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.
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.
Unless your skin care specialist tells you otherwise, it is especially important to avoid using the following skin products on the same area as tretinoin: benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, *lactic acid, *glycolic acids, *citric acid, high strength ascorbic acid. These acids & actives will increase skin irritation.
To prevent skin dryness, people using tretinoin should use a moisturizer. Additionally, as it can make their skin photosensitive, it is advisable to apply tretinoin once a day, in the evening. Individuals who use tretinoin for acne will likely notice their acne worsening right after they begin treatment.
When it comes to pairing a moisturizer with a prescription retinoid, Hartman recommends looking for bland moisturizers with ceramides, hyaluronic acid or humectants, but no other active ingredients. In other words, keep it simple.
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.
“Also, when following the logic of using hydrators like hyaluronic acid and glycerin-containing serums , then locking them in with moisturizers like ceramides and niacinamide, one may want to apply a serum or a cream that has hyaluronic acid and ceramides before retinol and then serum or moisturizer that has ceramides ...
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.
Skin purging is common, but doesn't necessarily happen to everyone. In fact some people don't experience it at all. 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.
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.
The best budget moisturizer to use with tretinoin cream
CeraVe prides itself on creating products that restore skin barrier function. This why their products are rich in hyaluronic acid and essential ceramides. This product is great for sensitive skin, it's non-comedogenic and suitable for AM and PM use.
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.
Yes you can apply tretinoin on your face, neck, chest and hands if you want to combat signs of anti-aging in those areas. However, you should only apply a very thin layer of the product to clean, dry skin to avoid irritation. If your neck becomes more sensitive, skip the application for one or two days.
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.
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.
Retinaldehyde is considered the closest over-the-counter alternative to tretinoin and is suitable for all skin types.
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.
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.
What are the results of tretinoin after 3 months? If you consistently use tretinoin for three months you can expect to have a reduction in acne breakouts, smoother and firmer skin, a more even complexion, enhanced skin elasticity and more refined pores.
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.
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.
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.
Things like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera are highly effective, hydrative humectants to look for when deciding to incorporate retinol into your routine.
Both hyaluronic acid and tretinoin are generally considered safe to use independently. They may also work well when used together. Hyaluronic acid and tretinoin tend to balance each other.
What is skin cycling? If a recent scroll has left you wondering how to skin cycle, you're in the right place. The short answer is this: Skin cycling is a 4-day cycle that strategically plans out when you should exfoliate, when you should use retinol and when you should give your skin a little break.