Using tretinoin can definitely improve your skin in the long run, but the peeling and dryness it sometimes causes can be frustrating, especially when you want to wear makeup. From my personal experience, layering hydration is key. I like to start with a gentle, hydrating toner or essence with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to boost moisture retention. Next, I apply a rich moisturizer to help repair the skin barrier and reduce dryness-related flakiness. Some of my favorites contain ceramides and niacinamide, which soothe the skin and hold in hydration throughout the day. Avoid anything too heavy at first if your skin feels sensitive, but don’t skip this step as moisturizers help reduce peeling. When it comes to makeup priming, a hydrating primer helps smooth over dry patches without caking or accentuating flakes. Look for ones labeled for sensitive or dry skin. Lightweight, dewy foundations or tinted moisturizers work better than thick, matte formulas, which can emphasize flaky areas. Also, gently exfoliating with a mild chemical exfoliant (like a low-percentage AHA or BHA) a couple of times a week can help remove dead skin buildup and prevent that crusty look. Just be sure not to overdo it, as tretinoin already encourages cell turnover. Finally, always apply sunscreen daily because tretinoin makes your skin more sensitive to UV damage. Navigating makeup and skincare while on tretinoin can be tricky but manageable with the right hydrating products, gentle primers, and mindful layering. These steps helped me embrace the healing process while still feeling confident in my skin’s appearance during the peeling phases.