HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients
Book a video visit
HealthTap
Telehealth
A member asked:

Is it possible to use retin a (tretinoin) without seeing a dermatologist?

A doctor has provided 1 answer
Dr. Alvin Lin answered

Yes: While Retin-A (brand of topical tretinoin) is only available by prescription, any non-dermatologist can prescribe it. However, if you're not responding as desired, then you should consider getting a 2nd opinion & expert care from a dermatologist.

Dr Ferdowsi agreed

Answered 7/1/2014

5.4k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

How long can I use tretinoin? My dermatologist said i can use it indefinitely for signs of aging.

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

My dermatologist prescribed me renova (tretinoin) cream for my face. Does anybody know what it stands for?

5 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A member asked:

My dermatologist prescribed clindamycin gel and tretinoin gel (two separate tubes) but didn't give application instructions. Which goes on first?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

My dermatologist prescribed me 4%hydroquinone +tretinoin+mometasone furoate ..For 3 weeks , is it safe to use this combination for such a long duration?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Is Cerave Retinol Serum from your local drugstore over the counter the same in terms of concentration/effectiveness of a prescription tretinoin/retinol cream from your dermatologist? Whats the difference? Thank you! (Which I never get to say here?

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more

People also searched for:

Hi, I have went to 3 dermatologist and 1 surgeon I have been using retin a (tretinoin) hydroquinuione 4% nutracort topicort red mark has lasted 1 year 6 months?
Dermatologist prescribed 100mg doxicycline with ALT days of Retin-A and Benzoyl peroxide 5 weeks ago. Allergic reaction caused breakout on chin. Help!
What can I use to remove acne scars on my forehead? Dermatologist put me on Zineryt & Retin A cream for 2 yrs but scars still there. Im currently using Eucerin Cleanser, toner and moisturizer as recommended by my Dermatologist.
I've been using retin a (tretinoin) for 2 weeks on my very small icepick scars and all it's done is make the skin red ? When will I see improvement
Clindamycin cream and retin a (tretinoin) is enough to treat acne? How long should I wait to see the result?

Telemedicine

Primary Care
Manage Your Conditions
Women's Health
Children's Health
Men's Health
Senior Health
Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle
Sexual Health
Mental & Behavioral Health
Travel Medicine
Urgent Care
Ask your question
Didn't find what you're looking for?

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.

Ask your question

More of what we treat

Allergies
Antibiotics
Asthma
High Blood Pressure
Prescriptions
Type 2 Diabetes
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HealthTap
HIPAA logo
HIPAASecure
Soc 2 Type 2 logo
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHO Accredited
JCAHOAccredited
Member App

Download HealthTap

Video visit and message your doctor

Member App QR Code
Play Store Member LinkApp Store Member Link

Questions?

+1 (888) 828-0841support@healthtap.com
LinkedInTwitter
HomeTermsPrivacyCookiesDMCAHealth TopicsDoctors DirectoryDoctor Q&A by Specialty
Copyright 2026 HealthTap, Inc.