Does Tretinoin Help With Acne Scars?
Tretinoin works well to help in overall reduction of dark marks and minor indented scars from blemishes. As an Rx retinoid, it increases skin cell turnover and collagen production stimulation; making it primed to improve skin texture and skin tone gradually.
Tretinoin unfortunately has no effect on pitted deep acne scars. It is important to note that results are still variable on the type and age of the scar, your skin, and adherence to the treatment.
Key Takeaways
- Tretinoin is effective for PIH left behind by acne.
- Tretinoin can help shallow atrophic scars by stimulating collagen production.
- Spots can take 2-3 weeks to begin improving, and scar texture can take 6 months to a year.
- Professional procedures are mostly required for severe scars (boxcar, rolling, etc.) to give noticeable results.
- Peeling and redness are common when using for the first time.
- It is important to wear sunblock daily because of the increased skin sensitivity caused by tretinoin.
What is Tretinoin?
Tretinoin (also known as all-trans retinoic acid) is a prescription retinoid that is used to improve acne scars and is also used for uneven pigmentation and skin discoloration from sun damage.
A variety of strengths and formulations of tretinoin (creams, gels, lotions) are sold as prescriptions. Compared to other retinoids that have to be converted to retinoic acid on the skin, tretinoin is effective since it is already in the retinoic acid form.
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How Does Tretinoin Help With Acne Scars?
There are two ways tretinoin can help to improve scarring caused by acne.
Speeds Up Skin-Cell Turnover
Tretinoin promotes the shedding of older skin cells and helps form new cells. Over time, this can start to improve the appearance of uneven textured skin and start to fade the dark marks left behind from blemishes.
This makes Tretinoin a good option for dark acne scars marks which are actually a type of dark pigment and not a scar.
Supports Collagen Production
Tretinoin stimulates collagen production and helps support firm skin. This makes it effective in smoothing out deeper depressions.
The effects take time to be visible and tretinoin is better for superficial scarring.
What Types of Acne Scars Respond to Tretinoin?
The response to Tretinoin varies based on the type of scar.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: The dark spots left behind from blemishes respond to Tretinoin. The dark spots should start to fade noticeably in about a month or two, but full improvement can take longer than a few months.
Shallow Atrophic Scars: These are scars caused by a lack of collagen that result in depressed scarring. Tretinoin will improve these.
Deep Scars: These scars respond poorly to topical Tretinoin. Other treatment options like microneedling, certain surgical procedures or dental procedures, or other dermatological treatments should be considered for these scars.
How Long Does Tretinoin Take to Work on Acne Scars?
Don’t expect to see results immediately when using tretinoin. It may look something like this:
Time | What You May Notice |
2–4 weeks | Early changes in skin texture or pigmentation may begin |
6–12 weeks | More noticeable improvement in tone and texture |
3–6 months | Greater fading of dark marks and gradual scar improvement |
6–12 months | Continued improvement with consistent treatment |
Results are very individual and some people see changes before others.
How to Use Tretinoin for Acne Scars
To reduce irritation, there are some proper techniques that have to be followed when applying tretinoin for acne scars.
- Adjusted use frequency is best for new users. Start with a few evenings a week.
- Divided pea-sized quantity is recommended for affected facial zones.
- Evening use is preferred until further instructions are given.
- Clean, totally dry skin is where you want to apply it.
- Use a gentle, fragrance free moisturizer if needed.
- Broad spectrum sunscreen should be used daily.
- Avoid using other exfoliating and irritating products until your skin adjusts fully.
Your doctor will advise you on strength and use based on your skin type and treatment needs.
Side Effects and What to Expect
While your skin adjusts to tretinoin, expect to see:
- Peeling and dryness
- Burning or stinging
- Increased sensitivity
- Irritation
- Acne forming
These disappear over time and are an expected part of the healing process. If your skin has severe reaction, do not attempt to use the product more frequently. Contact your doctor.
Products like cleansers and moisturizers give the skin barrier support during treatment. Some tretinoin, when applied to moist skin, may increase absorption.
Tretinoin vs Other Acne Scar Treatments
Tretinoin vs Retinol
Tretinoin and retinol are types of retinoids, though tretinoin is considered a stronger retinoid in comparison to the rest. Retinol requires conversion to retinoic acid within the skin.
Tretinoin has the potential to treat acne scars as well as other forms of pigmentation involving the skin. It causes irritation more than retinol and also requires a prescription.
Tretinoin vs Adapalene
Adapalene is another retinoid that is commonly prescribed for acne. It is generally well tolerated and is available over the counter in some regions.
Both may help acne scars and may help improve scars, but neither of these medications are likely to sufficiently treat deep scars.
Who May Benefit From Tretinoin?
You may consider discussing with your dermatologist the use of tretinoin for:
- Dark Post-Acne scars Marks
- Acne scars that are shallow and of mild to moderate depth
- Active acne, which may continue to scar
- Rough skin surface with acne
- New scars
Unexpectedly deep scarring may be addressed better by a combination of topical and procedural therapies.
Who Should Avoid Tretinoin?
It is not recommended to use tretinoin in the following instances:
Very sensitive or inflamed skin
High sensitivity
Pregnant individuals and those considering pregnancy should ask their doctors about using tretinoin since these topical retinoids are typically used as pregnancy avoidance drugs. The same is advised for breastfeeding individuals as well.
When should you go to a dermatologist?
If you have deep or extensive scars that concern you, that is the time to see a dermatologist. Dermatologists are trained to recognize the type of changes your skin may have encountered like pigmentation or acne scarring.
Moreover, they can let you know if it is safe to use tretinoin alone, and if not, what other procedures such as microneedling, laser therapy, chemical peeling, etc., would yield better results.
Bottom Line
Tretinoin is useful in many ways for post-acne hyperpigmentation. As for scarring, it works wonders with shallow or superficial scars. Tretinoin’s ability to remodel collagen and improve skin cell turnover rate can heal scarring.
It cannot completely address deep scars, however. Daily use and the application of moisturizer and sunscreen is necessary, and for severe scarring, professional treatment is needed. A dermatologist can help you formulate the best plan for your specific type of deep scarring.