How to apply tretinoin
- Cleanse with a gentle, non-foaming cleanser and pat your skin dry.
- Wait until your skin is completely dry, about 10 to 20 minutes. Applying to damp skin can increase irritation.
- Use a pea-sized amount for your whole face. More doesn't work better; it just irritates more.
- Dot it on your forehead, cheeks and chin, then spread it in a thin, even layer.
- Avoid the eyes, the corners of the nose and mouth, and any broken or sunburnt skin.
- Moisturise afterwards if your skin feels dry. A plain, fragrance-free moisturiser is ideal.
- Wear SPF 50 every morning. Tretinoin makes skin more sensitive to the sun.
How often to use tretinoin: a 12-week schedule
| Weeks | How often | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 | 2 nights a week | Your skin adjusts. Some dryness is normal. |
| 4 to 7 | Every second night | Dryness settles; skin starts to feel smoother. |
| 8 to 12 | Every night, once comfortable | Most people start to see visible change. |
| 12+ | 3 nights a week to maintain | Keep the results you have reached. |
What not to mix with tretinoin
- Exfoliating acids (AHAs and BHAs) and scrubs: use them on different nights, or pause them while you build tolerance.
- Benzoyl peroxide: use it in the morning or on alternate nights, not at the same time.
- Waxing on areas where you use tretinoin, as skin can lift or tear.
- Tanning and long sun exposure without protection.
Gentle ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and ceramides are generally fine alongside tretinoin and can help with dryness. Vitamin C works well in the morning.
How to manage dryness and peeling
- Use fewer nights a week until your skin settles, then build up again.
- Try the "sandwich" method: moisturiser, then tretinoin, then moisturiser again.
- Keep the rest of your routine simple and fragrance free.
- Don't pick or scrub flakes off; moisturise them instead.
Stop using it and speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you have severe burning, swelling or irritation that doesn't settle.
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Frequently asked questions
Should I use tretinoin in the morning or at night?
At night. Tretinoin breaks down in sunlight, and it makes skin more sensitive to UV. Use SPF 50 every morning.
How much tretinoin should I use?
A pea-sized amount for your whole face. Using more doesn't improve results and increases irritation.
Can I put tretinoin on wet skin?
It is best to wait until your skin is completely dry, about 10 to 20 minutes after washing, to reduce irritation.
Can I use tretinoin while pregnant?
No. Do not use tretinoin if you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Tretinoin is a medicine: read the product information and speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you have questions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a skin condition.