Get a tretinoin (Retin-A) prescription online

Board-certified dermatologists
Affordable expert care
Free choice of pharmacy (tube vs compounded)
No expensive medication subscriptions

Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Carolina Fernandez
Dermatologist

What is tretinoin?

Tretinoin (also known by its brand names Retin-A, Renova or Tretin-X) is a topical prescription medication widely used by dermatologists to treat acne, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and sun damage¹.

Tretinoin works by accelerating the lifecycle of skin cells and boosting new collagen formation. It belongs to a family of synthetic and natural compounds called retinoids that are derived from Vitamin A².

What is tretinoin cream or gel used for?

Tretinoin is approved by the FDA for the treatment of:

Acne and acne scars

Facial wrinkles

Skin roughness

Hyperpigmentation³

Brand names of tretinoin gels or creams

Altreno
Atralin
Avita
Retin – A

Refissa
Renova
Tretin – X
Retin – A micro

Benefits of Tretinoin

Faster regeneration of sun-damaged skin cells

Reduces the appearance of wrinkles

Improves skin texture

Reduces the appearance of dark spots⁹

It inhibits the formation of comedones¹⁰

Has anti-inflammatory effects¹¹¹²

How to get tretinoin (Retin-A) online?

Do you need a prescription to buy tretinoin (Retin-A)?

Yes, you definitely need a prescription to purchase tretinoin. To get a prescription, you need to have a virtual or in-person consultation with a licensed healthcare provider (Dermatologist is recommended).

How to get a tretinoin (Retin-A) prescription online?

To get an online tretinoin prescription, you can have a consultation with a dermatologist through Miiskin. If it’s medically appropriate for you, they will send a digital prescription to your preferred local or online pharmacy and you can then buy your tretinoin right away at an affordable price.

What is the price for an online consultation to get a Retin-A prescription?

To request or renew a tretinoin online prescription, there is a consultation fee starting at $39 for returning patients requiring a renewal and $59 for new patients. The medications are not included. To get affordable tretinoin online or in a physical pharmacy, request a prescription for generic medications from your dermatologist.

Miiskin	Medication Subscriptions	Other Online Derm Services
Dermatologists Meet them →	Nurses PA’s Primary Care	Dermatologists
Local or online pharmacy	Platform online pharmacy	Local or online pharmacy
Consult: $59-$69	Consult: $20-$70	Consult: $75-$150
6-mo Tretinoin Tubes: $40-$50*	6-mo Tretinoin Subscription: $120-$180	6-mo Tretinoin Tubes: $40-$50*
6-mo costs: $99-$119	6-mo costs: $140-$220	6-mo costs: $115-$200

* A first-time tretinoin prescription from a dermatologist typically lasts 3–6 months, giving your dermatologist the chance to monitor your skin’s progress and make any needed adjustments. Prescriptions are provided only if medically appropriate, so you’ll know it’s tailored just for you! Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions for the best results. Prices, as of 07.11.2024, can vary by pharmacy, coupon usage, and application amount. Follow-ups ($25–$39) may be recommended to check in on your progress and renew or adjust any prescriptions.

Get a tretinoin (Retin-A) prescription via Miiskin

Select “Start consultation” to sign up.
Fill out the consultation form and take photos of your skin.
An independent dermatologist will prescribe tretinoin to you, if medically appropriate.
Buy tretinoin affordably from the pharmacy of your choice.

How to get a prescription for tretinoin online? (Process to getting a tretinoin prescription)
Through an online consultation, you connect with a dermatologist. Upon reviewing your case, if the dermatologist determines that tretinoin is safe and appropriate for you, they will issue a prescription to the pharmacy of your choosing.

Tretinoin (Retin-A) Explained

How do tretinoin (Retin-A) creams work?

Tretinoin stimulates cell renewal in the epidermis, enhancing the cell layer, reducing pigmentation and normalizing sun-damaged cells⁴.

