Online skin consultations across Canada for CA$175.
514 111 1111
Tretinoin

Tretinoin prescribed online

Tretinoin is a prescription retinoid for the skin. Clinicians use it for acne, sun-damaged skin and dark patches. A Canadian-licensed medical professional reviews your skin and decides if it is right for you.

Start my assessment

At a glance

  • Topical retinoid (cream or gel)
  • For acne, sun-damaged skin and dark patches
  • Results build over weeks to months

Why Modern Dermatology

  • Canadian-licensed medical professionals, 100% online
  • Prescriptions sent to your pharmacy or delivered
  • Follow-up and refills through your Care Team

Used forAcneWrinkles and anti-agingMelasmaHyperpigmentation (dark spots)PIH and PIE (marks after acne)Acne scars

Do not use tretinoin if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Tell your clinician right away if you think you may be pregnant. Protect your skin from sun every day while you use it.

Choosing the right strength for you

Your clinician picks the strength and form based on your skin and your goal. Most people start slowly and build up as skin adjusts. Your Care Team explains how often and how much to apply.

Considerations include

  • Your skin concern (acne, texture or dark patches)
  • Skin type and sensitivity
  • Past retinoids and how your skin reacted
  • Other skin care products you use
  • Pregnancy plans and sun exposure

Weeks to months of use

Tretinoin cream or gel

  • Available as cream or gel, so you can match it to your skin
  • Creams are often gentler on dry or sensitive skin
  • Gels often suit oily, acne-prone skin
  • Your clinician chooses the strength and how fast to build up
Get treatment

Weeks to months of use

Tretinoin microsphere gel (Retin-A Micro)

  • The drug is released slowly from tiny particles
  • May cause less irritation for some people
  • Often chosen for acne, and for people whose skin reacts easily
  • Your clinician decides if this form fits you
Get treatment

Your clinician decides which option fits you. Durations are typical ranges, not promises.

How tretinoin works

Tretinoin helps skin renew itself

Tretinoin is a form of vitamin A. It speeds up how fast skin cells turn over, so pores clog less and dead cells do not build up. For acne, this helps prevent new breakouts.

It also helps skin make collagen and spreads pigment more evenly. That is why it can soften fine lines and fade dark patches.

A close-up of skin textureHands apply lotion from a white pump bottle
Tretinoin

Recommended for

  • Acne with blackheads and whiteheads
  • Rough texture and fine lines from sun damage
  • Dark patches such as melasma
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Adults who can use daily sun protection

Your clinician reviews your skin and history, and confirms that this treatment is right for you before prescribing.

  • Speeds up cell turnover

    Pores clog less often

  • Clears blocked pores

    Fewer blackheads and breakouts

  • Boosts collagen

    Smoother skin, softer fine lines

  • Evens out pigment

    Dark patches fade gradually

How it works.

  1. 01
    A woman takes a selfie of her skin with her phone

    Tell us about your skin

    Complete a quick medical questionnaire and upload a few photos of your skin concerns. No appointment needed.

  2. 02
    A smiling doctor in a white coat

    Get your personalized treatment plan

    A Canadian-licensed medical professional will review your information and recommend a personalized treatment plan, including prescriptions when appropriate. Most conditions can be assessed without a video consultation.

  3. 03
    Hands apply lotion from a white pump bottle

    Start your treatment

    Get your prescribed medications delivered right to your door. Medication costs are billed separately from your consultation.

  4. 04
    A woman smiles as she messages on her phone

    Follow up on your progress

    At a follow-up, your clinician can review your progress, discuss side effects and adjust your treatment if needed.

Start my assessment

Clear answers.

Have more questions? See our full FAQ or Contact us.

Still have questions? Reach our care team at 514 111 1111

Start my assessment

Yes, when it is appropriate for you. You fill in a short online intake, and a Canadian-licensed medical professional reviews it. Your clinician decides if tretinoin is right for you.

See all questions

Simple pricing for your skin care.

Medication costs are separate. Ask your insurer whether your plan reimburses online consultations.

Skin assessment

  • Medical questionnaire and photo review
  • Personalized treatment plan
  • Prescription when appropriate

CA$175

per consultation

Start my assessment

Related treatments

Your clinician can suggest another option when this one is not the right fit.

Adapalene

Tactupump

Adapalene / benzoyl peroxide

Azelaic acid

Azelaic acid

Benzoyl peroxide

Cefadroxil

Benzaclin

Clindamycin / benzoyl peroxide

Clindamycin

Clindamycin (topical)

Biacna

Clindamycin / tretinoin

Dapsone gel

Doxycycline

Three smiling women apply cream to their faces

Where clear skin begins.

Start my assessment
Start my assessment