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When it comes to skincare, if you ask a dermatologist the treatment they would recommend without pause, almost all of them will likely tell you that retinoids (vitamin A derivatives like retinol) are their desert-island pick. Retinoids are one of the most researched-backed actives that derms and estheticians swear by for a slew of different skincare concerns, including acne, fading dark spots, ironing out the look of fine lines, and refining pores.
There are thousands of solid over-the-counter retinol formulas on the market available in a wide range of strengths, suspensions, and price points, but prescription retinoids—tretinoin (Retin-A, Renova, etc.)—are the most effective if you’re looking to see quick results. If you want to find out how to get a tretinoin prescription online, you’ve come to the right place. Though bear in mind that RX-strength retinoids do come with their fair share of side effects, including dryness, flakiness, and irritation referred to by estheticians and dermatologists as the “retinization process,” and by Redditors and TikTokers, “the retinol purge.”