Application Method

How to apply tretinoin

Use tretinoin in the evening, following the instructions from your prescriber.

1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry.
2. Wait until your skin is completely dry before applying tretinoin.
3. Apply a pea-sized amount in a thin layer over the affected area. Avoid the eyes, lips, corners of the nose, and broken or sunburned skin.
4. Apply moisturizer after tretinoin, or before and after it if your skin is easily irritated.

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day. Introduce other active skincare products cautiously, since combining irritating products can increase dryness and irritation.

Follow your prescribed strength and frequency. Stop using tretinoin and contact your prescriber if you develop severe burning, swelling, blistering, or persistent irritation.

Buffering options

Buffering can help reduce irritation by placing moisturizer before or after tretinoin. Choose the method that best suits your skin and follow your prescriber’s advice.

Option 1: The sandwich method

1. Apply moisturizer to damp skin after cleansing.
2. Wait for your skin to dry.
3. Apply tretinoin.
4. Apply more moisturizer, then an occlusive if desired, before bed.

Research suggests that moisturizers can enhance tretinoin’s effects [4], [5], [7], [9], especially moisturizers containing niacinamide [8]. Light serums may increase absorption and therefore increase irritation.

Option 2: The moisture blanket method

1. Wait for your skin to dry after cleansing.
2. Apply tretinoin to completely dry skin.
3. Wait for tretinoin to dry, approximately five minutes.
4. Apply moisturizer, then an occlusive if desired, before bed.

Note: Tretinoin products are designed with normal transepidermal water loss in mind. Adding an occlusive on top may disrupt expected water loss and increase irritation. Always patch test changes to your routine.

No buffering: The rogue method

1. Wait until your skin is completely dry after cleansing.
2. Apply tretinoin before bed.