Here’s what we’ll cover in this blog post:
- The benefits of Tretinoin
- Tips for taking Tretinoin
- How to minimize side effects
- How to maximize benefits
Tretinoin is one of the most potent skincare solutions for restoring UV damage and treating visible signs of aging skin. But Tretinoin also comes with a learning curve
When used incorrectly, Tretinoin can cause dryness, irritation, and peeling, leading some to give up before they see real improvements.
With the right approach, Tretinoin can smooth fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, restoring your skin’s youthful glow for years to come.
Here, we’ll cover the top 10 tips for taking Tretinoin, straight from our skincare experts, so you can get the best results while minimizing irritation.
1. Start slow
If you’re new to Tretinoin, use it 2-3 times a week and gradually increase as your skin adjusts. You’ll know your skin has adjusted when the initial skin irritation starts to subside. For some, this can take a few weeks. For others, this can take more than a month.
When you feel your skin has developed a tolerance to the medication, you can start using Tretinoin more often. Some may even be able to use Tretinoin daily. If you do choose to use Tretinoin daily, be sure not to use it consecutively for more than 7-14 days in a row. After up to 14 days of daily use, switch back to an intermittent application schedule, as your skin tolerates.
2. Use pea-sized portions
You only need 2-3 small, pea-size drops of Tretinoin to cover your entire face. Applying more won’t speed up results, but may increase irritation.
Squeeze a pea-sized drop onto your finger one at a time, then apply gently and evenly across your face (while avoiding the eyes). Pay special attention to problem areas like crow’s feet, laugh lines, or forehead wrinkles, but do not use more medication in any one area.
3. Apply to dry skin
When your skin is still damp and freshly washed, your skin pores will be more dilated than usual. This allows Tretinoin to penetrate into deeper layers of your skin, which can increase irritation—especially when you first start taking Tretinoin.
Wait 20-30 minutes after washing your face before applying Tretinoin.You may also want to wait 20 minutes before applying additional face products, including moisturizer.
4. Wait 20 minutes before applying Tretinoin
Once you’ve applied Tretinoin, you may want to wait another 20 minutes before applying other products like moisturizer. If you don’t wait for Tretinoin to dry before using moisturizer, you may push the medication deeper into your pores, which can increase irritation.
If you know your skin is sensitive, stick to the 20-20 rule—wait 20 minutes before applying Tretinoin, then wait another 20 minutes after. This can drastically improve your experience in the first weeks of starting with Tretinoin.
5. Moisturize first (or after)
You should always try to use a moisturizer after applying Tretinoin. However, some may benefit from using a moisturizer before taking Tretinoin. And if you have extra sensitive skin, you might want to try the “sandwich method” by using a moisturizer before and after.
When you first start taking Tretinoin, experiment with moisturizer timing and see what works best for you. As your skin adjusts to the medication, you can reduce how often you use moisturizer, but you should still plan to use moisturizer at least once with Tretinoin.
6. Expect some peeling before improvement
It’s normal to experience itching, burning, redness, or peeling on your face or neck after starting with Tretinoin. Doctors call these effects “retinoid reactions,” which are a sign of your skin adjusting to retinoids like Tretinoin.
These reactions are usually mild and not cause for alarm. In fact, they’re a sign that the medication is working as intended. Most of these side effects will go away on their own within a few weeks. If you experience severe burning or redness after using Tretinoin, stop using the medication immediately and contact your prescriber.
7. Use sunscreen in the day
Though Tretinoin repairs UV damage, it also makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. This isn’t an initial reaction that goes away after time, but a cellular response that persists even after your skin has adjusted to Tretinoin.
If you plan to be in the sun after taking Tretinoin, you should use sunscreen on the areas you applied Tretinoin. Use at least SPF 30+ over your face and neck, and consider wearing glasses and a sun hat for additional protection.
8. Try using Tretinoin at night
Tretinoin doesn’t just make your skin more sun-sensitive—the medication also breaks down in sunlight. That’s why some patients find it easier to apply Tretinoin as part of their bedtime routine, rather than their morning routine.
By applying Tretinoin at night, you’re giving your skin ample time to absorb and adjust to the medication, so you can get the most from each dose without risking benefits. However, you should still apply sunscreen in the day even if you use Tretinoin at night, as your skin will still be more sun sensitive.
9. Avoid your eyes
Tretinoin can migrate into sensitive areas like your eyes if you apply the medication to close. As a general rule, don’t apply Tretinoin past your orbital bone—or, the circular bone on your face that forms the circles under your eyes. You should also skip the corners of your nose and mouth.
This is among the most critical tips for taking Tretinoin. If Tretinoin gets in your eyes, it can cause meibomian gland dysfunction, a chronic dry eye condition that could cause permanent damage. Ingesting Tretinoin through the mouth or nose can also cause serious damage.
10. Consistency is key
Tretinoin is designed as a long-term addition to your skincare routine, so patience is key! You should expect to see initial results within 3 months, but the best benefits come after at least 6-12 months of regular use.
How quickly you see results may also depend on your skin type and the severity of your damage. Everybody’s skin is unique, which means the time it takes to see benefits can vary from person to person.
Remember: great skin doesn’t happen overnight. Consistency and patience are key when using Tretinoin. While the adjustment period can be challenging, following these tips for taking Tretinoin will help you unlock its full potential.
By starting slow, applying correctly, moisturizing properly, and protecting your skin from the sun, Tretinoin can be an invaluable addition not just to your skincare routine, but your longevity journey. Keep these tips in mind throughout your subscription, and you’ll be on your way to healthier, radiant skin before you realize!
Note: The above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.