Do I need retinol if I already use tretinoin?

What would retinol add?

Retinol helps prevent clogged pores and increases collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines. Tretinoin also unclogs pores and treats acne and fine wrinkles. Retinol is available without a prescription; stronger retinoid treatments are available by prescription. These are overlapping jobs, not separate gaps you need two products to fill.12

Retinol comes in creams, gels, lotions and serums, so check the active ingredient rather than choosing by format. A serum and a cream can both contain retinol, despite the packaging's attempt to give them separate careers.1

How should I use tretinoin instead?

1. 1Wash your hands and the treatment area with a mild cleanser. Let your skin dry as directed.
2. 2Apply a thin layer to the affected area at bedtime, following your prescription's frequency. Keep tretinoin away from your eyes, mouth and nose corners, and do not apply it to sunburned skin or eczema.
3. 3Use moisturizer to help with dryness. For acne prone skin, choose a fragrance free, water based moisturizer labelled noncomedogenic, meaning less likely to block pores.
4. 4During the day, use broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen every day, including cold or rainy days.

Discuss other topical medications with your prescriber before adding them, particularly benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Do not increase tretinoin's amount or frequency beyond your prescription to chase faster results.2

What if tretinoin has not worked yet?

Tretinoin works slowly. Acne can initially worsen, and improvement sometimes takes more than six weeks. For fine wrinkles, improvement can take three to four months or up to six months. Adding another product is not the first step when you are still within that waiting period.2

As general acne guidance, fewer breakouts can appear after four to eight weeks, while clearing can take about 16 weeks. Use treatment consistently rather than repeatedly changing products. If acne remains uncontrolled after a few months, arrange a treatment review. Large, painful spots, nodules, cysts or scarring warrant medical attention rather than another cosmetic purchase.35

Could I use retinol instead?

If you want to change from tretinoin to retinol, discuss the change with your prescriber rather than treating retinol as an extra layer. Retinol can also cause dryness, burning, redness and peeling, and sensitive skin needs particular care. Being available without a prescription does not make retinol exempt from side effects.1

If you switch, patch test retinol on a small area first and follow the product's directions. General starting guidance is a thin, pea sized layer at bedtime every other day for the first couple of weeks, followed by moisturizer. Visible improvement takes weeks; changes in wrinkles usually take months.1

When should I contact my doctor?

Report severe or persistent tretinoin irritation. Call your doctor immediately for rash, hives, or pain at the treatment area. Tell your prescriber if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding; call if you become pregnant while using tretinoin. Do not use retinol during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and seek advice before treating acne yourself while trying to conceive.245