How to use tretinoin 0.1% gel

How do you apply it?

1. 1Wash your hands and gently cleanse the treatment area with mild, nonmedicated soap and water. Remove cosmetics before applying the medicine. Avoid abrasive cleansers and scrubbing.
2. 2Let your skin dry as directed by your prescriber or product instructions. Do not invent a waiting time that your particular gel does not require.
3. 3Use clean fingertips to spread enough gel to cover the affected area with a thin layer. Keep tretinoin away from your eyes, ears, mouth and the corners beside your nose. Do not apply it to sunburned skin or areas affected by eczema.
4. 4Use the gel on the prescribed schedule. Do not apply more or use it more often to try to speed up treatment.

Where do moisturizer and sunscreen fit?

A moisturizer during the day can help with dryness. Your dermatologist can also recommend moisturizer before the retinoid to reduce irritation, especially when a stronger retinoid is needed. Make that change with their help rather than assuming every layering method suits your prescription.23

During the day, use broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin. Seek shade and wear protective clothing. Avoid tanning beds and unnecessary or prolonged sun exposure. Wind and cold can also irritate treated skin.23

Cosmetics are allowed during treatment, so the makeup bag need not submit a resignation. Choose nonmedicated cosmetics and products labelled noncomedogenic, meaning they will not clog pores.145

What should you avoid adding?

Check with your prescriber before adding benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur, resorcinol or another topical medicine. These can be part of a prescribed acne plan, but combining them yourself can increase irritation. Medicated cleansers, astringents and strongly drying products also need caution. Cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen can support treatment without turning the bathroom shelf into a supporting cast, which keeps the shopping list out of show business.6

How long does tretinoin take to work?

Acne can worsen during the first 7 to 10 days. Some improvement can begin within 2 to 3 weeks, but allow at least 6 to 8 weeks to judge whether breakouts are decreasing. Retin A Micro 0.1% reduced acne lesion counts in trials lasting 12 weeks. Early worsening is not a reason to apply extra gel, and severe irritation needs medical advice rather than being treated as progress.123

When should you pause or call your doctor?

Dryness, redness, peeling and burning can occur. Contact your prescriber if symptoms are severe or persistent; they can reduce the amount or frequency, pause treatment or stop it. Stop using the gel if you develop a suspected sensitivity reaction. Call your doctor immediately for rash, hives or pain at the treatment area.134

Do not use retinoids during pregnancy. Tell your prescriber if you are planning pregnancy or breastfeeding, and call them if you become pregnant during treatment. Discuss eczema, skin allergies or substantial dryness before starting. Irritation can trigger dark marks in darker skin, making early attention to irritation particularly useful.17

What if you miss an application?

Apply the missed dose when you remember unless it is almost time for the next one. In that case, skip it and resume your usual schedule. Never apply extra gel to make up for a missed application.1