The Tretinoin Playbook
Tretinoin has become a staple for anyone who wants smoother texture, fewer breakouts, brighter tone, and long-term collagen support. It is stronger and faster-acting than over-the-counter retinol, but it works best when introduced slowly and consistently.
How to Get the Most Out of It
Start with 2 to 3 nights per week and increase as your skin adjusts.
A lack of irritation does not mean it is ineffective. The real goal is reaching the highest strength your skin can comfortably tolerate.
Buffer with moisturizer before and after if you are prone to dryness.
Avoid using strong exfoliants or other harsh actives on the same night.
Apply to clean, completely dry skin to minimize irritation.
Wear SPF every morning since tretinoin increases sun sensitivity.
Expect some temporary purging or flaking during the adjustment period.
For extra support, some dermatology services offer personalized formulas and adjust your tretinoin strength based on progress photos and your goals.
Tretinoin pays off with consistency, but it is not the only option. If you never fully acclimate or simply prefer something more gentle, you can try alternatives like retinaldehyde, adapalene, or well-formulated OTC retinol. These options offer similar long-term benefits with a softer learning curve.
