How to properly use tretinoin cream

How do you properly use tretinoin?

1. 1Wash your hands and the treatment area with mild soap and water. Avoid medicated or abrasive soap.
2. 2Let your skin dry as directed by your prescription or patient leaflet.
3. 3Use clean fingertips to spread enough cream to cover the affected area with a thin layer.
4. 4Keep tretinoin away from your eyes, ears, mouth and nose corners. Do not apply it to sunburned skin or eczema.

Should moisturizer go before tretinoin?

Your dermatologist can recommend moisturizer before tretinoin to reduce irritation, particularly with a stronger retinoid. They can also recommend a smaller amount or less frequent application. Make these changes with their help rather than choosing a new schedule yourself. Mention any previous irritation from retinoids: irritation does not usually mean an allergy, and a retinoid can still be an option. Cream formulations are generally less irritating than gels, but tretinoin cream can still irritate sensitive skin.23

What should the rest of your routine include?

For acne, wash gently twice daily and remove makeup at the end of the day. Do not scrub or squeeze spots: scrubbing can worsen irritation, and squeezing can cause scars. Choose skincare and makeup labelled noncomedogenic, meaning they will not clog pores. Noncomedogenic describes a product's pore clogging potential, not a personality trait, which is more useful than most things on a cosmetic label.45

During the day, use a noncomedogenic, water resistant sunscreen with broad spectrum protection and SPF 30 or higher on uncovered skin. Seek shade and wear protective clothing. Retinoids can increase sun sensitivity; moisturizer also helps counter their drying effect. Daily sunscreen and protective clothing help limit wrinkles caused by sunlight, whether you use tretinoin for acne or fine lines.236

Do not add benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, hair removers or other topical medicines unless your doctor directs you. Avoid products containing lots of alcohol, menthol, spices or lime because they can sting. A dermatologist can prescribe combined acne treatments, so follow that plan rather than treating every combination as forbidden.12

How long does tretinoin take to work?

Acne can worsen during the first 7 to 10 days. Early improvement can appear within weeks, but allow at least 6 to 8 weeks to assess fewer breakouts; topical retinoids sometimes take 12 weeks or longer. Tretinoin may reduce fine wrinkles without removing them, so complete line removal is not part of the contract. Improvement in fine wrinkles can take 3 to 4 months, sometimes up to 6 months.123

If you miss a dose, apply it when remembered unless the next dose is nearly due. In that case, skip it. Never use extra cream to make up a missed dose.1

When should you get medical advice?

Report severe or persistent dryness, burning, peeling, redness, swelling or blistering. Call your doctor immediately for rash, hives, itching, or pain at the treatment area. Do not dismiss these symptoms as normal adjustment. Tell your prescriber about eczema because retinoids can worsen it. Deep, painful acne or acne causing scars needs medical assessment; a topical retinoid alone is not recommended for severe acne.134

Stop tretinoin during pregnancy and contact your prescriber. Discuss plans for pregnancy before starting or continuing treatment. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding so they can advise on your prescription.17