YOU MAY BE USING RETINOIDS WRONG
Retinoids/tretinoin are one of those products where patience >>> trying to speed run results — your skin needs time to adjust, so please do not go in using half the tube on night one!
Here’s the easiest beginner-friendly way to start a retinoid without destroying your skin barrier:
✨ STEP 1: Gentle cleanse at night
Think simple + non-stripping. If you’re new to tretinoin, I’d avoid stacking it with acne cleansers that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide right away because that combo can get irritating FAST.
Some good gentle options:
- Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
- Prequel Gleanser
- La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
✨ STEP 2: Apply a PEA-SIZED amount on COMPLETELY dry skin
And I mean pea-sized… not grape-sized lol. Dot it around your face in a thin layer. More product does NOT = faster results. It usually just equals irritation.
Dry or sensitive skin? Try the “sandwich method” by applying a light moisturizer before your retinoid to help buffer irritation.
✨ STEP 3: Moisturize after
This is how you help prevent the dreaded “retinoid uglies” 🫠 Flaking, dryness, irritation, all of that can happen if your barrier gets compromised.
Some good moisturizers:
- Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
- Prequel Barrier Therapy
- La Roche-Posay Double Repair
One tip: when you’re first starting tretinoin, be careful with heavy occlusives like Aquaphor or Vaseline over top because they can trap the retinoid and sometimes make irritation worse.
✨ BIGGEST TIP: start SLOW
2-3 nights a week is completely fine at first. Your skin has to build tolerance. People usually quit retinoids because they go way too hard too fast before they ever get to the good results phase.
And PLEASE wear SPF every single day ☀️ Retinoids make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so sunscreen is non-negotiable if you want to protect your skin barrier and prevent irritation/hyperpigmentation.
SPF recs:
- La Roche-Posay UV Clear
- EltaMD UV Clear
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer
Retinoids are a marathon, not a sprint… consistency is what actually gives you the glow ✨
#Lemon8Partner #SkincareInsider #AskDerm #Retinoid #Tretinoin
Starting retinoids can feel a bit intimidating because of the potential irritation and dryness they might cause initially. From my personal experience, patience and a gentle approach truly make all the difference. When I first started using tretinoin, I was tempted to apply more product to speed up results, but this only led to redness and flaking. I then switched to using just a pea-sized amount on completely dry skin as recommended, and noticed my skin tolerated it much better. One technique that helped me manage sensitivity was the “sandwich method”: applying a lightweight moisturizer before the retinoid to buffer potential irritation. This approach allowed me to gradually build up tolerance with less discomfort. Also, I learned to avoid harsh acne cleansers with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide during the adjustment period since they can compound skin dryness. Moisturizing after retinoid application is essential; it helps support the skin’s natural barrier and prevents the common 'retinoid uglies' such as flaking and irritation. I found that moisturizers like Vanicream or La Roche-Posay Double Repair hydrated my skin without clogging pores or making the irritation worse. Importantly, retinoids increase sun sensitivity, so daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is a must. Skipping SPF led me to experience some sun-induced redness and hyperpigmentation, which slowed my progress significantly. Brands like EltaMD UV Clear and La Roche-Posay UV Clear offer great protection without feeling heavy on the skin. Remember, retinoid use is a marathon, not a sprint. Starting slow—two to three times a week—and letting your skin adapt over weeks ensures better long-term results. Consistency combined with a gentle routine helped me achieve a glowing, smooth complexion without compromising my skin’s health.
