Skip to main content

Tretinoin

Meaning

Tretinoin, also known as all-trans retinoic acid, is a highly potent, biologically active derivative of Vitamin A that is widely used as a prescription topical medication for the treatment of acne vulgaris and photoaging. This compound is a cornerstone of dermatological therapy due to its ability to fundamentally alter gene expression in skin cells, promoting cellular turnover and stimulating the production of dermal matrix components. Its clinical efficacy is directly related to its high affinity for the retinoic acid receptors in the nucleus.