Tretinoin is a class of retinoids derived from Vitamin A and is considered the ‘holy grail’ in dermatology for treating all kinds of concerns from acne to signs of aging. But initially users can sometimes experience what has been coined, the “retinoid uglies” or the “tretinoin purge.”
The phrase tretinoin purge describes the adjustment period once you have begun your Tretinoin journey. It can last up to a few weeks. During this time your skin may look dry, flaky, red and may sting when you apply your skincare products.
Once your skin begins to tolerate the regular use of tretinoin you will be pleased to see your dry flaky skin replaced with skin that is smooth and glowing.
We here at Careprost and Tretinoin Beauty Sales took a look at possible ways to minimise the tretinoin uglies or indeed avoid them altogether.
Sandwich Method of Application.
Apply a layer of moisturiser and allow to dry. Then apply a pea-sized amount of tretinoin followed when dry by another layer of moisturiser. As we know, Tretinoin can be very drying, so even oily skin can benefit from the additional hydration.
Low and Slow
When beginning tretinoin it is always recommended to start low and go slow. Start with the lowest concentration 0.025% and application only once a week, gradually building up to every night as your skin tolerance improves.
Then move up to 0.05% and if finally to 0.1% if desired but not always necessary.)
Starting off too fast and too strong will in most cases lead to skin flaking and irritation, making consistent use very difficult. Start with application once a week and build up to every night as your skin improves tolerance.
Avoid Using Certain Products with Tretinoin.
Make sure that you’re not using any products that are known to negatively interact with tretinoin. For example, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acids, citric acid or ascorbic acid. These will increase your skin sensitivity and may make a tretinoin purge worse. Additionally, any other harsh skincare products that are excessively drying or abrasive (e.g., scrubs, astringents, etc.) will increase the chances of a tretinoin purge.
Sun Exposure and Tretinoin
It’s important to avoid sun exposure right after using tretinoin, which is why tretinoin is generally recommended for your night-time skincare routine. In addition to that, applying sunscreen daily is key because tretinoin sensitizes your skin to the sun.
Tretinoin is most certainly a journey, but the benefits are definitely worth the initial irritation when used long-term.
