After 4-6 weeks, your skin will get used to Tretinoin and will begin to be noticeably smoother and more even. Depending on how often you use Tretinoin, you may begin to see full benefits by this point. A lot of the initial irritation will settle down and true “retinization” of your skin is in full force.
The time it takes to start fading hyperpigmentation varies depending on severity and whether you're using Tretinoin alongside Hydroquinone. Noticeable improvements in skin tone may start after as little as 6-8 weeks or as much as 3-6 months of regular use.
During the first 3 weeks you are using tretinoin, your skin may become irritated. Also, your acne may seem to get worse before it gets better. It may take longer than 12 weeks before you notice full improvement of your acne, even if you use the medicine every day.
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. Getting these symptoms can be demotivating, especially if you're already feeling unconfident about your skin.
The only way to completely prevent a tretinoin purge is to avoid using tretinoin products. You can minimize tretinoin purge by starting your regimen slowly. Start using the products once or twice a week and gradually increase until your skin adapts to daily use.
A tretinoin purge, also referred to as “tretinoin uglies” is a common skin reaction that occurs when a patient uses tretinoin (Retin-A or Tretin-X) for the first time.
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.
Consistent Use is Key
Related to the previous points, retinoids must be used on a regular and ongoing basis to produce their effect. Inconsistent use will not produce results.
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.
It's typically between the 6th and 8th week of consistent use that tretinoin's true prowess begins to shine. Fine lines may appear softer, and an enhanced glow may emerge. With diligent and consistent application, coupled with a nurturing skincare regimen, tretinoin can produce profound changes by the 12th week.
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.
For those battling mild to moderate acne, a starting dose of 0.025% is often recommended, providing effective treatment while minimising irritation. As the skin adapts, some may benefit from incrementally increasing to 0.05% and then 0.1% if needed to enhance the acne-fighting properties.
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.
Tretinoin, a topical retinoid, has proven to be a game-changer in the world of skincare. Its ability to stimulate collagen production and accelerate cell turnover can significantly diminish the appearance of deep smile lines, giving you a more youthful and rejuvenated look.
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.
The skin purging from tretinoin usually lasts for anywhere from a couple weeks to a couple months. It can range in severity from a few minor pimples, to major breakouts, skin dryness, flaking, peeling and other skin irritation.
Although there has been no reported experience with acute tretinoin overdose in humans, our patient took a dose approximately 3 times the recommended maximum tolerated daily dose in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome or solid tumors (195 mg/m2 per day).
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.
Dr Malvina Cunningham: Retinoids like tretinoin and vitamin C work well together as they both promote collagen production and enhance each other's effect. Vitamin C is generally less of an irritant so these can often be applied in combination. Retinoids like tretinoin and niacinamide work well too.
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.
Believe it or not, this is actually a sign that the tretinoin is working! “Purging” is a (semi-scary) term for temporary breakouts, and though we know that breakouts are never fun, sticking with it for those first 6–8 weeks can pay off.
Tretinoin cream works by promoting rapid cell turnover, which helps unclog pores, smooth the skin's surface, and fade discolorations.
Unlike over-the-counter anti-aging products, tretinoin has anti-aging ingredients that go deep beneath the outer portion of the skin to the epidermis. It boosts the production of new collagen in around six months, resulting in smoother, younger-looking skin.