TIPS FOR INTRODUCING TRETINOIN INTO YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE.

Dermatologists call it the gold standard ingredient for acne and anti-aging skin issues and we here at Careprost and Tretinoin Beauty Sales firmly agree!

Because Tretinoin can sometimes cause irritation upon initial use, its best to simplify your routine. So here are Careprost and Tretinoin Beauty Sales top tips on how to painlessly incorporate tretinoin into your skincare routine.

Cleanse your face with a mild hydrating cleanser instead of a foaming cleanser which can be drying. Pat your face dry and wait 10-20 minutes before applying tretinoin. Never apply it on damp or wet skin because it can absorb quickly and cause skin irritation.

If you are using the sandwich method of application firstly apply a layer of moisturiser after cleansing.  Wait 10-20 minutes before applying tretinoin.  Then again, wait 10-20 minutes and reapply moisturiser.

When you first start using tretinoin, you should consider starting with a lower percentage 0.025% and only apply two or three times a week. After two weeks, if your skin is adjusting well to the tretinoin, you can consider increasing use to every night as tolerated.  

After 12 weeks of using tretinoin on a daily basis, you may wish to increase the strength of the product to 0.05% and then finally 0.1% if desired.

There are two reasons why tretinoin should be used as part of your night-time routine. Firstly, tretinoin becomes unstable when exposed to light. Secondly, tretinoin causes your skin to become more sensitive overall which also means it becomes more vulnerable to sun damage. Always use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when using tretinoin to protect your skin and boost your tretinoins efficacy.

Apply the gel or cream to clean, dry skin. Remember that a little bit goes a long way! Most people need just a pea-sized amount of tretinoin for their face and neck. Before using, apply a barrier cream or Vaseline around your eyes and the corners of your mouth to protect the skin. 

Remember not to over-apply or mix tretinoin with other drying agents. Instead, use your other products in the morning and tretinoin at night.

Take on your skincare concerns from multiple angles by incorporating other complementary products into your AM and PM routine.  For example include a vitamin C serum in the AM for all its anti-aging benefits and hyaluronic acid in the PM for extra hydrating properties.

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. 

Tretinoin may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. To keep your skin protected and get the best results from your tretinoin, wear daily sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher that protects from both UVA and UVB rays.  Remember to apply sunscreen, even in winter months.

8. If your skin is irritated, buffer with moisturizer

As mentioned in the first tip above, try the sandwich method to help with any irritation and dryness as you adjust. This generally doesn’t reduce the effectiveness of the medication, but can help to soothe and keep the skin soft and supple.

9. Reduce your percentage if necessary

You might think that more is better, but with tretinoin, starting low and slow is typically the better way to go.  So if you have begun on the 0.05% or 0.1% and the irritation is excessive, consider reducing down to 0.025% and cutting back to 2 times per week until your skin barrier repairs itself.

10.  When will I see results

Your skin may need time to adjust when you start tretinoin. We know you’re anxious to see results—but be patient and wait for a least 12 weeks.  If you quit too soon you will never know if Tretinoin was the best skin ally you could ask for!