Tretinoin is also known as retinoic acid. It’s the generic name for synthetic vitamin A. It’s sold under many different brand names. Retin-A is one of those brand names, which shouldn’t be confused with retinol.

It may sound counterintuitive, but tretinoin works by irritating the skin. Tretinoin is able to speed up the life cycle of skin cells. It makes them divide faster and die faster, so newer, healthier cells can take their place.

Tretinoin as a topical skin treatment isn’t new. It’s been used to treat mild to moderate acne for almost 50 years. Tretinoin combination products sometimes contain antibacterial ingredients for treatment of acne.

ResearchTrusted Source has shown that tretinoin is helpful in:

• reducing inflammation associated with acne
• preventing follicular plugging
• exfoliating the skin

According to a 2017 review, there’s clinical data to show that topical retinoids are highly effective on both noninflammatory and inflammatory acne.

With regular use, tretinoin may help clear existing acne and reduce the number and severity of acne outbreaks.

Other research suggests that tretinoin may:

• reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• improve the health of sun-damaged skin
• improve skin texture and tone
• reduce the appearance of dark spots