Tretinoin for Beginners

Tretinoin is a prescription retinoid used for acne and other skin concerns. Follow your prescriber’s instructions first; this schedule is a general starting point, not a substitute for medical advice.

Schedule of application

Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, completely dry skin in the evening. Use moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day. Mark an evening as Apply only if your skin has recovered from the previous application; otherwise, take another rest night.

Week	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday	Applications
Week 1	Apply	Rest	Rest	Apply	Rest	Rest	Rest	2
Week 2	Apply	Rest	Rest	Apply	Rest	Rest	Rest	2
Week 3	Apply	Rest	Apply	Rest	Rest	Apply	Rest	3
Week 4	Rest	Apply	Rest	Rest	Apply	Rest	Apply	3
Week 5	Rest	Apply	Rest	Apply	Rest	Apply	Rest	3
Week 6	Apply	Rest	Apply	Rest	Apply	Rest	Apply	4
Week 7	Rest	Apply	Apply	Rest	Apply	Rest	Apply	4
Week 8	Rest	Apply	Apply	Rest	Apply	Apply	Apply	5
Week 9	Rest	Apply	Apply	Rest	Apply	Apply	Apply	5
Week 10	Rest	Apply	Apply	Apply	Apply	Apply	Apply	6
Week 11	Rest	Apply	Apply	Apply	Apply	Apply	Apply	6

Adjusting the schedule

Mild dryness or peeling can happen while your skin adjusts. Pause applications and contact your prescriber if you develop intense burning, swelling, blistering, or persistent irritation. Do not apply tretinoin to sunburned or broken skin, and avoid adding other irritating products until your skin is comfortable.