Treat acne and fine lines with tretinoin cream (whether you have insurance or not)

Whether you’re treating acne, fine lines, or wrinkles, you’ve probably heard of the holy grail product that is tretinoin. This cream is a topical retinoid that can improve elasticity and stimulate new cell growth. But how do you get your hands on this magical product? Whether you have health insurance or not, there are ways you can get tretinoin cream (and even have it delivered to your doorstep). Keep reading to learn how you can buy tretinoin with or without going to your doctor.

Things You Should Know

  • To get tretinoin without going to your doctor, sign up for an online prescription service, like Hers, Wisp, or Musely.
  • If you have access to a doctor, make an appointment and ask them to prescribe you tretinoin cream.
  • Use a pea-sized amount of tretinoin on your skin, and rub it gently into the affected areas.
  • Follow up with a moisturizer to combat any dry skin that tretinoin may cause.
Section 1 of 4:

Buying Tretinoin Online

  1. 1
    Hers Hers is an online healthcare service that sends prescription medication and birth control right to your door. Marketed as an anti-aging product, their tretinoin cream is formulated to target fine lines and keep your skin smooth. To buy their product, make an account and sign up online, then answer a few questions about your skincare goals. If a provider believes that tretinoin is right for you, you can set up a monthly delivery of tretinoin cream right to your doorstep.
  2. 2
    Wisp Primarily a sexual and reproductive health provider, Wisp has recently expanded to cover skincare products, too. To target fine lines and wrinkles, opt for their Firm Up Wrinkle Cream. For treating acne, try their Clear Up Acne Cream. Simply select how often you’d like your medication delivered, then chat with a provider to make sure the product is right for you.
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  3. 3
    Musely Musely is a prescription skincare service, and almost all of their formulas contain tretinoin. Their Anti-Aging night cream is made to target fine lines and wrinkles, and their Spot Cream helps banish acne marks and dark spots. Simply select the product you’d like and pay a monthly fee to get it delivered to your doorstep.
  4. 4
    Nurx Nurx is an online healthcare provider that offers a range of prescription products without an in-office visit. Head to the Nurx website, then select the skin issue that you’d like to target. The website will ask you a few questions about yourself and your skincare goals to find the right product that you need. Plus, you can even use some insurance companies to cover the cost of your treatment.
  5. 5
    Curology Curology is a site that sells personalized skincare products, from face washes and cleansers all the way to topical treatments. Head to the Curology website and select the custom formula for acne, then share a little bit about yourself. Curology offers a free 30-day trial, so you can get your money back if you aren’t happy with the products.
  6. 6
    Apostrophe Apostrophe knows that you want tretinoin, and this online service is here to give it to you. Sign up for an account on their website, then purchase the tretinoin formula. A board-certified dermatologist will review your skincare needs and select the right strength for you, and the product will be delivered to your doorstep.
  7. 7
    Agency Agency gives you a custom product that’s made for your skin. Head to the Agency website, then make an account. The site will ask you to upload photos of your skin and explain the kind of products that you need. Then, a provider will be in touch with you to talk about your skincare line and how you can get products delivered to your home.
  8. 8
    Dermatica Dermatica has an entire tretinoin line that’s made to treat acne and wrinkles. Sign up on their website for a free trial to see if you like the product before making any commitments.
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Section 2 of 4:

Getting Tretinoin Through Your Doctor

  1. See a dermatologist or your primary care doctor to get tretinoin prescribed. Topical tretinoin is usually prescribed for acne, but doctors also use it to treat fine lines and sun damage. If you have health insurance and access to a doctor, make an appointment and ask for tretinoin specifically.[1]
    • Going to your doctor instead of using an online service is helpful when you need more personalized skincare advice. If you’re dealing with rosacea, allergies, or other serious skin issues, your doctor can prescribe you other medications along with tretinoin to keep your skin healthy and beautiful.
Section 3 of 4:

Using Tretinoin

  1. 1
    Wash your skin with a mild cleanser and warm water. Typically, you’ll use tretinoin once or twice a day after washing your face. Head to the sink and use warm water and a mild face cleanser, then rinse your skin and pat it dry.[2]
  2. 2
    Apply a pea-sized amount of cream to your face. A little bit of tretinoin goes a long way. To use tretinoin cream, spread a pea-sized amount onto your fingertips, then gently rub the product into your face. Focus on any problem areas, like your skin with acne or fine lines.[3]
    • Using too much product at a time can increase the side effects and lead to dry skin. Only use a small amount to cover your skin in a thin layer.
    • The cream is the most common version of this medication. If you’re using the liquid version, apply the liquid to your face with your fingers or a cotton pad.
  3. 3
    Use a moisturizer with tretinoin to treat dry skin. One of the main side effects of tretinoin is dry skin. To avoid that, layer a moisturizing lotion on top of the tretinoin every time you use it.[4]
    • Tretinoin is strong, and it can irritate sensitive skin. Try applying the product once a week, then work your way up to using it every day.
  4. 4
    Apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. Tretinoin can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays, which can give you a sunburn. Every time you go outside, be sure to apply an SPF 30+ sunscreen to your skin.[5]
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Section 4 of 4:

Potential Side Effects

  1. 1
    Dry, stinging skin The most common side effect of tretinoin is dry skin, which can also lead to itching or tingling. It’s important to use a moisturizer along with your tretinoin product to keep your skin balanced and hydrated.[6]
  2. 2
    Lightening or darkening of the skin Tretinoin is sometimes used to lighten dark marks, but it can also darken the skin, too. If you notice that your skin is darkening after using the product, talk to your doctor or prescription service.[7]
  3. 3
    Chapped or peeling skin Chapped and peeling skin is a less common side effect, but it does happen occasionally. If you’re prone to dry skin, you may see red, irritated, or chapped skin, especially when you first use tretinoin.[8]
    • Tretinoin can make your skin more sensitive in the sun. Always use SPF 30+ sunscreen whenever you head outside to protect your skin.
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Warnings

  • If you experience hives or pain after using tretinoin, stop using the product and call your doctor right away, since you may be having an allergic reaction.[9]
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About This Article

Hannah Madden
Co-authored by:
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Hannah Madden is a writer, editor, and artist currently living in Portland, Oregon. In 2018, she graduated from Portland State University with a B.S. in Environmental Studies. Hannah enjoys writing articles about conservation, sustainability, and eco-friendly products. When she isn’t writing, you can find Hannah working on hand embroidery projects and listening to music.
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Co-authors: 4
Updated: March 20, 2023
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Categories: Skin Care
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