Tretinoin at 0.025%, every other night, for ten years.
The boring skincare active that still beats most launches — if your barrier survives the onboarding period.
Tretinoin is the article we almost do not need to write, except people keep abandoning it after two irritated weeks and buying something shinier.
The secret is boring
Low dose, slow ramp, moisturizer, sunscreen, and patience. The outcome is not a viral overnight before-and-after; it is a compounding advantage over years.
Who should be careful
Pregnancy, barrier disorders, aggressive exfoliation routines, and unrealistic timelines all change the risk-benefit conversation. A dermatologist can make the ramp less miserable.
Medical note
This review is for education only and is not medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made with a licensed clinician who knows your history, medications, labs, and goals.