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).
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.
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.
Can you use tretinoin and niacinamide together? Dr. Mohta says that yes, absolutely! You can use them as separate products or combined into a single compounded formulation, because the synergistic effects can offer multiple benefits for the skin.
What cancels out tretinoin? The effectiveness of tretinoin can be reduced by sun exposure as tretinoin is photosensitive, which means it degrades in daylight.
Using Tretinoin Correctly
The best time to use Tretinoin is at night. This is because light can degrade Tretinoin and make it less effective. Even more importantly, your skin regenerates the most at night and so your skills will get the maximum benefits from Tretinoin when it is applied during this period.
The next most important tip is to use a moisturizer with your application. There are many ways to do this — you can apply your moisturizer before tretinoin; after tretinoin; before AND after tretinoin (the “sandwich method”); or you can mix the tretinoin into your moisturizer.
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.
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.
Can you use BHA and retinol together? Acids and retinol don't always work well together. But, you can use both in your skin care routine, as long as you apply them at the right times, in the right order, to minimise irritation and achieve the best results.
Conclusion: After 48 weeks of once-daily treatment, the continued use of tretinoin emollient cream 0.05% at a dose of three times per week maintains and, in some cases, may further enhance improvement in photodamage.
Which skin products are compatible with tretinoin? Hyaluronic acid is the standout topical compatible with virtually everything, followed by niacinamide. Some prescription formulations combine retinoids with other ingredients such as hydroquinone. Be guided by your skin care expert.
Using a moisturiser with Tretinoin is essential if you have sensitive skin because you're particularly at risk of irritation. Look for products free from common irritants such as fragrances, dyes, and harsh chemicals. Instead, focus on those packed with calming ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and calendula.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A very strong type of retinol is called tretinoin. You need a prescription to get it as a gel, cream, or lotion. Research shows that tretinoin can reduce acne scars, even if you've had them for a while and even if they're severe.
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).
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.
Hyaluronic acid can also be used in combination with Clindamycin gel and Tretinoin when treating acne because it helps moisturize the skin. Hyaluronic acid can be combined with almost all other skin care ingredients because it helps to hydrate, plump, and protect the skin.
Applying excessive amounts of tretinoin onto the skin to make acne go away faster will not work. This can make the skin worse by causing extreme dryness, peeling, or redness. It may take up to six weeks of tretinoin treatment to see results. Make sure to use sunscreen, especially in the summertime.
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.
The Best Products to Use with Tretinoin
Below them, I describe how to layer a routine. Both kits include anti-inflammatory green tea cream to soothe tretinoin skin irritation, a gentle non-drying cleanser, a deeply hydrating moisturizer, and non-irritating sunscreen, all of which help to enable tretinoin success.