Tretinoin 101: The stuff that bosses your skin around (nicely)

If skincare held a class election, tretinoin would win class president (by a landslide, not rigged), valedictorian and “most likely to remodel collagen.” It’s a prescription all-trans retinoic acid (Vitamin A) with DECADES of data for acne and aging—and yes, it works even if your pores are dramatic and your fine lines have formed a union. Dermatology experts and guidelines put topical retinoids front-and-center for acne care and healthy aging.

What tretinoin actually does (nerdy, but fun)

• Speeds up cell turnover and stimulates collagen (hello, smoother texture).

• Targets acne/clogged pores, fine lines, mottled tone, and roughness.

• Acne: normalizes how cells shed so pores don’t clog, calms inflammation, and helps prevent new breakouts. This is a cornerstone therapy, not a cameo.

• Photoaging: clinical studies show improvements in texture, fine lines, and uneven pigment—with true collagen changes on biopsy. Translation: you’re improving the architecture, not just the optics.

How to start without hating it

Think low and slow.

1. Nightly routine on fully dry skin (wait 10–20 minutes after washing).

2. Use a pea-sized amount for the entire face (forehead, cheeks, chin, nose—connect the dots).

3. Start 2–3 nights/week → after 2 weeks, every other night → then nightly as tolerated.

4. Expect some dryness/flaking in the first few weeks—the retinoid rookie phase. Early changes show by 4–6 weeks; clearer, calmer skin accrues over 2–3 months. Consistency wins.

Buffering for sensitive skin: moisturizer → pea of tretinoin → moisturizer (the “sandwich”).

Can I mix it with benzoyl peroxide (BPO)?

Short answer: Yes—with a plan.Older formulations of tretinoin were more easily inactivated by BPO when layered together. Modern vehicles are more stable, but to keep things simple (and comfy), use BPO in the morning and tretinoin at night. If both must be at night, apply them on alternate nights. (There’s no FDA-approved fixed-dose tretinoin+BPO combo in the U.S.; the common combo is adapalene+BPO.)

Sun, photostability, and that cute bucket hat

Classic tretinoin is photolabile, which is why we use it at night. Some newer vehicles help, but daily SPF 30+ is non-negotiable. Add hats, shade, and a gentle cleanser + bland moisturizer to support your barrier.

Who should pause or avoid tretinoin?

• Pregnancy: avoid while pregnant or trying to conceive. If you used some before you knew, don’t panic—just pause and check in with your clinician.

• Breastfeeding: systemic absorption from topical use is low; many clinicians consider it compatible. Avoid application to the nipple/areola and prevent infant skin contact with treated areas.

• Fresh procedures, peels, lasers, or waxing: confirm timing with your provider; many plans pause tretinoin 3–7 days before and restart gently after healing.

Skin of color tips

Retinoids are excellent for acne, texture, and tone. Because irritation can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, go slower, buffer with moisturizer, and be strict about daily sunscreen. If dark marks linger, we can layer in pigment-safe brighteners.

Quick-start routines (copy-paste friendly)

Acne-prone/oilyAM — gentle gel cleanser → BPO 2.5–5% → moisturizer → SPF 30+PM — cleanser → pea of tretinoin → light gel moisturizer

Combo/normalAM — gentle cleanser → (optional) antioxidant serum → moisturizer → SPF 30+PM — cleanser → pea of tretinoin → moisturizer

Dry/sensitiveAM — cream cleanser → soothing moisturizer → mineral SPF 30+PM — cleanser → moisturizer → pea of tretinoin → moisturizer (full sandwich)

Results timeline (so you don’t break up too soon)

• Acne/clogs: early improvement ~4–6 weeks; clearer skin 8–12+ weeks

• Photoaging: texture & fine-line changes 3–6 months and beyond

  (Consistency > strength. A steady 0.025–0.05% beats a twice-monthly 0.1%.)

Strengths & vehicles

• Common strengths: 0.025% (gentler), 0.05% (standard), 0.1% (potent)

• Cream = a bit gentler / drier-skin friendly; gel = oilier or acne-prone

What to avoid at first

• Stacking strong actives the same night (AHAs/BHAs, scrubs, high-dose vitamin C).

• Harsh astringents, over-cleansing, hot water.

• Waxing on treated areas (risk of skin lifting).

Normal vs. not normal

• Common & temporary: dryness, flaking, mild sting, a short “purging” window (weeks 2–6).

• Not normal: severe redness, swelling, burning, cracking, or eczema flares—pause, moisturize, and contact your clinician.

Cory's tips

• Dot and spread thinly—pea-size truly means pea-size. Just use a freakin' small amount!

• Protect corners of the mouth and sides of the nose with a dab of moisturizer first.

• Apply to completely dry skin to reduce sting.

• If you pause (travel/procedures), restart one step back (every other night).

• Store at room temp; if you forget a dose, skip—don’t double!

  
  

Pose perspective & next steps

At Pose Aesthetics & Functional Wellness, we tailor vehicle (cream/gel/micronized), strength (0.025–0.1%), and schedule to your skin tolerance and goals—and build a routine that won’t make you quit by week two. If acne is the headline, we often pair AM BPO with PM tretinoin and add pigment-friendly support if dark marks linger.

Ready to personalize your plan? Book a consult with our team at Pose, and we’ll map your tretinoin game plan.

Quick FAQ!

• How much do I use? A small pea for the whole face—more is not more. SMALL AMOUNT!

• Eyes: can I get close? Yes, but start outside the orbital bone and inch inward as tolerated; skip eyelids if sensitive.

• When do I moisturize? After tretinoin—or try the moisturizer → tretinoin → moisturizer sandwich. Cater to the dryness!

• Waxing? Avoid on treated areas; pause tretinoin ~1 week before facial waxing.

• Is purging normal? A brief uptick in comedones/flaking can happen and settles with steady use.

As always, be on the lookout for more about skin health and medical grade skincare!

This educational content is not intended to replace medical evaluation or personalized care. Prescription products are supplied only following a suitable assessment in accordance with Tennessee regulations.