Is tretinoin cream effective for treating dark scars?
Jan 09, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Lu
Introduction
In general, tretinoin cream may have a certain auxiliary therapeutic effect on dark scars, but the effectiveness varies from person to person. Medication use should be conducted under a doctor's guidance. Tretinoin cream primarily improves skin condition by promoting epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation, as well as regulating epidermal cell proliferation. This mechanism of action helps alleviate both hypokeratosis and hyperkeratosis, thereby reducing scar pigmentation.
Generally, tretinoin cream may have a certain auxiliary therapeutic effect on dark scars, but the effectiveness varies from person to person. Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Tretinoin cream primarily improves skin condition by promoting epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation, as well as regulating epidermal cell growth. This mechanism of action helps alleviate both incomplete and excessive keratinization, thereby improving the skin's appearance to some extent, including reducing scar pigmentation.
Tretinoin cream can also inhibit melanin growth and may help fade scars. However, tretinoin cream usually does not directly repair scar tissue or remove melanin; it can only provide auxiliary improvement for melanin-related scars.
Tretinoin cream may increase skin sensitivity to sunlight. Therefore, prolonged sun exposure should be avoided during use. If going outdoors is necessary, protective measures such as applying sunscreen and wearing a sun hat should be taken.
