Should I wait after washing before applying tretinoin?

How to apply tretinoin after washing

For acne, wash affected skin no more than twice a day, using lukewarm water. Frequent washing can irritate skin and worsen symptoms.2

1. 1Wash your hands and the affected skin with a mild cleanser and water. Avoid medicated, abrasive or drying cleansers.
2. 2Gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel rather than rubbing it.
3. 3Let your skin dry as directed for your tretinoin prescription.
4. 4With clean fingertips, apply enough tretinoin to cover the affected area in a thin layer. Keep it away from your eyes, ears, mouth and the corners of your nose.
5. 5Wash your hands after application.

Tretinoin is generally used daily at bedtime, but follow the frequency your prescriber gives you. Do not apply more or use it more often than prescribed. If you miss a dose and the next one is almost due, skip the missed dose rather than applying extra.14

What about moisturizer on damp skin?

Moisturizer and tretinoin have different application instructions, despite sharing the same bathroom shelf. For dry skin, apply moisturizer while skin is still damp after washing; for tretinoin, let skin dry as directed. The damp skin advice for moisturizer is not an instruction to apply your medication the same way. If you want to moisturize before tretinoin, ask your pharmacist how to fit that into your product's directions.13

Choose gentle, fragrance free skincare if dryness is a problem. Creams and ointments provide more moisture than lotions. Moisturize again when skin feels dry, and avoid trying to scrub away flakes: exfoliating dry facial skin can remove more skin than intended and leave it damaged.35

Waiting is not the only precaution

Do not use other acne products on the same areas unless your care team tells you to combine them. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can dry skin, and abrasive cleansers or products containing alcohol can add irritation. Tell your prescriber about other medicines you use, including medicines that increase sunlight sensitivity.4

Do not apply tretinoin to sunburned skin or skin affected by eczema. Retin A can cause severe irritation on eczema affected skin. Protect treated skin from sunlight with sunscreen and protective clothing, and avoid tanning beds. Tell your prescriber if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding; if you become pregnant during treatment, call your doctor.146

For Retin A, stop use if a reaction suggests sensitivity or chemical irritation. Significant irritation can require less frequent application or a temporary pause under your prescriber's direction. Report burning, itching, crusting or peeling promptly, and contact your care team if mild redness or dryness persists or becomes bothersome. Report facial, lip, tongue or throat swelling immediately.46

What should you expect after starting?

Tretinoin works slowly for acne. Acne can worsen during the first 7 to 10 days, with improvement in 2 to 3 weeks or sometimes after more than 6 weeks. Early worsening and a painful skin reaction are different situations: call your doctor immediately for pain or discomfort at the treatment area, rash or hives.1