Can you apply tretinoin on broken skin?

Author: Isadore Kreiger  |  Last update: Monday, May 12, 2025

You should not apply tretinoin on sunburned, windburned, or damaged skin or open wounds.

Is it okay to put tretinoin on broken skin?

Apply a thin film of the medication to the affected area. Do not apply to burned or damaged skin. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 9 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What happens if I put tretinoin on an open wound?

As a retinoid, tretinoin may enhance wound healing by its effect on cell division and differentiation. The use of tretinoin increases epidermal thickness and cell turnover, which may lead to faster reepithelialization. It also stimulates angiogenesis in the superficial dermis.

Can I put retinol on broken skin?

Avoid retinol products if you have a sunburn, broken skin or other skin irritations. Use SPF 30 and wear sun protective clothing and hats to reduce your exposure to the sun. Ask your healthcare provider about the best time to apply moisturizer as part of your skincare routine.

Is tretinoin good for a damaged skin barrier?

⏬️Stop using tretinoin incorrectly. If you use it the wrong way it can compromise your skin barrier. But, if used the right way it can be most beneficial. -A tret is more concentrated than a retinol & it acts faster where results are concerned.

Has Tretinoin damaged your skin barrier? 5 tips to fix it | Ask Doctor Anne

What heals a broken skin barrier?

How to heal skin barrier? Whether your skin barrier is damaged or healthy, it's still good to nourish it with repairing ingredients such as fatty acids, cholesterol, ceramides and hyaluronic acid.

Does tretinoin reverse skin damage?

Regular use of this medication over time will lead to healthier appearing skin with improved texture and less wrinkles. It can replace dull-appearing skin with a pink rosy glow. In summary, if used over many months and years, tretinoin can reverse signs of excessive sun exposure.

Can I put retinol on open wounds?

Retinol helps wounds heal faster and could help countless older people. Nano micelles of Retinol, a type of vitamin A commonly used in anti-ageing beauty products, can also help wounds heal faster by promoting skin tissue regeneration, according to studies conducted by the University of Surrey and Phytoceutical Ltd.

What not to use on a damaged skin barrier?

Marisa Garshick's, top do's and don'ts when it comes to repairing a damaged skin barrier. “It is important to avoid any ingredients that can worsen irritation or further compromise the skin barrier such as harsh soaps, abrasive scrubs, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids or salicylic acid.

Can you use retinol on cracked skin?

Yes, it is completely safe to use retinoids (vitamin A) on dry skin types, just as long as you ensure that you are using it correctly. At Medik8, we use 3 types of retinoids - retinol, retinaldehyde (retinal) and retinyl retinoate.

Can you put tretinoin on healing skin?

Pretreatment for photoaged skin with topical tretinoin accelerates healing of full-thickness wounds.

When not to apply tretinoin?

Do not apply this medicine to windburned or sunburned skin or on open wounds. Do not use this medicine in or around the eyes or lips, or inside of the nose. Spread the medicine away from these areas when applying. If it accidentally gets on these areas, wash with water at once.

Is it good to put vaseline over tretinoin?

Ensure proper application of tretinoin

Most people need just a pea-sized amount of tretinoin for their face and neck. Before using, apply an occlusive cream or Vaseline around your eyes and the corners of your mouth to protect the skin. Remember not to over-apply or mix tretinoin with other drying agents.

Can I put tretinoin over a pimple?

Tretinoin cream is a medication that treats acne. It's a type of retinoid medication. You can apply this cream to your affected skin as directed.

Should I use tretinoin if my skin is irritated?

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. However, skip a night or two if your skin is irritated, because it will make it worse.

Is topical tretinoin bad for the liver?

Retinoids have been implicated in causing mild-to-moderate elevations in routine liver tests, but these elevations are usually asymptomatic and transient, resolving spontaneously even with continued therapy.

Can you put retinol on broken skin?

Refrain from using retinol on sensitive or broken skin, such as cuts, wounds or areas with eczema, as it may cause further irritation. Always wear sunscreen during the day and follow up with a moisturiser to help counteract any dryness or irritation that may occur,” she signs off.

Can tretinoin destroy the skin barrier?

Prescription retinoids like tretinoin are extremely powerful. This means you must use them properly under the guidance of your dermatologist or doctor — or you could risk some unpleasant reactions like burning skin or a damaged skin barrier.

What happens if you put tretinoin on an open wound?

Pretreatment with tretinoin before epidermal injury such as chemical peeling and dermabrasion has shown accelerated wound healing. Enhanced healing of full-thickness skin wounds has also been demonstrated in early wound healing studies. However, tretinoin therapy can be quite irritating.

Can you put retinol on open spots?

Unlike spot treatments such as benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, zinc, and others, retinol is designed to prevent blemishes, not treat them once they've formed. If you have a breakout, stick to a different product designed specifically to spot-treat breakouts; don't apply extra retinol cream.

Can you put tretinoin on scabs?

Retin-A will only delay the healing process because it can cause a low level of irritation to the skin. The skin then has to respond to this irritation prior to healing. This is why it is important to keep Retin-A off of your skin while it's healing the scabs.

Why does my skin look so bad on tretinoin?

Tretinoin peeling is a side effect many people experience, especially in the first few weeks of using this medication. Tretinoin (Retin-A) can help reduce acne and brighten skin, but it also speeds up the skin's natural exfoliation process, resulting in dry and flaky skin.

Is it too late to fix sun damaged skin?

Can sun damage be reversed? Once UV radiation changes your skin cells' DNA, the DNA damage can't be reversed. However, this doesn't mean that you can't change the appearance of your skin. You can treat, reduce and/or repair the effects of sun-damaged skin.

What is the sandwich method of 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.

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