Moisturizer first is an option dermatologists use to reduce retinoid irritation, especially with a stronger retinoid. There is no single order for every routine, despite the internet's enthusiasm for arranging bottles into a constitution. This is general retinoid guidance: your own tretinoin prescription determines the amount and frequency.23

How to apply moisturizer before tretinoin

  1. 1Wash your hands and face with a mild cleanser before bed. Avoid abrasive or drying soaps.
  2. 2Apply moisturizer immediately after washing. For acne prone skin, choose one labelled "won't clog pores" or "noncomedogenic", which means formulated not to clog pores.
  3. 3Wait 20 to 30 minutes before applying the retinoid. Follow any different drying instructions supplied with your prescription.
  4. 4Use clean fingertips to spread the prescribed amount of tretinoin in a thin layer over the affected area. Keep it away from your eyes, mouth, ears and the corners of your nose.
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How often should you use tretinoin?

Tretinoin is generally used daily at bedtime, but use the schedule you were prescribed. If irritation makes treatment difficult, your dermatologist can recommend a smaller amount, fewer applications or moisturizer first. Make those changes with their help rather than rewriting the prescription yourself.23

What should you expect?

Tretinoin is a retinoid, a type of vitamin A medication. Retinoids unclog pores and treat blackheads, whiteheads and some pimples. For acne treatment, allow at least 6 to 8 weeks before expecting fewer breakouts. Keep the routine consistent rather than constantly adding new products, even if the bathroom shelf has other ambitions.13

If you use tretinoin for fine wrinkles, improvement can take 3 to 4 months or up to 6 months. Refissa 0.05% emollient cream is used alongside comprehensive skincare and sun protection to reduce fine wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and roughness; it does not eliminate wrinkles or repair sun damaged skin.25

What belongs in the rest of the routine?

Avoid scrubbing, which can irritate skin and make helpful products harder to tolerate. Do not add other topical medications, including benzoyl peroxide, unless your doctor directs you to. During daylight, use broad spectrum, water resistant SPF 30 or higher, seek shade and wear protective clothing. Sunscreen goes after other skincare and before makeup.123

When should you stop and get advice?

Do not apply tretinoin to sunburned skin or areas affected by eczema. Contact your doctor if dryness, burning, stinging, peeling, redness or swelling is severe or persistent. Call immediately for rash, hives or pain at the treatment area. Stop using tretinoin if you develop an allergic reaction to an ingredient.25

Tell your prescriber if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding; call your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. For acne, seek medical help if spots are deep, painful or causing scars, or if treatment is not helping.24

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1Dermatologist-recommended skin care for your 20saad.org
  2. 2Tretinoin Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Informationmedlineplus.gov
  3. 3Acne: Diagnosis and treatmentaad.org
  4. 4Acnenhs.uk
  5. 5DailyMed - REFISSA- tretinoin creamdailymed.nlm.nih.gov