Topical Retinoids

About topical retinoids.

Prescription topical retinoids include adapalene, tretinoin and tazarotene. These are available at different strengths, and percentages. One percentage of one type of topical retinoid is not equal to the same percentage of another topical retinoid.

  • Adapalene - available at 0.1% and 0.3%. Differin ™ is the most commonly available topical retinoid.

  • Tretinoin - available most commonly at 0.025%, 0.05% and 0.1%. Tretinoin is available as Stieva-A ™ and Retrieve ™, as well as in prescription compounded preparations.

  • Tazarotene  - available in some countries Tazorac ™ at 0.1%.

How do they work?

Retinoid creams work to refine pore size, reduce blackheads, exfoliate, and improve your skin’s texture.

How effective are they?

If there is a hero of the acne world of skin care, it is topical retinoids. They are proven effective.

Where do you get them?

Topical retinoids are available from compounding pharmacies with a valid prescription.

How do you use topical retinoids?

Week one: Use ¼ pea sized amount (tiny!) mixed with a night-time moisturiser, and spread this across your whole face. Use every other night.

  • Week two: Increase to nightly use.

  • Week three: Increase to ½ pea sized amount, still mixed with moisturiser .

  • Week four: Increase to a full pea sized amount, still mixed with moisturiser.

If your skin irritates, with redness, dryness, and scale, take a week off treatment, and then recommence, using even less cream.

Some patients can never increase past 2-3 x weekly use, and this is okay. This amount is still helpful for your skin, and worth persisting with.

We can provide topical retinoid treatment that is carefully managed by a specialist to minimise any side effects.

Treatment is personalised and begins with a gentle approach to assess your tolerance and the medication's effectiveness.

Monthly review is provided during treatment, to provide guidance, support, safety monitoring, and individualised therapy, tailored particularly to you and your skin.

Ready for clear skin? Book an online consultation for a personalised treatment plan.

Side Effects and FAQ

  • Retinoids are generally well tolerated. Possible side effects may include:

    • Redness

    • Dryness

  • Retinoids should not be used in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

  • Non prescription topical retinoids:

    These include: retinol, retinyl acetate, adapalene, retinaldehyde. These come in different strengths and percentages, and the same percentage of one product does not mean the same strength in another.

    • Retinaldehyde - this is the strongest form of over-the-counter retinoid, requiring one conversion to become retinoic acid.

    • Retinol - this requires two forms of conversion in your skin to become retinoid acid.

    • Retinyl esters - this is the least potent form of retinol, and requires three conversions by your skin to become the effective retinoic acid.

    • Adapalene - this is available as prescription; however some brands have recently incorporated adapalene into their skincare products. Adapalene is gentler than prescription retinoids such as tretinoin.

    • Bakuchiol - this is retinoid-like. It behaves similarly to retinol, but is unlikely to be as effective.

  • Dapsone is available as a prescription gel.

    It works through its antibacterial effect, so is best considered in patients with inflammatory acne, more than comedonal acne, as this is where it may carry benefit.

  • Prescription topical retinoids include adapalene, tretinoin and tazarotene. These are available at different strengths, and percentages. One percentage of one type of topical retinoid is not equal to the same percentage of another topical retinoid.

    • Adapalene - available at 0.1% and 0.3%. Differen ™ is the most commonly available topical retinoid.

    • Tretinoin - available most commonly at 0.025%, 0.05% and 0.1%. Tretinoin is available as Stieva-A ™ and Retrieve ™, as well as in prescription compounded preparations.

    • Tazarotene - available in some countries Tazorac ™ at 0.1%.

    Topical retinoids can be very irritative, causing redness and dryness, and must be balanced as part of your overall skincare regimen in order to achieve the best outcome.

    Your Acne Rx team will guide you regarding suitable use of prescription topical retinoids, and selection of the correct form for your skin.