SkincareSafety Guide

Skin

Understand your skin type, tone, and what your skin is doing.

View all skin guides

Start here

Skin typesThe main skin types and how they differ.Find your skin typeA practical identification guide.What different skin types look likeVisual differences between common skin types.

Common skin questions

Oily skinWhat oily skin means and how to read it.Skin type changesHow skin type can shift over time.Skin type and ageHow visible aging differs by skin type.
Not sure where to start?Use the skin-type guide before choosing routines or ingredients.

Concerns

Start from a skin problem or visible change.

View concern guides

Oil and acne

Why oily skin happensThe main drivers behind excess oil.Oily skin and acneHow oil can contribute to breakouts.Can oily skin cause acne?A direct answer to the oil-acne link.

Changes and warning signs

Stress and oily skinHow stress may affect oiliness.Dehydration and oilinessWhy skin can feel oily and dehydrated.Skin cancer signsVisual signs that need professional attention.
Looking for a solution?Start with what oily skin actually needs before adding stronger products.

Ingredients

Understand what ingredients do and whether they fit your skin.

View ingredient questions

Explore ingredients

NiacinamideA practical ingredient overview.Vitamin C serumWho can use vitamin C and when to be careful.RetinolHow retinol fits different skin types.

Use safely

Salicylic acidWhere this acne-focused ingredient fits.Niacinamide for all skin typesSuitability across skin types.Ingredient comparisonsUse comparisons to avoid mismatched decisions.
Can my skin use this?Browse compatibility questions before adding a new active.

Routines

Turn skin information into daily decisions.

View routine questions

Daily basics

Does every skin type need moisturizer?A basic routine decision.Does every skin type need sunscreen?Where SPF fits in daily care.What oily skin needsA simple care direction for oily skin.

Adjust over time

Skin changes with ageWhen your routine may need to change.Seasonal skin changesHow weather affects skin behavior.Korean skincare approachWhat is useful beneath the trend.
Starting from scratch?Begin with moisturizer, sunscreen, and one skin-specific need.

Products

A small selection of skincare products recommended by OuterDerm for simple, effective everyday routines.

View all products

Recommended picks

Daily SunscreenDaily UV protection that has to be wearable enough to stick with.Azelaic AcidA focused 10% azelaic acid when uneven tone or blemish marks are the concern.Gentle CleanserComfortable cleansing when tight or squeaky skin is a warning sign.
Not sure where to start?Browse three carefully selected essentials, then ask on WhatsApp before you order.

Learn

Go deeper into skin science, myths, evidence, and safety.

View learning guides

Hazardous ingredients

Safety hubStart with mercury, steroids, PPD and other hazardous substances.Ingredient safety indexBrowse Phase 1 and Phase 2 hazardous ingredients.Mercury in whitening creamsLabel names, Punjab alerts, and what to do now.

Product literacy

Product literacy hubHow to read labels, claims, and INCI lists before you buy.How to read an ingredient labelINCI order, Parfum, and missing-list red flags.Fragrance-free vs unscentedHow to verify a fragrance-free claim on the ingredient list.How to choose sunscreenBroad spectrum, wearability, and a readable pack — not a fairness claim.

Skin science

Skin color geneticsHow inherited traits shape skin color.Skin color typesHow skin tone is commonly grouped.Are skin types genetic?What genetics can and cannot explain.

Evidence and myths

Can all skin types tan?Tanning, risk, and skin type.Is oily skin good or bad?A balanced view of oily skin.Why Korean skin looks flawlessTrend claims translated into practical basics.
Want the evidence layer?Use why-guides when you want causes, mechanisms, and context.

Depigmenting medicines family

Tretinoin

Professional supervision only

Prescription retinoid — do not start or stop without clinician guidance.

Main concern: Irritation and sun sensitivity; pregnancy needs professional advice.

Do now: Follow prescriber instructions; use daily SPF if treating as directed.

Context-dependent severityModerate confidenceModerate confidence evidence

Last reviewed 17 Aug 2026

Label par naam check karein Agar use kar chuke hain Evidence aur sources dekhein
Moderate confidence1 source Reviewed 17 Aug 2026OuterDerm fact-check deskModerate confidence · NHS medicine guidance on file Evidence aur sources dekhein
What it isA medicine-level vitamin A derivative — stronger than cosmetic retinol.
Where foundPrescription creams and gels · Compounded pigmentation formulas · Pharmacy prescription products · Dermatologist combination protocols
Main concernIrritation and sun sensitivity; pregnancy needs professional advice.
What to doFollow prescriber instructions; use daily SPF if treating as directed.

ExplainWhat the substance is

A prescription vitamin A derivative used for acne and, in combination protocols, some pigmentation conditions. It is not a casual cosmetic retinol substitute.

Tretinoin prescription retinoid hai — acne aur melasma protocols mein use hota hai. Bina doctor ke start ya stop na karein; pregnancy mein bina advice ke use na karein.

LabelsLabel par naam check karein

TretinoinmedicineRetinoic acidchemicalAll-trans retinoic acidchemical
Scientific / common name
Tretinoin

WhereWhere it may be found

Not every product in these categories contains this substance. These are common contexts where exposure has been documented or reported.

Common product categories

  • Prescription creams and gels
  • Compounded pigmentation formulas
  • Not typical OTC cosmetics

Typical exposure contexts

  • Pharmacy prescription products
  • Dermatologist combination protocols

Main exposure route: Skin contact — increased photosensitivity during treatment

Why it appears in products
  • Prescription acne and photoageing treatment
  • Component of supervised melasma combination therapy

If usedAgar use kar chuke hain

Do not abruptly stop a prescribed medicine without your doctor's advice.

  • If prescribed, do not stop abruptly without your doctor's plan.
  • If used unsupervised and skin burns, stop and use gentle cleanser and SPF.
  • Discuss pregnancy exposure with a clinician promptly if applicable.

Keep the product, batch code and seller details in a sealed bag for reporting if needed.

OuterDerm does not diagnose reactions or prescribe treatment. Use professional care when symptoms concern you.

Report a suspected product

RiskWhen it becomes risky

  • Starting without tolerance plan
  • Sun exposure without SPF
  • Use in pregnancy without advice

HealthHealth effects by evidence strength

strong evidence

  • Irritation and sun sensitivity

    NHS notes tretinoin commonly causes dryness and irritation and increases sun sensitivity; use should follow medical guidance.

    Tretinoin

Medical

Symptoms requiring medical advice

  • Severe burning or swelling
  • Pregnancy exposure after unsupervised use
  • Eye area exposure with vision changes

PopulationsPregnancy, children & workers

  • Pregnancy

    Do not use tretinoin in pregnancy without explicit clinician guidance.

    Tretinoin
  • Sensitive skin

    Introduce only with a tolerance plan supervised by a clinician.

    Tretinoin

ProductsVerified product findings

OuterDerm ke paas is waqt koi reviewed product-specific finding publish karne ke liye available nahi.

AlternativesSafer alternatives

  • Gentle barrier repair while awaiting reviewroutine

    If misused and skin is irritated, simplify routine and seek professional reassessment.

    How to Heal the Skin Barrier

ReviewSources & update history

Author: OuterDerm editorial team

Reviewer: OuterDerm fact-check desk

  • Tretinoin — NHS · Accessed 2026-08-17 · United Kingdom

    Supports: Tretinoin is a prescription medicine; side effects include irritation and sun sensitivity and use should follow clinician guidance.