Retin-A (Tretinoin) Info and Tips

Many people experience irritation, redness and flaking when they begin using a Tretinoin product like Retin-A. Your doctor may prescribe a low concentration at first and ramp up to a stronger formula as you develop some tolerance.

Your doctor will probably tell you to start with twice or three times a week applications. Any redness and flaking should diminish after a few weeks.

The more rapid sloughing exposes tender new skin which is extra sensitive to the sun, so be extremely diligent about applying a broad spectrum sun protection product every morning and again during the day if you are out in the sun.

How to Incorporate Retin-A into your Anti-Aging Skin Care Routine
Retin-A is applied at night to clean dry skin. If you use other night treatment creams, stretch out your nightly routine. Cleanse. Apply the other creams and wait until they are well absorbed and will not dilute the Retin-A. Apply Retin-A last.

A pea size dab is all you need for a thin coat over the face. Be extra careful applying around the eyes. As you can imagine, Retin-A would be extremely irritating to the delicate membranes of the eye. Avoid the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose as well.

In the morning, cleanse your face. Apply broad spectrum sun protection with fairly high SPF. Fifty or higher is good for the first month of treatment. Then you can back down to SPF 30 or so if you like.

I’m not normally a strong proponent of manual exfoliation except in the hands of a professional. However, in the initial peeling and flaking stage of Tretinoin treatment, a granular scrub or rough wash cloth will help remove the sloughing skin. Still, be gentle.

You may find that a richer daytime moisturizer or applying moisturizer two or three times a day also eases the acclimation process.

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Hi Jean,

Thanks very much for getting back to me. I really appreciate your guidance. I didn't know if I should apply the Retin-A first, second, or at all.

I love your website.

Thanks again,
Debbie

Tags: tretinoin application tips, Retin-A application tips, how tretinoin works, anti-aging skincare, sun protection, peeling skin care, exfoliation, younger skin with Retin-A