It's true that some people with persistent acne use tretinoin for years, but generally speaking, most stop once they have clearer skin or if they're no longer seeing results. Other people may continue to use tretinoin after their breakouts subside for the most part for maintenance therapy.
It may take 3 to 4 months or up to 6 months before you notice improvement. If you stop using tretinoin, the improvement may gradually disappear.
The skin will be more prone to sunburn, dryness, or irritation, especially during the first 2 or 3 weeks. However, you should not stop using this medicine unless the skin irritation becomes too severe.
According to Dr. Mohta, to maintain the benefits you achieved over the past year, it is crucial to continue using tretinoin as part of your long-term skincare routine. You can safely use tretinoin long-term. Research has shown no negative effects even with 2-4 years of usage.
Skipping days gives your skin a rest. Once it starts feeling better, slowly work up to using it every day (or as directed by your healthcare provider). Don't stop using your treatment altogether. As your skin adjusts, dryness and peeling will taper off.
For many, tretinoin is highly effective at treating acne, but it's still possible to experience breakouts once you stop using it.
You should aim to use tretinoin every night, however, you must start slowly as your skin needs to get used to it. The first 2 weeks apply it 2 to 3 nights per week, after that try applying it every other day, and then if your skin can handle it, apply it every night.
Renova and Retin-A are sometimes hailed as miracle products that promise youthful, blemish-free, smooth skin to anyone from the age of 15 through to 70. However long-term use of Tretinoin, the generic name for these products, does not come without long-term issues some of which are under-stated and rarely reported.
Topical tretinoin stimulates epidermal proliferation and differentiation by upregulating heparin binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF), which causes increased exfoliation and thickening of the epidermis.
The idea behind skin cycling is to reduce irritation, so if you are already using tretinoin or retinol multiple times a week with no irritation, then there's no need to add in rest days.
Option one: The sandwich technique
After washing your face, apply a layer of moisturiser. Allow it to dry down for 5-10 minutes. Then, apply a pea-sized amount of tretinoin to your entire face. Allow this to dry down for 5-10 minutes.
Tretinoin helps remove dead skin cells, allowing new cells to rise to the surface more efficiently. This stimulates collagen production and helps to reverse the effects of long-term sun exposure1. Tretinoin should be used for at least 6 months for maximum effect.
After your skin is used to the Tretinoin, you may apply a bit more to areas with more wrinkles. 6. After your desired concentration is achieved, you may taper the Tretinoin: Apply only 3 times per week for 2 weeks, then 2 times per week for 2 weeks, then stop.
Dr Kiran acknowledges some evidence that suggests tretinoin may aid in hair growth: Tretinoin promotes cell turnover, which can help rejuvenate hair follicles. It may enhance the absorption of other hair growth treatments, such as minoxidil.
AFTER 4 – 6 WEEKS
After 4-6 weeks, your skin will get used to Tretinoin and will begin to be noticeably smoother and more even.
One common consequence of discontinuing tretinoin is a temporary worsening of skin texture and appearance. Without the regular use of tretinoin, the benefits it provides may gradually fade away. Skin may become rougher, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles may become more pronounced.
“The symptoms related to tretinoin purging typically involve acne breakouts, severe skin dryness and peeling, redness and irritation, but it is important to know that this phase is temporary and once it's over, the skin will generally begin to improve, and you will be able to see the positive effects.
Skin purging is common, but doesn't necessarily happen to everyone. In fact some people don't experience it at all. For those of us who do suffer from purging, it can look like: breaking out in pustules (pimples), the appearance of flaky, peeling skin, irritation and dry patches.
Signs you should stop using tretinoin
It's normal to experience some dryness, peeling, and irritation—maybe even some purging—as you adjust to using tretinoin. But if the side effects become severe or don't go away, it might be time to hit pause and give your skin a breather.
Topical tretinoin can cause your skin to become dry, red, swollen, blistered, or flaky. It may also cause your skin to itch, be painful, or feel like it is burning. Stop using topical tretinoin and call your healthcare provider if these symptoms become worse or do not go away.
Discontinuing retinol use in a skincare routine
Keeping in mind that this study was done on tretinoin, which is a stronger strength retinoid than retinol, it is likely that stopping an over the counter retinol product could also lead to a regression of the positive results achieved with its regular application.
The time it takes the body to metabolize (to process) medication is not the same for everyone. In healthy non-pregnant adults, it takes up to 1 day, on average, for most of the tretinoin to be gone from the body.
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.
The skin on the neck is thinner and more sensitive, so it may not tolerate tretinoin well, causing irritation. However, if you want to address signs of ageing on your neck, you may benefit from using tretinoin there. To avoid irritation, start with a lower frequency on your neck and build up as your skin tolerates it.