Who is not a good candidate for tretinoin?

Author: Prof. Oswaldo Wintheiser IV  |  Last update: Sunday, September 7, 2025

Who should avoid tretinoin? Tretinoin is suitable for most people, but there are a few caveats. If you have a condition where dry skin and irritation are already on the menu (à la eczema or rosacea) or you're extremely sensitive to the sun, Dr.

Who should avoid tretinoin?

Tretinoin must not be taken by patients who are pregnant or who may become pregnant. There is a high risk that tretinoin will cause the baby to be born with birth defects (physical problems that are present at birth). If you can become pregnant, you will need to avoid pregnancy during your treatment with tretinoin.

How do you know if tretinoin is not for you?

Check with your doctor if skin irritation becomes severe or if your acne does not improve within 8 to 12 weeks.

Can some people not tolerate tretinoin?

The tretinoin problem: Why it's not for everyone

Common side effects include dryness, redness, peeling, stinging, and increased sensitivity to sunlight, which can be especially harsh on sensitive or dry skin. These issues can make it difficult for some people to tolerate, especially during the early stages of use.

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.

TRETINOIN - The GOAT of Skincare Ingredients?

What is the downside of tretinoin?

Topical tretinoin can cause your skin to become dry, red, swollen, blistered, or flaky. It may also cause your skin to itch, be painful, or feel like it is burning. Stop using topical tretinoin and call your healthcare provider if these symptoms become worse or do not go away.

When should I give up on tretinoin?

Signs you should stop using tretinoin

“If your face is red, tender, or very parched and peeling, these are signs you're overusing your retinoid,” Dr. Ansell says—either you're applying too much, or too frequently.

What is a gentle alternative to tretinoin?

Other alternatives to tretinoin
  • Aktipak (erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide topical)
  • Avage (tazarotene topical)
  • Aveeno Clear Complexion (salicylic acid topical)
  • Azelex (azelaic acid topical)
  • BenzaClin (clindamycin/ benzoyl peroxide topical)
  • Clindagel (clindamycin topical)
  • ClindaMax (clindamycin topical)

Does tretinoin not work for everyone?

Remember, tretinoin may be the “gold standard,” but that doesn't mean it works for everyone's skin. Also, one person's skin may clear up faster than another's, which is why following your dermatology provider's instructions is so important—they can provide proper professional advice based on your unique skin's needs.

What moisturizer is best with tretinoin?

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.

Does tretinoin suit everyone?

Almost everyone will experience irritation with tretinoin; it really depends on the concentration, frequency of use as well as innate skin sensitivity. Retinoids are great if you can tolerate them, you are far better off with a good retinol compound as it is easier to use.

Does tretinoin cause weight gain?

Check with your doctor right away if you start to have chest discomfort, pain, or tightness, cough, fever, swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet, trouble breathing, unusual tiredness or weakness, or weight gain. This medicine may cause leukocytosis (high white blood cell count), which may be life-threatening.

Why does my skin look so bad on tretinoin?

Tretinoin peeling is a side effect many people experience, especially in the first few weeks of using this medication. Tretinoin (Retin-A) can help reduce acne and brighten skin, but it also speeds up the skin's natural exfoliation process, resulting in dry and flaky skin.

What Cannot be mixed with tretinoin?

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.

What does tretinoin purge look like?

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.

Does tretinoin affect hair growth?

In conclusion, tretinoin has shown promise in promoting hair growth due to its ability to stimulate cell growth and enhance blood supply to hair follicles. While many have reported positive outcomes, it's essential to consult with a dermatologist to determine if it's the right option for you.

Does Nicole Kidman use tretinoin?

Neutrogena® Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream

Speaking to Hello Giggles, Nicole Kidman confirmed that she is no retinol sceptic — “I believe in retinol, I do think it works,” she said.

Is anything better 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 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.

What is the OTC version of tretinoin?

You can't get tretinoin OTC. But there's another topical retinoid product — adapalene gel (Differin) — that you can get OTC. Adapalene is FDA approved to treat acne. But it's sometimes used off-label for wrinkles, too.

Does tretinoin cause wrinkles under eyes?

Tretinoin does not cause wrinkles under the eyes, on the contrary, it is known for its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

How to wean off tretinoin?

After your skin is used to the Tretinoin, you may apply a bit more to areas with more wrinkles. 6. After your desired concentration is achieved, you may taper the Tretinoin: Apply only 3 times per week for 2 weeks, then 2 times per week for 2 weeks, then stop.

What are the tretinoin uglies?

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 face moisturizer is best with tretinoin?

CeraVe Moisturising Cream: This cream is a rich, non-greasy moisturiser that is perfect for dry skin. It contains hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide, which all help to hydrate and protect the skin.

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.

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