General
Topical retinoid
Virtual visit

Topical retinoid

Get expert care for your topical retinoid by completing a brief questionnaire and consult with our medical team.

Licensed providers in all 50 states

Expert-guided, evidence-based treatments

Skip the trip to the doctor's office

Visit options

We'll check any insurance and show you your options before you book.

Video Visit

$25

Est. or $100 w/o insurance

Chat Visit

$30

w/o insurance

Most insurance accepted

Board-certified

No hidden fees

Available nationwide

What to expect from a Topical Retinoid visit

1

Share your health story

Answer a few questions about your goals and concerns. And, we'll gather your full health history from past providers.

2

Meet your clinician

Pick a time that works for you to speak with a licensed clinician. They'll review your health story beforehand, so your visit can be used to listen and dig deeper.

3

Get your care plan

Leave with clear next steps and a personalized care plan. If you need medication, labs, or to see a specialist, your clinician will take care of the details for you.

4

Own your health

Track your progress, schedule follow-ups, and adjust care as your needs evolve. Your care team and General AI is only a few taps away.

Virtual visit with clinician

Ongoing support, always available.

You’ll be supported by experienced clinicians who care for a wide range of health needs, from everyday concerns to more complex conditions.

Our clinicians track your progress over time and adjust your care as needed. If medication is prescribed, we’ll manage dosing and monitor for side effects. If lab testing is recommended, we review results and refine your plan accordingly. You’re never left to navigate care on your own.

All your care in one place. That’s the General Medicine difference.

We help you understand your options, connect you to the right clinicians, manage prescriptions, coordinate any needed evaluations, and keep an eye on your overall health along the way. It’s comprehensive care that looks at the full picture — your goals, your history, your lifestyle — and makes it simple to move forward with confidence.

Your care plan
Clinician

Reasons to book your topical retinoid visit

Retinoids are among the most effective skincare ingredients — but getting started right makes all the difference. This visit helps you choose the right formulation and use it without unnecessary irritation.

You want to start a retinoid for acne, anti-aging, or skin texture improvement

You've tried retinol before but experienced too much irritation to stick with it

You want to know whether OTC retinol or prescription tretinoin is right for your goals

You have sensitive skin and want guidance on how to introduce a retinoid safely

You're currently pregnant or planning to be and want to understand what's safe

You want a prescription and a clear plan for how to use it effectively

What our customers have to say

“I feel like I’m finally on the right path to improving my health with the right support now! It’s so refreshing and reassuring.”

Emerald

“My experience with General Medicine was amazing. The understanding and care that was taken to figure out what is exactly going on with me. I feel like a weight has been lifted off of me.”

Kaylee

“I couldn’t be happier with my experience with General Medicine! They are fast, responsive, kind and knowledgeable. It is much easier, more affordable and faster.”

Nika

Get the care you need, without the wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do topical retinoids do and what are they used for?

Topical retinoids — tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene — are vitamin A derivatives that accelerate cell turnover, unclog pores, stimulate collagen production, and reduce pigmentation. They are used for acne, photoaging, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, rough skin texture, and as part of comprehensive anti-aging skincare regimens.

How long does it take for a topical retinoid to work?

Initial purging — temporary worsening of acne as clogged pores surface — can occur in the first 4–6 weeks. Meaningful improvement in acne is typically seen at 3–4 months. Anti-aging and pigmentation benefits develop over 6–12 months of consistent use. Patience and consistency are essential.

How do I minimize irritation when starting a retinoid?

Start with the lowest effective concentration, applied every 2–3 nights initially. Apply to fully dry skin, use a pea-sized amount for the whole face, and follow with moisturizer. Gradually increase frequency over 4–6 weeks. Avoiding other potentially irritating actives (AHAs, BHAs, benzoyl peroxide) while adjusting reduces initial irritation.

Can I use a retinoid around my eyes?

Periorbital skin is thinner and more sensitive — dedicated lower-concentration retinoid eye products or careful application with buffering from moisturizer are preferred. Tretinoin applied carefully to the outer eye area is done but requires caution. Irritation and dryness are more pronounced in this area.

What side effects are associated with topical retinoids?

Initial dryness, peeling, redness, and increased sun sensitivity are expected and typically improve as skin adjusts. Retinoids must not be used during pregnancy — teratogenicity risk requires reliable contraception. Sun protection daily is essential during retinoid use to prevent worsening photosensitivity. Topical Retinoid visit What to expect from a Topical Retinoid visit
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