Get a tretinoin prescription online

Get a tretinoin prescription and start seeing the results on your skin.

Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Carolina Fernandez
Dermatologist

What is tretinoin?

Tretinoin (also known by its brand names Retin-A or Tretin-X) is a prescription-strength topical gel or cream 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 gel or cream used for?

Tretinoin is approved by the FDA for the treatment of:

Acne

Facial wrinkles

Skin roughness

Hyperpigmentation³

Brand names of tretinoin gels or creams

Atralin
Avita
Retin – A
Refissa

Renova
Tretin – X
Retin – A micro

How can I get tretinoin a tretinoin prescription?

Do you need a prescription to buy a tretinoin?

Yes. Tretinoin is a prescription medication which means you need to have a consultation with a healthcare professional and it cannot be purchased over-the-counter (OTC).

How can you get a prescription for tretinoin?

You can have a virtual, photo-based consultation with a healthcare provider via the Miiskin app, and if they deem it adequate, you can buy tretinoin at the pharmacy of your choice.

What is the price to get a tretinoin prescription?

Downloading the Miiskin app is free of charge, however, the price of the virtual, photo-based consultation depends on each healthcare provider and it doesn’t include the medications.

How to get a tretinoin prescription online?

Download the free Miiskin app

Request a prescription via a virtual photo-based consultation

Get tretinoin prescribed

Pick it up at the pharmacy of your choice

Getting a tretinoin prescription process

Through the Miiskin app, you get in touch with a healthcare provider using a photo-based virtual consultation. The doctor will review your case and if tretinoin is suitable for you, the doctor can write you a prescription for tretinoin cream and you can pick it up at the pharmacy of your choice.

Request a tretinoin prescription online

Receive a personalized treatment plan.
Start a photo-based virtual consultation with an independent dermatology provider via the Miiskin app.

Tretinoin Explained

How do tretinoin 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

Benefits of Tretinoin

Reduces fine wrinkles

Reduces the appearance of dark spots⁹

It inhibits the formation of comedones¹⁰

Faster regeneration of sun-damaged skin cells

Improves skin texture

Has anti-inflammatory effects¹¹¹²

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, 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 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?

You should always follow the precise instructions of your healthcare provider, but as a general rule, if you have never used tretinoin, here is an excellent 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?

You can combine tretinoin with hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and soften your skin.

Use a non-oily moisturizer prior to applying tretinoin to ensure your skin stays moisturized and to avoid irritation.

Always apply sunscreen with SPF 50 since tretinoin will make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

What ingredients should not be combined with tretinoin?

the proper way to mix components for skincare

Tretinoin should not be used with other retinoids: retinol, tazarotene, trifarotene, or adapalene.

If you also want to use glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid, apply these products on a different day, to avoid irritation.

Do not mix tretinoin with benzoyl peroxide because it may neutralize its effect.

Request an online prescription for tretinoin

Receive a personalized treatment plan.
Start a photo-based virtual consultation with an independent dermatology provider via the Miiskin app.

Got more questions about getting a tretinoin prescription online?

How to buy tretinoin gel or cream online?

By signing up with a provider in the Miiskin app you can request a photo-based virtual consultation from an independent licensed healthcare professional. The process takes five minutes approximately and the request is usually reviewed in less than three business days. After your request has been reviewed, you will be able to pick up your prescription at the pharmacy of your choice.

Is tretinoin available over the counter?

No, you need a doctor’s prescription

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

The costs for a photo-based consultation 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 three 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 your tretinoin.

How do I start a photo-based consultation with a healthcare professional to get tretinoin?

Click one of the buttons on this page to get further information about available providers and how to connect with a provider in the Miiskin app.

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.

Do I have to pay separately for the photo-based 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 an app that can be downloaded via the App Store and Google Play, which 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/