10 Tips When Starting Tretinoin
Disclaimer: Tretinoin is a prescription topical retinoid and it's always best to refer back to your prescribing healthcare provider's instruction for use. This as a general guide.
It's recommended to wait around 20 minutes after washing face to apply. When you apply it to dry skin it slows the penetration of the Tretinoin and helps to minimize the side effects
A pea-size amount is more than enough for your entire face. Dab all around your face, then rub with fingertips for a nice even application.
Layering methods - Apply your moisturizer first then follow with Tretinoin. You can also do the “sandwich” method which is to apply a layer of moisturizer, Tretinoin then another layer of moisturizer on top. Both of these methods help to minimize the side effects.
Mix method - Mix your moisturizer with the Tretinoin on your fingertips, dab around your face and rub it in. This also helps minimize the side effects.
If you aren’t doing methods #3 or #4, apply your moisturizer 20 minutes after you apply your Tretinoin.
Avoid directly under the eye area or close to your lip line. They are both areas that are thinner/sensitive. You will still reap the benefits without applying directly to those areas. (The crow’s feet area is fine!)
Start every third day, then after a week or two move into every second night. If this works for you then great! If your goal is to use nightly then give it another week of every second night and then move into nightly.
Since your skin will be dry, you may want to switch to a sensitive skin or a moisturizing cleanser like a cream or milky cleanser.
Wear the sunscreen. It would be counterproductive not to.
Stop using your retinoid seven days prior to facial waxing. It can lift/rip off the skin.
