How to Use Tretinoin Cream
At the beginning, when I first learned about tretinoin, I assumed that the challenge will be in finding the right product. It turned out that using it correctly was just as important as choosing the right strength.
Tretinoin cream is a very potent retinoid that works both for acne and photodamage in some cases, such as fine lines, pigmentation, and rough skin. However, it is not one of those products, where higher application gives better results sooner. On the contrary, excessive use and high concentration may result in a very irritated, red, and dry skin that constantly peels.
When you begin taking tretinoin Cream, try keeping things simple and start with low concentration, gradual introduction and protecting your skin from sun exposure.
When Should You Apply Tretinoin Cream?
Tretinoin cream is usually applied only once at night, unless your prescriber has given you different instructions. Applying the tretinoin in the evening is justified, since it makes your skin more sensitive to light exposure, and certain formulations might be unstable under the influence of light. Therefore, your mornings will have to consist of protection of your skin from sunburns using sunscreen.
A simple evening routine can look like this:
- Cleanser -> Dry skin -> Tretinoin -> Moisturizer
There is one small thing that can make a noticeable difference is waiting for your face to dry completely after cleansing. Applying tretinoin cream to damp skin increases its irritancy, especially in the initial stages of treatment. You won’t have to go through an extensive skincare routine before applying tretinoin. Just use a mild cleanser.
If you use makeup or sunscreen during the day, remove it properly from your skin prior to applying tretinoin. Don’t scrub your skin to assure complete removal of the product. Your skin does not need to feel “squeaky clean.”
How Much Tretinoin Cream Should You Use?
This is perhaps one of the biggest mistakes made by beginners. For the face, a pea-sized amount is generally enough. That’s all there is to it.
It can be tempting to use more when you are dealing with multiple pimples or when you are hoping to see results quickly. I understand the temptation, but tretinoin cream does not work like that. Using more will not necessarily speed up the process. Instead, it might just lead to an increased chance of experiencing:
- Dryness
- Peeling
- Redness
- Burning and stinging sensation
- Skin irritation
An effective method would be using a small quantity on your fingertip and applying an even thin layer to the treatment area. Make sure that you avoid applying the tretinoin cream to any sensitive regions like the eyelids, lips, edges of your nose, or irritated skin unless your healthcare professional instructs you otherwise.
When it comes to using the tretinoin cream for the treatment of acne on your face, tretinoin is typically applied over the acne-affected area, not as a spot treatment to individual pimples.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Tretinoin
If you are new to tretinoin, keeping your routine simple can make the adjustment period much easier.
Wash Your Face
Begin by washing your face with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. This step helps remove makeup, sunscreen, excess oil, and dirt from your skin without irritating it. Avoid using abrasive face wash if your skin starts to get dry and irritated.
Dry Your Skin Completely
Dry your face using a clean towel. Afterwards, leave your skin to dry for a few minutes before applying tretinoin cream. This is especially helpful during the adjustment period.
Apply a Pea-Sized Amount
Apply a pea-sized amount of tretinoin cream and gently spread a thin layer over the treatment area. There is no benefit to leaving visible cream on the skin.
Avoid Sensitive Areas
Avoid applying tretinoin around the eyes, lips, nostrils, and corners of the mouth. The skin in these areas is more sensitive to irritation. In case the tretinoin cream enters your eyes, rinse them with water.
Apply Moisturizer
For those who have very sensitive skin, there is a technique that is sometimes referred to as the “sandwich method.” It entails placing on a moisturizer first, then tretinoin cream, and again applying a moisturizer.
- Moisturizer
- Tretinoin
- Moisturizer
This approach can help minimize dryness while allowing you to maintain your routine.
Use Sunscreen the Next Morning
In the morning, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Sunscreen is extremely important when applying tretinoin cream for better pigmentation, skin tone, or sun damage. A simple morning routine can be:
- Cleanser → Moisturizer → Sunscreen
You can add makeup afterward if your skin tolerates it.
How Often Should You Use Tretinoin?
That’s where many beginners make their mistake. It’s not necessary to begin with application of tretinoin every day at first place. Depending on your prescription and the way your skin reacts to it, your dermatologist may suggest you begin using it a few nights a week and increase its frequency gradually.
If you’re just starting with tretinoin, a usual recommendation is to begin with application two or three nights per week and then increase it gradually in case of skin tolerance. Like that:
- Week 1–2: 2 nights per week
- Week 3–4: 3 nights per week
- And then: Increase if tolerated
This is not the same prescription schedule for everyone. Your dermatologist may recommend something different based on your condition and formulation. Sometimes, the skin can tolerate nighttime use and other times tretinoin is used less often as it is sufficient for maintenance of the course without any irritations. The goal here is not the most frequent use possible. The goal is consistent treatment that your skin can tolerate.
What to Apply With Tretinoin
When starting to use tretinoin, your skin care regimen does not necessarily need to get complicated. Actually, in many cases, it is beneficial to keep things simple while getting used to the new product.
Moisturizer
A good moisturizer can be very useful to use along with tretinoin cream. Consider using fragrance-free moisturizers for sensitive skins, with ingredients like ceramides and glycerine that could help to reinforce the skin barrier and decrease dryness.
Sunscreen
Always apply a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning. This is particularly important because UV exposure can worsen pigmentation and sun damage, which may work against the improvements you are trying to achieve.
Gentle Cleanser
A mild cleansers are usually better than harsh exfoliators. If your cleanser makes your face extremely tight and uncomfortable, switch to something more gentle.
Other Active Ingredients
Be careful when introducing other active ingredients. Depending on your treatment plan, products with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or other exfoliating ingredients may be combined with tretinoin usage, but too many irritants at once can really complicate things.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying Too Much
This is certainly one of the easiest mistakes to make. Adding a layer too thick does not mean proportionate benefits. It can increase irritation without improving effectiveness. Apply only the prescribed amount as instructed by your dermatologist.
Starting Every Night
Some people think that they should start using tretinoin cream every night in order to get quick results. However, irritating the skin too much makes it difficult to use this drug constantly. Starting gradually can be a more comfortable approach for many beginners.
Applying Tretinoin on Wet Skin
Even after washing the skin, it still contains moisture. Wait until the face becomes dry in order to apply tretinoin, especially when you suffer from irritation.
Using Tretinoin on Broken or Severe Irritated Skin
Do not apply tretinoin on broken skin, popped pimples, or sunburned or irritated skin.
Forgetting Sunscreen
Using tretinoin at night but ignoring sun protection during the day can make it harder to manage pigmentation and sun-related skin damage. Start wearing sunscreen in the morning!
Expecting Overnight Results
Tretinoin needs time. It can take several weeks to see improvement in acne and several months of regular use for changes in fine lines, pigmentation and skin texture. Mild dryness, peeling or irritation can be expected initially. However, intense burning, swelling, blisters or irritation persisting over time cannot be tolerated.