Tretinoin also works in the dermis promoting the production of collagen and elastin thickening the dermal layer and making the skin appear more plump⁵.

According to multiple research, tretinoin gels and creams are a safe and effective therapeutic modality for the long-term treatment of acne and photoaging.^{6 78}

workflow management between primary care and dermatologists

What patients say about Miiskin

Very happy with this service. Quick and easy. With someone with not the greatest insurance and super busy. This was perfect. Got my prescription next day and great advice for my condition.

Marcus Liniarski,
Patient Review →

I had a great experience with Miiskin – I was able to get my prescription very quickly and their app is easy to use. It was very convenient and their team is very responsive. I highly recommend them and will likely use them in the future for other skin issues.

Susie Tse,
Patient Review →

What a technology! I was very impressed by the speed of communication with a doctor using the Miiskin app. Losing my hair has been my biggest concern, but I didn’t have the courage to reveal my bald spot to a doctor in person. Miiskin solved all my issues instantly. I just took a photo in my own room, uploaded it, and wrote about my concerns. That’s it. The best part is that without insurance, the consultation fee was much lower than any health insurance. I submitted my photo at midnight and received a prescription the very next morning. The doctor at Miiskin was very professional and empathetic, which really helped ease my emotional distress. Although I’m just at the beginning stage of my treatment and haven’t seen significant results yet, I feel reassured and supported. I will definitely upload my progress in 3 to 4 months to show my appreciation for the prescription from Miiskin.

Jiyeon Kang,
Patient Review →

My dermatologist was extremely quick, reviewed my consultation request within 2hrs and I had my Rx the next day! The Miiskin team also responds within minutes and are very polite and communicated concisely. I’ll never make a in person appointment again after experiencing this outstanding and affordable telehealth service!

Dion H,
Patient Review →

Quick response from the dermatologist — I wanted a fast turnaround for a skin concern that would be more immediate than going through health insurance, making an appointment, traveling to the doctor.

Timothy C.
Patient Review →

Need a specific tretinoin strength?

Tretinoin Cream 0.025%

Tretinoin cream at 0.025% concentration is a gentler option, often recommended for patients new to tretinoin or those with sensitive skin. Its lower strength allows for a gradual introduction to tretinoin, reducing the chance of irritation. It’s commonly used for mild concerns such as fine lines, uneven skin tone, and mild acne.

Tretinoin Cream 0.05%

Tretinoin cream 0.05% works faster and produces more visible results than the 0.025% cream. It’s a moderate-strength option suitable for addressing more prominent signs of aging, moderate acne, and persistent hyperpigmentation. Although it carries a higher risk of side effects like dryness, following your doctor’s guidance can help manage any reactions and maximize its effectiveness.

Tretinoin Cream 0.1%

Tretinoin cream 0.1% is considered high-strength and is typically reserved for more intense treatment needs. It is often recommended for individuals with more severe skin concerns, such as deep wrinkles, pronounced signs of aging, or stubborn acne that requires stronger intervention.

Warnings, Side Effects and Purging

Warning and precautions when using tretinoin creams or gels

This medication should only be used under medical supervision and it is advised that women use effective contraception when using tretinoin.

Tretinoin is considered teratogenic, and therefore it cannot be used by women who want to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding because it may cause serious harm to the fetus¹³ ^14.

Tretinoin is likely to make your skin more sensitive to sunlight so you should apply sunscreen with SPF 50 factor every morning while using this product and reapply every two hours when outdoors.

Tretinoin may cause skin irritation when you first start using it, follow the precise instructions of your healthcare provider to minimize unwanted side effects.
Do not combine tretinoin with other acne or pigmentation medications, unless indicated by your doctor.

Side effects of tretinoin

Redness
Peeling
Itching
Burning/Stinging
Dryness¹⁵

What is the tretinoin purge?

The tretinoin purge (also known as tretinoin uglies) is a very common skin reaction that occurs when a patient uses tretinoin for the first time.

