If you’ve ever struggled with breakouts, there’s a good chance someone has suggested tretinoin to you. Dermatologists often prescribe this retinoid cream to help unclog pores, smooth skin texture, and prevent new breakouts from forming. While tretinoin does offer benefits for the right candidate, it’s important to understand that it often acts more like a band-aid solution than a true long-term fix for acne.

The Limitations of Tretinoin

Tretinoin works by speeding up skin cell turnover. In theory, this means fewer clogged pores and a reduction in active breakouts. But acne is rarely caused by just one thing. Hormonal fluctuations, internal inflammation, pore-clogging skincare or makeup products, stress, and even certain foods can all contribute to breakouts. Simply applying tretinoin doesn’t address these deeper causes.

Many people also find that tretinoin comes with side effects—dryness, flaking, redness, and irritation—that make it hard to use consistently. And when it’s used on its own, acne often returns the moment treatment is stopped, highlighting its “band-aid” nature.

The Hidden Problem in Cream Formulations

Another overlooked issue is that some tretinoin creams contain pore-clogging ingredients. Common culprits include:

• Isopropyl myristate

• Certain fatty alcohols

• Mineral oil

These ingredients are known to be highly comedogenic, which means they can actually contribute to clogged pores and breakouts. For someone already prone to acne, this creates a frustrating and what feels like a never ending cycle—you’re using a prescription product designed to clear your skin, but the base of the product may be working against you.

A Smarter Way to Clear Your Acne

At We Love Acne, we know that no single cream or prescription is a magic cure. That’s why we take a comprehensive approach—looking at your skin type, lifestyle, product choices, and the hidden factors fueling your breakouts. Instead, we create a custom acne plan that works with your unique concerns and addresses the true root causes.

Ready to move beyond band-aid, temporary solutions? Let us create a custom acne plan for you by working one-on-one with our acne experts at We Love Acne. Clear skin IS possible with us!