How to start tretinoin without purging?

Author: Dora Heaney  |  Last update: Saturday, July 5, 2025

If despite starting very slow and on a low dose, you still experience excessive dryness, irritation or purging, then consider applying a thin layer of your moisturiser first before the Tretinoin to reduce its activity.

Is it possible to use tretinoin without purging?

You cannot prevent your skin from purging on tretinoin because during the purge your skin speeds up the cell turnover faster than it's used to leading to the faster expulsion of your clogged pores leading to more breakouts.

How long does it take for tretinoin to cause purging?

Many tretinoin users experience a “purge” during the first several weeks of treatment. During this period, acne — the very problem tretinoin is supposed to treat — often gets worse, resulting in everything from the occasional whitehead to severe breakouts.

How to gradually start using tretinoin?

The first key with starting to integrate tretinoin is to know when to apply it. Tretinoin should be applied to the entire face nightly — AFTER washing your face and in combination with a moisturizer. When you first start tretinoin, your goal is to apply a pea-sized amount to your entire face 2-3 nights a week.

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.

Avoid Skin Purging with Retinoids and AHA's | 5 Steps to PREVENT SKIN PURGING

What is the best way to start tretinoin?

In general, its best to start low and slow. This means starting on the lowest dose of Tretinoin that your doctor can offer (in our case that is 0.025 Tretinoin cream) and using once or twice a week initially.

Does buffering tretinoin reduce effectiveness?

If your skin is irritated, buffer with moisturizer

You can help protect your skin with a layer of moisturizer before applying the tretinoin. This generally doesn't reduce the effectiveness of the medication, but can help to soothe and moisturize the skin.

Why wait 20 minutes before applying tretinoin?

Wait 20 to 30 minutes before applying this medicine to make sure the skin is completely dry. Applying tretinoin to wet skin can irritate it. To use the cream, gel, or lotion form of this medicine: Apply just enough medicine to very lightly cover the affected areas, and rub in gently but well.

How long does it take to get tretinoin glow?

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.

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.

How to tell if tretinoin is working?

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.

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.

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.

What percentage of tretinoin users purge?

During the first few months of using tretinoin, some people experience an increase in their level of facial acne. This may be linked to tretinoin's effects on epidermal turnover. Research has found that up to 20 percent of people who use tretinoin experience the “purge” or “acne flaring” effects.

What are the negative long-term effects of tretinoin?

What harm does Tretinoin do to the skin?
  • It makes the skin significantly more vulnerable to UV damage.
  • It causes contact irritant and photosensitivity reactions.
  • It damages the skin's barrier.
  • It increases chronic inflammation which in turn disrupts barrier function.
  • Its use in one study has been linked to premature death.

How quickly does tretinoin purge happen?

Purge & Progress (Weeks 2-8): This period can see an uptick in breakouts as Tretinoin accelerates cell turnover. While disheartening, this is temporary and normal. Your doctor can help you get through this by adjusting your protocol.

How long does it take for tretinoin to build collagen?

The results on the epidermis are typically seen as early as 3 months, with more notable effects on wrinkles, skin sallowness, and roughness at the 6 month time period. The effects on collagen does take longer but are readily apparent in 9 to 12 months.

How long to wait between tretinoin and moisturizer?

The 15+ minute wait allows the skin barrier to recover and minimizes irritation. This helps reduce the risk of tretinoin induced retinoid dermatitis, a common issue for many tretinoin users.

How do you know if your tretinoin is too strong?

However, with increased strength comes a greater likelihood of side effects. These include purging, redness, peeling, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and dryness. This is why it is crucial to approach higher concentrations with caution. For this reason, Tretinoin is a prescription only medicine.

Does tretinoin cause weight gain?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: fever; weight gain; swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; shortness of breath; labored breathing; wheezing; chest pain; or cough.

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.

How long does it take to build tolerance to tretinoin?

Starting with a lower-strength tretinoin cream is often recommended to allow your skin to acclimate to the product. As you build tolerance, you can gradually move to a higher concentration if needed. Here's a typical progression: Begin with 0.025%: Use this strength for several months, observing how your skin responds.

Does tretinoin lift sagging skin?

Because it aids in boosting collagen production, studies have shown that it will strengthen your skin's elasticity to target fine lines, firm sagging skin, and smooth out uneven texture.

What works faster than tretinoin?

Tazarotene may get you results much faster than tretinoin, especially if you have a lot of very visible sun damage on your face, and in one study tazarotene worked more effectively for photodamage, fine wrinkling, mottled hyperpigmentation, and coarse wrinkling.

What is the best cleanser for tretinoin?

Wash face thoroughly with a mild soap or a gentle alcohol-free non-soap cleanser such as Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Wash, Cetaphil cleanser, or CeraVe cleanser.

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