Tretinoin and rosacea

Retinoids are a hot topic in skincare these days. It’s likely you’ve heard some kind of hype about them if you’re into skincare. If you haven’t, simply put they’re a type of chemical that comes from vitamin A. You can get these over the counter in small amounts or doctors can prescribe stronger formulations for certain conditions.

They play an important role in skin health and immunity. There are many benefits to retinoids when treating acne, psoriasis, certain cancers and they have anti-aging properties too. But what about retinoids when it comes to rosacea? In this blog we’ll have a look into retinoids (particularly Tretinoin) as a rosacea treatment and the pros and cons. 

What is Tretinoin?

Tretinoin is a prescription topical cream used primarily to treat acne and PPR rosacea (aka subtype 2 or acne rosacea). More recently Tretinoin has also been used as an anti-aging cream. Tretinoin is classed as a retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A that works by increasing cell turnover.

Retinoids are also found to stimulate collagen, giving your skin a plumper, smoother feel as well as being able to balance out contrasting pigmentation. Aside from this they’re also a chemical exfoliant which means it can clear out clogged pores as well as reducing the appearance of fine lines.

While it’s good to know what Tretinoin does, where it comes from and what it’s good for, there are certain things you want to know when it comes to using Tretinoin for rosacea specifically.

What to be aware of when using Tretinoin for rosacea: 

• What are the potential side effects of retinoids like Tretinoin?

• Is it safe for you to take them?

• Are there alternatives to retinoids like Tretinoin?

What are the side effects of using retinoids for rosacea?

As with most medications, topical retinoids don’t come without their share of side effects. Side effects occur mostly from prolonged, high dose usage. Doctors will sometimes prescribe a retinoid if other antibiotics aren’t working well in relation to type 2 rosacea, as they’re also used for severe cysts and bumps associated with acne. The tricky thing with tretinoin as a rosacea treatment is while it can help the lumps and bumps, it can worsen the other symptoms like redness and spider veins. 

If taking Tretinoin/retinoids for rosacea as a last resort, you absolutely want to be avoiding any supplements containing vitamin A. Side effects from retinoids can vary depending on dosage and concentration.

Possible side effects include:

• Skin dryness

• Redness

• Scaling or thickening skin

• Itching

Less common side effects (<10%):

• Hyperpigmentation

• Sensitivity

• A more intense flare-up

• Eczema (if you’re prone)

• Blisters

• Stinging

Usually, topical Tretinoin will not cause birth defects if used when pregnant as it metabolises quickly. But it’s not entirely without risk. There have been some reports of fatal defects. Simply put, it should only be used in pregnancy and nursing mothers if the benefits outweigh the risk to the fetus which they rarely do. Isotretinoin which is taken orally for more severe cases is much more risky, you can read more about it here.

Another thing that you should consider when using Tretinoin is that it tends to take a while for your skin to get used to. According to WebMD, Tretinoin can take between 8-12 weeks to generate a noticeable improvement in the condition of your skin. It may also make your condition worse in the first few weeks of using it. Finally, it is very important that you don’t apply too much Tretinoin to your skin. 

What about other retinoids?

Essentially when it comes to rosacea, you need to proceed with caution when it comes to any retinoid. Orally-taken retinoids such as Isotretinoin are usually more potent and as such are reserved on prescription for only the most severe bouts of acne – they are closely regulated. Sometimes they’re also prescribed for severe type 2 rosacea. Because of the risks of serious side effects (including birth defects) it’s definitely not for everyone and should be seriously discussed with your doctor.

If used while pregnant, these medications can cause birth defects and female patients must enrol in the FDA's iPledge program. This requires them to be on two separate forms of birth control for a month before starting the treatment and a month after discontinuing their prescription.

Further complications that can result from taking Isotretinoin include:

• Potential links with depression, anxiety, and inflammatory bowel disease.

• Increased levels of triglycerides (a type of fat or lipid in the blood) can increase the risk of heart disease.

• Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of side effects.

• Reports of joint pain when using isotretinoin.

It’s important to be aware that Isotretionin is sold under several different brand names, including Amnesteem, Claravis, Sotret, Myorisan, Absorica, Accutane and Zenatane.

Are there alternatives?

You may be pleased to hear that, for rosacea sufferers, there are a number of alternatives to using retinoids. We have put together a list of the most common medications available to treat rosacea here.

There are many different topical and oral medications you can take in the form of antibiotics or anti-inflammatories. It’s also a smart move to stay on top of your skincare to reduce the need for these medications. As you probably know, while antibiotics have their place, constantly being on them isn’t good for you. Finding a daily skincare routine which contains clean ingredients is the best first step.

At Finca we have developed a collection of all-natural products, specifically formulated with rosacea and other skin sensitivities in mind. Our Calming Serum 2 is our bestseller and one of the most celebrated products we’ve developed. You can find our full range of skincare for type 2 here.

Please remember that our Finca Skin Organics products are not medical treatments but skincare products designed to reduce the appearance of redness, protect, soothe and cleanse without further irritation. Finca Skin Organics is a cosmetic product and is retailed as such. We are not medical professionals but fellow rosacea sufferers. We always advise first seeking your doctor’s advice for proper diagnosis and prescribed medication if applicable.

All Finca Skin Organics products are made using a minimal, plant-based ingredients list and formulated by me, a rosacea sufferer.

The Finca Skin Organics range has undergone a Harley Street clinical study. After using our products, 87% felt the appearance of their skin significantly improved. 

View the entire range of Finca products here or find out what subtype your skin is.

When in doubt, always refer to your doctor or dermatologist as the condition differs for everyone. It’s always best to talk to your dermatologist first and work out your treatment plan together.

If you have any queries regarding your rosacea or how to use our products get in contact with us, we'd love to hear from you.

With love from Ireland,
Finola

*Clinical evaluation by Harley St. dermatologists on 23 subjects after 8 weeks of use.