Tretinoin is a powerful skincare ingredient known for its effectiveness in reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and acne. However, improper use can lead to irritation, dryness, and other unwanted side effects. To ensure you get the best results while minimizing risks, here are some key things not to do when using tretinoin.
1. Do Not Use Too Much Too Soon
• Using too much tretinoin can cause excessive dryness, peeling, and irritation.
• Start with a pea-sized amount, applying it evenly across your face.
• If you’re new to tretinoin or retinol products, begin with applications every other night before increasing frequency.
2. Do Not Skip Moisturizer
• Tretinoin can significantly dry out your skin, leading to flakiness and irritation.
• Always use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to maintain skin hydration.
• Consider applying moisturizer before or after tretinoin if your skin is sensitive.
3. Do Not Use During the Day
• Tretinoin makes your skin highly sensitive to sunlight.
• Always apply it at night and use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days.
4. Do Not Apply on Wet or Damp Skin
• Applying tretinoin on wet or damp skin increases absorption, making it more potent.
• This can lead to excessive irritation, redness, and peeling.
• Best practice: Wash your face and pat it dry. Wait 15-20 minutes before applying tretinoin to ensure skin is completely dry. Follow with a moisturizer to minimize irritation.
5. Do Not Combine with Harsh Ingredients
• Avoid using tretinoin with: Benzoyl peroxide (can deactivate tretinoin), Exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA) (can increase irritation), Vitamin C (can be too harsh when used at the same time),Physical scrubs (can cause microtears in the skin).
• If you use these ingredients, apply them at different times of the day (e.g., Vitamin C in the morning, tretinoin at night).
6. Do Not Expect Overnight Results
• It takes 6-12 weeks to see significant improvements in your skin.
• During the first few weeks, you may experience “purging” (temporary breakouts) before seeing clearer skin.
7. Do Not Neglect Your Neck and Hands
• If your skin tolerates it, you can apply a small amount of tretinoin to your neck and hands to improve skin texture and reduce signs of aging.
• These areas are more sensitive, so introduce tretinoin gradually.
8. Do Not Use If Pregnant or Breastfeeding
• Tretinoin is a retinoid, which is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential risks to the baby.
• Always consult your healthcare provider before use.
9. Do Not Wax or Use Harsh Hair Removal Methods
• Tretinoin makes your skin more delicate and prone to irritation from waxing or hair removal creams.
• Instead, use gentle shaving or threading and stop tretinoin at least a week before waxing.
10. Do Not Stop Too Soon
• Many people stop using tretinoin due to initial irritation or purging.
• This phase is temporary—keep using it as directed and adjust your routine (e.g., using it less frequently or buffering with moisturizer).
Tretinoin is a game-changer for skin health, but patience and consistency are key. Avoiding these common mistakes will help you achieve smoother, clearer, and healthier skin without unnecessary irritation.
If you have any concerns or side effects, consult your Winona physician for guidance.