Does face oil go before or after tretinoin?

How to layer face oil with tretinoin at night

1. 1Wash your hands and face with a mild cleanser. Gently pat your skin dry rather than scrubbing.
2. 2Let your skin dry as your medication directs. General retinoid guidance suggests waiting 20 to 30 minutes after washing before application.
3. 3Apply tretinoin with clean fingertips in a thin layer over the affected area. Keep it away from your eyes, mouth and the corners of your nose.
4. 4If you use face oil, apply it next, before moisturizer.
5. 5Finish with moisturizer. Use tretinoin at bedtime and at the frequency prescribed, rather than adding extra applications.

What if tretinoin makes your skin dry?

Apply a moisturizer that will not clog pores immediately after washing, then apply the retinoid 20 to 30 minutes later. This gives you a practical alternative to the usual treatment first order. For this approach, use moisturizer rather than treating face oil as an interchangeable substitute. There is no established waiting time here for oil after tretinoin, so do not invent another countdown unless your medication or product directions require one.2

Do you need face oil at all?

Face oil is optional, even if its dropper makes it look like a compulsory laboratory step. It is an option for dry skin, not a required companion to tretinoin. Oils can be too occlusive, meaning they form a sealing layer, and can contribute to acne. If you already have oily skin or acne, prioritize moisturizer rather than assuming oil is the answer to treatment related dryness.1

For acne, choose skincare labeled noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores. Avoid scrubbing away flakes: scrubbing can irritate skin and make acne worse.5

For dry skin, look for a facial moisturizer without fragrance. Ceramides help strengthen the protective skin barrier, while hyaluronic acid and squalane are other moisturizing ingredients to consider. A useful moisturizer can come from the drugstore, without the packaging needing to audition for a bathroom display. Wash with cooler rather than hot water and use a gentle touch. Persistent dryness deserves a healthcare appointment, especially if it interferes with daily activities.6

What should you expect from tretinoin?

Tretinoin works gradually. Acne can worsen during the first 7 to 10 days, with early improvement in 2 to 3 weeks for some people. More noticeable acne improvement can take 12 weeks or longer. Fine wrinkle improvement can take 3 to 6 months. These are tretinoin timelines, not promised results from adding oil.37

When should you stop or ask your prescriber?

Stop a newly added oil if it irritates your skin. Tell your prescriber about severe or persistent burning, peeling, swelling or blistering with tretinoin. Call immediately for rash, hives or pain at the treated area. Do not apply tretinoin to sunburned skin or areas affected by eczema. Discuss other topical medicines before combining them with tretinoin, including benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Tell your prescriber if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding; call if you become pregnant during treatment.23

The next morning, use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum protection and water resistance when going outdoors. Apply sunscreen after your other skincare and 15 minutes before going outside. Tretinoin also calls for avoiding unnecessary sun exposure and wearing protective clothing.23