What is the number one issue with tretinoin? It takes weeks for your skin to adjust. That adjustment phase can include redness, dryness, flakiness, and skin sensitivity. Like any new routine, it’s easy to give up too soon or get frustrated because you aren’t seeing results overnight. Or to be too ambitious and apply it too generously and irritate your skin.
So knowing this, what is the best way to introduce tretinoin into your skincare routine? The short answer is . . . gradually.
The first key with starting to integrate tretinoin is to know when to apply it. Tretinoin should be applied to the entire face nightly — AFTER washing your face and in combination with a moisturizer.
When you first start tretinoin, your goal is to apply a pea-sized amount to your entire face 2-3 nights a week. (And while you’re at it, don’t forget to apply a small amount to your neck and back of your hands too.) Once you’ve been able to tolerate it consistently 2-3 nights a weekly, gradually increase your frequency by one night a week until you can manage a nightly application. Never reach the point where you an tolerate nightly usage? It’s okay! Your skin will still benefit even from 3 nights a week of use!
The next most important tip is to use a moisturizer with your application. There are many ways to do this — you can apply your moisturizer before tretinoin; after tretinoin; before AND after tretinoin (the “sandwich method”); or you can mix the tretinoin into your moisturizer. Experiment and see what works best for you. Don’t have a moisturizer you love? Three inexpensive moisturizers that our physicians love are Vanicream Daily Facial Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid, Neutrogena Hydroboost Gel, and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid Serum. All three of these are affordable, non-comedogenic,and blend well with tretinoin.
Still having trouble? You may want to talk to your dermatologist about adjusting your tretinoin prescription — it comes in many concentrations and you may need to adjust to a gentler strength. Or you may need to try the micro-encapsulated form (Retin-A microgel or tretinoin microspheres), which is generally less irritating.
As always, we are here for you. If you need help or have questions about your specific skincare needs, schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment and we’d be happy to walk through this process step-by-step with you!