Tretinoin is not a magical elixir of youth. It is most useful for reducing fine wrinkles in areas which are noticeably sun damaged for example, around the eyes, nose, and mouth, especially in fair skinned individuals. It is also effective for harmonizing skin texture and color. Tretinoin has little or no effect on sagging skin or deep furrows, but the use of tretinoin in combination with other techniques, such as laser resurfacing or surgical implants, can noticeably improve the skin.

The more extensive the damage to the skin from age and environmental assaults, the more aggressive the treatment must be. Laser resurfacing, liposuction and surgical lifts are alternatives which need to be considered as the changes to the skin become more involved.

Claims have been made that tretinoin may actually prevent wrinkles. From the time sun damage occurs, 5 to 20 years may go by before the skin exhibits any signs of injury. The use of tretinoin at an early age, therefore, may or may not have a long term effect in preventing wrinkles from occurring. This remains an area of controversy Sunscreens, however, are a proven form of protection.