or not it can be purchased without a prescription, and where and how you can get it.
Can you get tretinoin over the counter (OTC)?
Unfortunately, not. You cannot buy tretinoin creams and gels over the counter. Tretinoin can only be purchased with a doctor’s prescription.
Where to buy tretinoin cream over the counter?
Tretinoin is a prescription retinoid medication and it is not advisable to try to find a place where to buy it over the counter. Tretinoin should only be used under medical supervision, here is why:
- Although there is information available online on How to use tretinoin? Only a dermatologist can provide you with precise instructions for your specific needs and skin problems
- Some individuals, such as pregnant or nursing women and children under 12 years of age, might need to avoid tretinoin due to potential risks. A dermatologist can assess your medical history and recommend appropriate alternatives.
- Tretinoin can cause significant skin irritation, and only a dermatologist can guide you on how to introduce tretinoin gradually to minimize these side effects.
- Tretinoin might interact with other skincare products or medications you are using. A dermatologist can help you develop a comprehensive skincare routine and ensure there are no potential conflicts.
How to get tretinoin online?
You cannot get tretinoin online without a doctor’s prescription, but what you can do instead is get a virtual consultation and if your provider thinks it’s suitable for you, they will write the prescription for you and you can buy tretinoin online or from a local pharmacy.
Request a prescription for tretinoin!
How to get tretinoin then?
To get a tretinoin you need a prescription from a healthcare provider. To do this you can request a prescription by having a photo-based dermatology consultation with an online dermatologist which only costs $59. You will get an answer and your prescription (if adequate and safe for you) in 1-2 work days.
How to get a tretinoin prescription?/ How to get prescribed tretinoin?
Getting a tretinoin prescription is fairly simple via Miiskin. You just need to have a quick virtual consultation with an online dermatologist and pay a flat rate of $59. Your dermatologist will send you an e-prescription and you can buy it at a local pharmacy.
Do you want to know more about tretinoin?
What is tretinoin?
Tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative from the family of topical retinoids, and a popular medication used to treat acne, fine lines, wrinkles, and other skin conditions1.
Tretinoin (also known as retinoic acid) is more potent than retinol, as retinoic acid acts directly on the skin, boosting cell renewal, turnover, and DNA damage repair2.
Multiple studies show that tretinoin is very efficient in the treatment of sun damage (photoaging), smoothens out wrinkles, evens skin tone, and makes the skin look firmer by increasing collagen production3.
Benefits of Tretinoin
- Promotes a healthy flow of sebum
- Unclogs pores and reduces acne breakouts
- Smoothes skin
- Minimizes pores by getting rid of dead skin cells
- Improves the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by promoting cellular turnover
- Lightens dark spots
- Smooths hard skin patches 4
Brand names of tretinoin
- Altreno (new tretinoin)
- Atralin
- Avita
- Refissa
- Renova
- Retin-A
- Retin-A Micro
- Tretin-X
FAQ about tretinoin
Does tretinoin come in different strengths?
Yes, tretinoin comes in a wide variety of strengths ranging from 0.01% to 0.1%.
Ready to include a specific tretinoin strength in your skincare routine? Begin here: Tretinoin cream 0.025% | Tretinoin cream 0.05% | Tretinoin cream 0.1%.
Are there any best practices on how to use tretinoin?
Yes, you can follow some easy steps on how to properly use tretinoin and reduce irritation.
How to deal with the side-effects of tretinoin?
Tretinoin may cause unwanted side effects including redness, irritation, burning or stinging, click on the link to learn more about the so-called tretinoin purge.
Is it true I use tretinoin for anti-aging?
Yes, tretinoin can also be used for the reduction of fine and wrinkles, photoaging and hyperpigmentation.
What are some tretinoin alternatives?
Topical retinoids such as tazarotene and trifarotene can be used as an alternative to tretinoin, however just like tretinoin, these medications are only sold with a doctor’s prescription. Adapalene can be sold with or without prescription depending on the product’s concentration.
Altreno (new tretinoin)
Altreno is a new and improved tretinoin product available in the market that also includes hyaluronic acid, collagen and glycerin which is considerably less irritating than the original formulation.
Adapalene:
Adapalene (also known as Differin gel) is a third-generation retinoid that can be bought with a prescription or as an over-the-counter treatment depending on its strength. Adapalene was developed to minimize the side effects that Tretinoin causes7.
Adapalene is believed to be as efficient as tretinoin against acne but less irritating and, therefore, better tolerated than Tretinoin8 9 .
Tazarotene
Tazarotene (also known as Arazlo or Fabior) is a topical prescription medication 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 10 11 12. However, tazarotene is a bit more expensive in the U.S. than tretinoin.
Trifarotene
Trifarotene (also known as Aklief) is a fourth generation retinoid, and clinical trials show that it s efficient, well tolerated, and safe in the treatment of acne vulgaris; it has demonstrated great results with mild side effects13.
Request a prescription for tretinoin
The takeaway
Tretinoin is not available over the counter in most countries, including the United States. It is a topical prescription medication used to treat acne, anti aging, and other skin conditions.
Tretinoin is a potent medication that should be used under medical supervision and it is important to exercise caution when using it. If you are interested in using tretinoin, click on the “Request Consultation” so a medical professional can determine whether tretinoin is right for you.
PATIENT EDUCATION
All about tretinoin
Read these articles to learn more about this popular acne and anti-aging medication!
Article References:
1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2699641/
2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2699641/
3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2699641/
4 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2699641/
5 https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/517/fetal-retinoid-syndrome
6 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26897386/
7 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482509/
8 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11843231/
9 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482509/
10 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557478/
11 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10898831/
12 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/478614
13 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7996910/