CA
A 26-year-old male asked:
Does the use of tretinoin on the skin cause dark spots?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Andria Johnsonanswered
Family Medicine 18 years experience
With exposure: It is strongly advised that you use any products with tretinoin at night and wear sun block during the day. This medicine causes sensitivty to the sun and could cause some skin darkening/ spots. If you have dark to deep pigmentation and some acne marks already, the combo of sun and treinoin can cause more darkening of the areas. Wear your sun block and use other sources of protection.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Otto Placikanswered
Surgery - Plastics 36 years experience
Usually cures them: Unless you are causing burns or excessive irritation and are prone to post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation, the use of retinoids usually improves dark spots, on occasion this is combined with topical steroids, hydroquinone, and kojic acid.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. John Walker commented
Plastic Surgery 28 years experience
And of course stay out of the sun or tanning salon, as exposure to UV radiation can worsen them again. Adding Tretinoin hypersensitizes the skin to sun damage.
Jan 15, 2013
Last updated Feb 3, 2021
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