From the Guidelines
Yes, tretinoin helps reduce the appearance of pores. Tretinoin is a prescription-strength retinoid that works by increasing cell turnover and promoting collagen production in the skin, as supported by the guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris 1. When applied regularly, typically once daily at night, tretinoin helps clear out the debris and sebum that can make pores appear larger. It also normalizes the keratinization process, preventing the buildup of dead skin cells around pore openings.
The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2024, provides strong recommendations for the use of topical retinoids, including tretinoin, in the management of acne vulgaris 1. Most people start with a low concentration (0.025% or 0.01%) and gradually work up to stronger formulations (0.05% or 0.1%) as their skin develops tolerance. Results typically take 8-12 weeks of consistent use to become noticeable.
Some key points to consider when using tretinoin include:
- Applying a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin
- Following with a moisturizer to minimize irritation
- Using sunscreen daily while using tretinoin as it increases sun sensitivity
- Potential temporary side effects, such as redness, dryness, or peeling, which usually subside with continued use
Overall, tretinoin is a effective treatment for reducing the appearance of pores, and its use is supported by strong recommendations from recent guidelines 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Although the exact mode of action of tretinoin is unknown, current evidence suggests that topical tretinoin decreases cohesiveness of follicular epithelial cells with decreased microcomedo formation. Additionally, tretinoin stimulates mitotic activity and increased turnover of follicular epithelial cells causing extrusion of the comedones.
The text does not directly mention pores, but it does mention follicular epithelial cells and microcomedo formation, which can affect the appearance of pores.
- Tretinoin may help reduce the appearance of pores by decreasing microcomedo formation and increasing cell turnover, which can make pores appear smaller. However, this is an indirect conclusion, and the label does not directly address the question of pore size or appearance. Since the FDA label does not explicitly address the question, a conservative clinical decision would be that tretinoin may have an indirect effect on pore appearance, but the evidence is not direct or conclusive 2.
From the Research
Tretinoin and Pore Reduction
- Tretinoin is a topical retinoid commonly used to treat acne and photoaged skin 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- While the primary use of tretinoin is for acne and photoaging, its effects on pores are not directly addressed in most studies.
- However, tretinoin has been shown to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles and skin roughness, which may indirectly affect the appearance of pores 4, 7.
- One study found that tretinoin enhanced viable epidermis thickness and number of epidermal cell layers, suggesting stimulation of cellular renewal, which could potentially lead to improved skin texture and reduced pore appearance 6.
Mechanism of Action
- Tretinoin works by increasing cell turnover and promoting collagen production, which can lead to improved skin texture and appearance 3, 5, 7.
- The increased cell turnover can help to unclog pores and reduce their appearance, but this effect is not explicitly stated in the available studies.
- Isotretinoin, an isomer of tretinoin, has been shown to have more pronounced effects on viable epidermis thickness and horny layer thickness, which could potentially lead to improved pore appearance 6.
Clinical Evidence
- There is limited direct evidence on the effect of tretinoin on pore reduction, but its use in treating acne and photoaged skin suggests potential benefits for skin texture and appearance 3, 4, 5, 7.
- Further studies are needed to specifically investigate the effect of tretinoin on pore reduction and to fully understand its mechanism of action in this context.