Using Tretinoin, a Tretinoin pro’s best tips, and how to protect your skin from irritation
Tretinoin—everyone, including the dermatologists you watch on YouTube to your coworkers, are probably talking about this miracle cream. But what is it really? Does Tretinoin damage skin barrier? And how do you actually use it (successfully) in your routine? Here’s part two of my Tretinoin journey.
My Tretinoin Journey: My skin on Tretinoin in February 2020 – still a lot of scarring, and overall texture.
What is Tretinoin?
Shortly explained, Tretinoin is a medication. It is vastly different from the Retinol serums you can find from almost any skincare brand these days. This is because it is a prescription medication and should be used as such. If you use it wrong (like I did when I first started out!) you can end up with skin that looks far from the dream skin you want.
Tretinoin vs. Retinol
Just like Retinol, the basis of Tretinoin is Retinoic Acid—a metabolite of Vitamin A. Retinol has been used since the ‘60s to treat both acne and reverse signs of photoaging. It’s similar to Retinol in that they’re both Retinoids.
However, while Retinol takes time to gradually develop into Retinoic Acid after it has been applied to your skin, Tretinoin is a concentration of pure Retinoic Acid right from the get-go. This means that it’s much more effective—and faster acting than Retinol. But, it’s also significantly more sensitizing to the skin. But does Tretinoin damage the skin barrier? Keep reading to find out how to tackle its effects and side effects!
My current Tretinoin – a cream type (gel types are common too!) with 0.025% strength.
Why has Tretinoin been a game changer for me?
I initially started using Tretinoin for its skin evening and scar-lightening properties. I am in my mid-twenties and had a lot of redness and scars all over my cheeks and chin from acne.
Thanks to Tretinoin, my acne is almost entirely gone—and so are my red scars. Even so, I keep using it to prevent future acne and photoaging. And I love it! This wasn’t always the case though. Why, you might ask? Well…
5 Tretinoin tips for daily use: How to avoid flakey, irritated skin
Incorporating Tretinoin in your daily routine is harder than skincare Tik Toks make it seem. First of all, you don’t jump into using Tretinoin daily. You must gradually desensitize your skin to be able to use it daily without irritation.
Want to bring Tretinoin into your routine? Follow these steps to keep your skin healthy through the process:
- Use SMALL amounts – I know, I’m the same. More is more? Not always. In the case of Tretinoin, less really is more. Unless of course, you want less skin on your face. A pea-sized amount is all you need for your entire face AND neck.
- Start with twice a week – Start with using Tretinoin on days when you don’t use any other actives in your routine.
- Use a simple, gentle routine – Keep your routine simple! No scrubby cleansers, no astringent toners, and no overnight peeling masks. Just cleanse, hydrate, and hydrate a little more.
- Don’t put Tretinoin directly on your skin – When starting your Tretinoin journey, your skin can be extra reactive to the strong cream. Therefore, mix it with a thick, soothing cream or serum to lessen the risk of getting irritated skin. By mixing the Tretinoin with a carrier cream or serum, you create a barrier on your skin that keeps your skin protected—and your Tretinoin still works just as well!
- Use sunscreen! – Don’t have sunscreen in your routine or think it’s tedious to apply daily? Don’t even think about starting Tretinoin! No, this isn’t just the words of an SPF snob. These are the instructions you get from dermatologists before being prescribed the cream. Tretinoin makes your skin extra sun-sensitive so only use Tretinoin in your night routine. ALWAYS use a highly protective SPF in your morning routine (and reapply every 2nd hour!).
My skin on Tretinoin in 2021 – my scarring is almost non-existent and my skin is glowing!
Does Tretinoin damage skin barrier?
Short answer: If you use it wrong—it will.
However, if you follow my tips above and use it with a calming, protective routine you can keep calm. Thousands of men and women use Tretinoin in their daily routines without their skin flaking off and without damaged skin barriers. It just takes a lot of patience and a simplified routine to get your skin there.
I have tried a variety of products throughout my Tretinoin journey. I’ve made the mistake of thinking my skin is strong enough to tackle both Vitamin C and Tretinoin in the same routine. I learnt from my mistakes the hard way. Now, I prioritize a gentle and simple routine over any other serums or actives. The reality is that you don’t need them when using Tretinoin!
My current Tretinoin skincare routine – see the deets below!
What is a good Tretinoin skincare routine?
What do I use? This is my current Tretinoin skincare routine. It keeps my skin hydrated, glowing, and healthy!
About to start your Tretinoin journey? Follow my tips, create your own gentle routine, and take it slowly! It can be scary to venture out on this journey but trust me—your skin in ten years will thank you!
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