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By Sacred Leaves Global Medical News | July 2025
Tretinoin, also known as all-trans retinoic acid, has long been a key ingredient in dermatology. Originally developed as a vitamin A derivative, it has been widely used to treat acne, reduce wrinkles, and improve skin texture. But behind its cosmetic success lies a deep biological mechanism and even some unexpected medical applications.
Tretinoin is a synthetic form of vitamin A. It belongs to a group of compounds called retinoids, which affect how skin cells grow and differentiate. Unlike over-the-counter retinols, tretinoin works faster and more effectively by directly interacting with cell receptors.
1. Dermatology:
Acne treatment: It prevents clogged pores by increasing cell turnover and reducing inflammation.
Anti-aging: Tretinoin stimulates collagen production, smooths fine lines, and lightens pigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation and melasma: Helps even out skin tone.
2. Oncology:
Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL): In this rare cancer, tretinoin is used as an oral drug (under the name ATRA) to promote the maturation of abnormal white blood cells, often in combination with chemotherapy.
3. Research interest:
Studies are exploring its effect on viral infections, wound healing, and even neurological diseases due to its influence on gene expression and cell differentiation.
Tretinoin binds to retinoic acid receptors in the nucleus of cells. This triggers gene expression that accelerates the shedding of old skin cells and promotes the growth of new, healthy ones. In cancer therapy, it helps immature blood cells mature normally, reducing disease activity.
Acne: a 2018 meta-analysis in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology confirmed tretinoin's superior effectiveness compared to placebo and some antibiotics.
Wrinkles and photodamage: a 2020 study in JAMA Dermatology showed that patients using tretinoin for 24 weeks had visible reductions in wrinkles and skin roughness.
Leukemia: research in Blood (2021) showed that tretinoin-based regimens for APL increased survival rates dramatically compared to older chemotherapy-only protocols.
Wound healing: experimental studies in The Journal of Investigative Dermatology suggest tretinoin may accelerate wound closure by boosting fibroblast activity.
Tretinoin was the first topical retinoid approved by the FDA in 1971.
It remains one of the few anti-aging ingredients with extensive clinical evidence.
Some studies suggest tretinoin may reduce the risk of skin cancer by preventing precancerous cell formation.
Tretinoin can cause dryness, irritation, and increased sensitivity to sunlight, especially at the beginning of treatment. Dermatologists recommend using sunscreen and starting with a low concentration for new users.
Tretinoin is more than a cosmetic tool. With over 50 years of use, it continues to show potential in medicine and science. As research grows, we may see tretinoin being applied not only in skincare but also in cancer care and regenerative medicine.
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