Is it okay to put tretinoin on an open pimple?

Author: Prof. Raoul Fadel  |  Last update: Saturday, December 20, 2025

Applying any sort of active ingredient like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoid is a bad idea since these ingredients will cause major irritation, redness, and increase the risk for hyperpigmentation. You can resume using these ingredients once your pimple has healed.

Can I put tretinoin on open pimples?

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.

What happens if you 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 you put retinol on an open pimple?

Retinol can assist in reducing further breakouts, as its formula helps to renew the skin cell cycle and improve skin barrier health. In terms of using retinol on popped pimples, the strength and efficacy of this ingredient can assist with marks.

Can I put retinol on a cystic pimple?

PM: At night, I typically have my cystic acne patients cleanse with the Foaming Acne Treatment Cleanser then apply Retinol Night Cream followed by Daily Moisturizing Face Cream. Retinoids are important to fight acne and acne scarring.

My Hardest Breakup... Why I Stopped Using Tretinoin in My Skincare Routine | Susan Yara

What can I put on an open pimple?

A simple bland ointment like Aquaphor or Vaseline works. But if it's more inflamed or pus comes out, you may want to use an OTC antibiotic ointment like Neosporin to prevent infection. Pro tip: If you need an emergency spot treatment, you can use some OTC hydrocortisone 1% cream to help reduce inflammation.

Can I use tretinoin on blind pimples?

While retinol is great for lessening the appearance of aging, tretinoin also helps those who suffer from severe, cystic, and “blind” acne, which is a pimple that forms beneath the skin.

Is it bad to put tretinoin on broken skin?

More tretinoin could be absorbed into the person's bloodstream if tretinoin is used on skin that is broken or irritated, or when it is used more than needed, or when used over a large area of the body.

Can you put retinol on an open cut?

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.

When should you not use tretinoin?

Tretinoin must not be used by women who are pregnant, nursing or wish to become pregnant. In addition to that, tretinoin should also not be used by children under 12 years of age (this depends on the brand and product concentration) or by individuals with active flare of rosacea.

Does tretinoin purge tiny pimples?

Tretinoin purging: Tretinoin commonly causes a skin purge, characterized by acne breakouts, dryness, and irritation, especially when first used or when the dosage is increased.

Where does the pus go if you don't pop a pimple?

Your body can gradually break down pus and reabsorb its components. That's why small accumulations of pus (like in a pimple) often don't need treatment.

Does tretinoin heal pimples?

Tretinoin represents a topical retinoid derived from vitamin A. Research underscores its efficacy in eliminating existing acne and thwarting its return. In a scientific review published in the journal Dermatology and Therapy, researchers acknowledged tretinoin and other retinoids as the cornerstone of acne therapy.

Does retinol purge pimples?

“Skin purging” is a term some people use to describe an increase in acne after starting a new skin care product, such as a retinoid. However, there are no scientific studies on this topic. Dryness, flaking, or peeling are well-known side effects of some skin care ingredients, such as retinoids.

Can you put retinol on cystic acne?

Retinoids: This includes topical products that contain retinol, tretinoin, or adapelene. These are forms of vitamin A, and a common component of acne treatment. Dermatologists sometimes recommend that people use topical retinoids alongside topical antibiotics or benzoyl peroxide.

Why did my pimple turn into a hard lump?

Causes of a hard pimple

Excess oil on the skin: When the body produces lots of sebum, or facial oil, dead skin cells can stick together and block up the pores. This increases the chances of developing a hard pimple.

How to shrink a cystic pimple overnight?

  1. Apply Ice to the Pimple: ...
  2. Apply a Paste of Crushed Aspirin to the Pimple. ...
  3. Use An Over-the-Counter Acne Spot Treatment. ...
  4. Use Makeup with Salicylic Acid to Conceal Pimples. ...
  5. Apply a Face Mask for Acne. ...
  6. Get a Cortisone Injection to Quickly Get Rid of a Pimple.

How to treat a headless pimple?

Use topical creams and gels: Antibiotic creams, retinoids, salicylic acid and other lotions, cleansers and serums can reduce bacteria or dry out pimples. There are many types of topical acne creams, including benzoyl peroxide. Ask your healthcare provider which ones are right for you.

Can I put tretinoin on an open pimple?

Applying any sort of active ingredient like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoid is a bad idea since these ingredients will cause major irritation, redness, and increase the risk for hyperpigmentation. You can resume using these ingredients once your pimple has healed.

What to do when a pimple turns into an open wound?

You should:
  1. Clean the area: It's very important to keep the wound clean. ...
  2. Place warm compresses on the pimple: Gently place a clean, warm, wet washcloth on the area for about 10 minutes, several times a day. ...
  3. Use topical treatments: Benzoyl peroxide products kill bacteria.

Previous article
Why do my eyes sting when I put makeup on?
Next article
Is 2 pounds of muscle a month good?