Learn more about the tretinoin purge →

How to start using prescribed tretinoin (Retin-A)?

You should always follow the precise instructions of your healthcare provider, because your treatment plan will depend on your skin condition and your skin type. However, as a general rule, if you have never used tretinoin, here is a good way to start.

First 2 to 4 weeks:
Apply tretinoin .025% two nights per week in the evenings
Following 2 weeks:
Apply tretinoin every other night
After 6 to 8 weeks of use:
If your skin tolerates the product well, apply the product every night

It is also important to find a balance that is right for you. Your skin may not tolerate the application of tretinoin every day even after weeks of use and you may notice that your skin improves by applying tretinoin every other day instead of daily.

What ingredients can be
combined with tretinoin (Retin-A)?

Sunscreen SPF 50

Hyaluronic acid

Non-greasy moisturizer

Azelaic acid

Niacinamide

Peptides

Ceramides

What ingredients should not be combined with tretinoin (Retin-A)?

Benzoyl peroxide*
Glycolic acid*
Lactic acid*
Salicylic acid*

Retinol
Tazarotene
Trifarotene
Adapalene

*Unless instructed by a dermatologist

Provider & Prescription Information

Miiskin connects patients with independent dermatologists who provide care through their own private practices. Miiskin does not employ dermatologists and does not sell or distribute medications. Any prescriptions issued by the dermatologists can be filled at third-party pharmacies of the patient’s choice.

Got more questions about getting a tretinoin (Retin-A) prescription?

How to buy tretinoin online (gel or cream)?

By signing up with a provider in the Miiskin app you can request a photo-based virtual consultation from a dermatologist. The process takes five minutes approximately and the request is usually reviewed in less than 48 hours – often within 24 hours. After your request has been reviewed, you will be able to buy your tretinoin cream or gel affordably at the pharmacy of your choice.

Is tretinoin available over the counter?

No. Tretinoin is not available over the counter. To buy it, you need a doctor’s prescription.

How much does it cost to get a prescription for tretinoin?

The costs for a virtual, photo-based consultation with a dermatologist via the Miiskin app depends on the provider, and does not include the costs for any prescribed medication.

How long does a tretinoin prescription last?

It depends on the state and the prescription from the provider but usually prescriptions need to be renewed every 3 to 12 months.

How long will it take to get the prescription for my tretinoin?

A photo-based consultation usually takes less than three business days to be evaluated.

How/when will I get my tretinoin?

You can pick up your tretinoin at the pharmacy of your choice after a healthcare provider has reviewed your case and medically assessed that a tretinoin prescription is right for you.

Where can I pick up my tretinoin?

You will be asked to select a pharmacy where you would like to pick up your tretinoin.

How do I start a photo consultation with a dermatologist to get tretinoin?

Click one of the buttons on this page to get further information about available providers and to start a consultation with a provider.

How long does a photo-based consultation for tretinoin take?

On average it will take you less than five minutes to complete your request for a photo-based virtual consultation. In the event that a tele-consultation or face-to-face consultation is necessary, you will also be informed.

Do I have to pay separately for the consultation and the tretinoin?

Yes, the same way you would have to pay for an in-person dermatology consultation and then for your prescription at the pharmacy. This means that providers are completely independent and will make the right medical decision for you.

What is Miiskin?

Miiskin is platform that connects patients with independent providers for convenient quality medical care for skin health issues.

Start a photo-based virtual consultation to request Tretinoin

References:
¹https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557478/
²https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9112391/
³https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557478/
⁴https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557478/
⁵https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9112391/
⁶https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9112391/
⁷https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/553009
⁸https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5574737/
⁹https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00002512-199506060-00008
¹⁰https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3225141/
¹¹https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16045694/
¹²https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3225141/
¹³https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/517/fetal-retinoid-syndrome
¹⁴https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26897386/
¹⁵https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9112391/