Tretinoin/Retin A – can I become resistent to it?

Dr. Irwin
August 8, 2013
Hi Dr. Irwin, I'd like to know whether it is possible for the skin to become resistant to vit-A creams. I live in London and use Isotretinoin 0.05%. I read on the national health service website that this product can become unsuitable for the patient or vice versa. I don't really understand what that could mean other than it having to do with resistance. Thank you so much for your time.

Okay, here may be the problem. Are you sure you meant isotretinoin? Tretinoin and isotretinoin are quite different molecules! Check your tube and see. You want tretinoin. I hate to say it but there are companies out there who deliberately put in something cheaper that sounds like something more expensive to confuse consumers.

If it IS tretinoin you have, then it’s not possible to become resistent to it but it IS possible to develop an allergy or irritant reaction to something, usually in the base cream that it’s put into.

Hope this helps,  Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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