Whether you’re using drugstore Retinol serums or prescription Tretinoin creams, they all have one thing in common: sensitivity. But how do you successfully use Retinol on a regular basis without pesky dry patches and redness? With Real Barrier‘s Extreme line of course! Keep reading for my review on the Real Barrier’s Extreme line for skin on a Tretinoin routine.
Tretinoin Routine Basics: What To Include, What To Avoid
What to avoid:
Tretinoin, unlike a lot of other skincare ingredients, isn’t really compatible with a lot of things. Especially other skincare actives. Why? Because Tretinoin on its own is such a strong and potent active that mixing it with other ingredients can do some real damage to your skin barrier. You’ll get the exact opposite of that tret-glasskin you’ve seen making rounds on Instagram and TikTok. In other words, stay away from actives like BHA and Vitamin C on days when you use Tretinoin.
What to look for:
What your skin does need, however, is more streamlined. Basically: moisture. And lots of it! Tretinoin dries out your skin. So, to protect your skin barrier you need to use products that will lock in moisture and provide your skin with barrier-building Ceramides. This is where Real Barrier’s Extreme line comes into the picture…
Real Barrier Extreme Line: Simple look, Simple Ingredients
The three products tried from the Extreme line were: The Extreme Cream, Extreme Essence Toner, and Extreme Cream Sheet Mask. These three products all contain Real Barrier Extreme Line’s signature patented ingredient: Triple-Ceramides which rebuilds the skin barrier. These three products also contain soothing ingredients like:
- Panthenol
- Allantoin
- Madecassocide
The Real Barrier’s Extreme line is intended for those with very dry or dehydrated skin that need deep hydration and extra care for sensitivity. With their patented Ceramide Complex, and Hyaluronic Acid, they claim to provide long lasting hydration and moisture from within.
The products all come in sleek packaging with a design that reminds me of pharmacy-style brands like La Roche Posay. The whole line is fragrance-free and without colorants. However, the products do contain different essential oil extracts that give them a natural, but not overpowering scent.
Tretinoin Skin Concerns
I’ll start out by describing my skin: VERY reactive but originally oily/combo. My skin goes through really annoying rough patches when on Tretinoin, so I’ve been on the lookout for a simple routine that moisturizes and protects my sensitive skin without any added risky ingredients that could potentially irritate it. (If you want to read more about my journey with Tretinoin, you can check it out here!)
Real Barrier Extreme Line Texture
When I started out using the Extreme line products I noted that while they all felt thick in consistency, they didn’t feel heavy or too occlusive when applied on the skin. I appreciate this as I hate the feeling of sticky skin against my mask or my pillow at night.
Skincare enthusiasts who want a thicker and creamier texture of the La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 should definitely try the Real Barrier Extreme Cream because it’s not streaky or pasty. Yet, it’s equally soothing and moisturizing.
Real Barrier Extreme Performance On Tretinoin Skin
I love how these three products from the Real Barrier Extreme line have been incredibly gentle and healing for my skin. I tend to have sensitivity and redness around my nose wings and eyes when using Tretinoin—no matter what I use. However, after about three days of using the toner and the cream in both my AM and PM routine (and the sheet mask once), I didn’t experience sensitivity or stinging anywhere on my skin.
Since then, I’ve used the Extreme line products daily paired with Tretinoin every night for about a month. My skin looks and feels healthier than it was before I started this routine! Less sensitivity, longer lasting moisture, and less peeling.
Looking For A Tretinoin Routine? Try The Real Barrier Extreme Line
The Real Barrier Extreme line really lives up to its name of being ‘Extreme’ in moisture. It’s super soothing and the moisture is long lasting and skin barrier strengthening. In short, it’s perfect for a Tretinoin routine!
Safe to say, I’ll keep using this Real Barrier Extreme trio (I might add the Extreme Cream Ampoule to my routine too!) for as long as it makes my skin feel this good!
