Can I use CeraVe moisturizer with tretinoin?

Author: Terence Trantow  |  Last update: Saturday, July 5, 2025

The best budget moisturizer to use with tretinoin cream This hydrating moisturizer is perfectly balanced and great for all skin types. CeraVe prides itself on creating products that restore skin barrier function.

Can I use CeraVe moisturizer after tretinoin?

Yes. It's perfectly safe to use a moisturizer with tretinoin. In fact, tretinoin without moisturizer is generally not recommended. Many dermatologists advise their patients to moisturize while using it to reduce their chance of developing dry, peeling skin.

Which moisturizer is best while using tretinoin?

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream is excellent over tretinoin. It's a very simple, bare bones moisturizer, but it's very effective--thick and heavily moisturizing. I tried CeraVe and a few others, and they just weren't enough for the dryness that accompanies a tret routine.

What moisturizer not to use with tretinoin?

Unless your skin care specialist tells you otherwise, it is especially important to avoid using the following skin products on the same area as tretinoin: benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, *lactic acid, *glycolic acids, *citric acid, high strength ascorbic acid. These acids & actives will increase skin irritation.

Can you use CeraVe moisturizer after retinol?

You can apply it after your retinol. Unless you want to buffer the retinol with it.

How I heal my Skin Barrier in 1 WEEK~! my skincare routine for irritated skin 😮‍💨

What is the best moisturizer to pair with retinol?

Things like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera are highly effective, hydrative humectants to look for when deciding to incorporate retinol into your routine.

How long should you wait between retinol and moisturizer?

After applying your retinol product, it's best to wait roughly 10 minutes before moving on to the next step in your routine.

Does moisturizer cancel out tretinoin?

However, a 2019 study notes that using tretinoin with a moisturizer can help reduce its potential irritation and drying effects. However, while moisturizers may provide relief, combining other skin products with tretinoin could lead to further skin irritation or damage.

What should you not layer with tretinoin?

Avoid other topical retinoids, and skin care products containing retinol, with tretinoin. You may also want to avoid salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and erythromycin gel (Erthygel), as these ingredients and products can cause dryness.

Is tretinoin 3 times a week enough?

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.

What is the best combination with tretinoin?

One of the most popular hydrating ingredients, Hyaluronic acid is excellent to pair with Tretinoin in compounded treatments. It helps to counteract the dryness and flaking effects of Tretinoin by drawing moisture into the skin, keeping it plump and hydrated.

What is the best morning moisturizer for tretinoin?

The La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Multi-Purpose Balm.

Tretinoin users have reviewed this product and named it the “holy grail of moisturizers.” It's helped countless people get through tretinoin irritation.

How long after applying tretinoin can I apply moisturizer?

Once you've massaged the Tretinoin onto your skin, you can apply your serums and/or moisturiser if you use these at night. There isn't a golden rule about how long to wait before applying these as different formulations of Tretinoin take different times to absorb. If in doubt, wait for 15-20 minutes.

What is the sandwich method for tretinoin?

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.

Does tretinoin work better without moisturizer?

This depends on your skin and how it reacts to tretinoin. You can begin treatment by applying to clean dry skin. If you notice increasing dryness or slight redness, you can apply moisturizer before applying tretinoin and after or you can mix moisturizer with tretinoin.

Can you put CeraVe moisturizer?

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream can be applied as a face cream or body cream to help restore the appearance of hydrated, healthy-looking skin. This makes it a convenient skincare option for anyone who prefers formulas that can be used on multiple areas.

What can tretinoin not be mixed with?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it is especially important to avoid using the following skin products on the same area as tretinoin: Any other topical acne product or skin product containing a peeling agent (eg, benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, or sulfur).

What should I use at night with tretinoin?

Moisturize. Using a water-based moisturizer after applying tretinoin is generally recommended. This can help protect your skin from some side effects of the treatment, including dryness, peeling, and irritation.

How long does tretinoin purge last?

Skin purging typically lasts anywhere between four to six weeks which is roughly in line with how long it takes for your skin cells to naturally turnover. During this phase, it might seem like your skin is getting worse but it should settle down and improve after you've passed this period.

Do you have to wash tretinoin off in the morning?

Do you have to wash tretinoin off in the morning? Yes, it's advisable to cleanse your face in the morning to remove the tretinoin before applying your morning skincare products and sunscreen.

Does tretinoin peeling ever stop?

Some people may notice that this side effect goes away within a few weeks of use, while others may have flaky skin for up to two months. Regardless of how long it takes to subside, tretinoin peeling is temporary and will go away once your skin gets used to the product.

Why is my face still breaking out on tretinoin?

During the first month or two, you may notice an increase in redness and acne. That's normal! Tretinoin speeds up cell death and renewal, and your skin needs time to adjust. These breakouts are temporary.

What is the best moisturizer to use after retinol?

The Best Moisturizers to Use After Retinol

Hyaluronic acid is the ultimate hydrator, she says, while products with ceramides help restore the skin barrier and lock in moisture. She also suggests using a formula that's fragrance-free (to prevent further irritation) and non-comedogenic (to avoid clogging pores).

What are the retinol uglies?

The Retinol Uglies: Fact vs Myths. Retinol can benefit skin in a myriad of ways. Often implemented into routines for anti-ageing and skin clearing, its potency can sometimes cause side effects in the short term. Termed 'retinol uglies', the skin shedding function of this ingredient results in sensitivity for many users ...

How long does tretinoin take to absorb?

Apply your tretinoin in a thin layer to your entire face (avoiding eyes, lips and nostrils) and allow to absorb completely, which usually takes 15-20 minutes. Once your tretinoin is completely absorbed by your skin, apply a thin layer of moisturizer to your entire face.

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