Dermatologist Retinoid Tips: How to Start Using Retinol With Minimal Irritation

[@hopehealthhappiness5080]

Note for me: •start with a .1-.3 strength over the counter retinol. Use every single night before moving to a higher strength. •start with what you like putting on your skin (serum, thick cream, etc.) This can take trial and error. •eliminate skin care actives for now like vitamin c, fruit enzymes, scrubs. •starter routine: gentle cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen and retinoid. •use a pea sized amount of half of your fingertip. This may not feel like enough but it is. If can stick toilet paper on your face after applying, you applied too much. •start with using retinoid on clean, dried skin. If this is too irritating, you can put retinoid on after moisturizer. If you wash your face and let it dry for 15-30 minutes then can apply retinoid. It’s good to apply moisturizer on again after applying retinoid. •if applying to dry skin, can apply vasoline to corners of mouth and nose and eyes to limit irritation. •week 1+2: apply retinoid Monday and Thursday. If no signs of irritation, then next week can increase frequency of application. If small amount of irritation/ stinging/ little flaky then stay at 2 times per week. If experiencing a lot of irritation/ super red skin and flakiness, stop application until skin clears and then start 1 day a week. Week 3+4: apply Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If no or minimal irritation, can start using every other day. If you have irritation, go back to 2 days a week. If too much irritation, back off retinoid and then restart at the frequency where you weren’t having irritation. • week 5 and on: use retinoid every other day. •work up to using retinoid every night. •once using every night, can keep that same skin routine or you can use a stronger retinoid after bottles finished. You can then start to add vitamin c back in or exfoliant if you really need it. Only add back in what your current skincare isn’t giving you. •you may want to moisturize in the morning and night. •make sure to use sunscreen during the day.

[@evacastro2314]

Thanks!

[@arandootsarandano]

@Rizz Goddessssssssssssssssssssssssssssss it’s better to ask the dermatologist that prescribed you the retinoid, because they know what’s better for your skin

[@shelahphillipsen7019]

Thank you for taking the time to compile this list. It helped me a ton and I am sure many others as well.

[@hopehealthhappiness5080]

@@shelahphillipsen7019 you’re welcome! Glad I could help :)

[@estherkimani9417]

Is it okay to put on vitamin C in the morning and niacinamide at night on days that your not using retinol? Please advice

[@ellebelle211]

The one tip my dermatologist told me that might be helpful for people is when increasing from a lower strength retinoid to a higher strength one, stay on the lower strength and add the higher strength once or twice a week to start. Other than that, what you laid out is far more helpful than anything I've been told by a dermatologist. I always thought that I had to push through the irritation and keep applying the retinoid to irritated skin so I wouldn't lose my progress. It's great to have permission to stop and let my skin heal before going back to the last tolerated frequency.

[@marshall7311]

Girl for whatever reason the skincare gods blessed me without having that many side effects when starting tretinoin, which was a surprise because I have rosacea. I use azaleic acid 2x a day and tret at night. I think my skin has improved a lot!!

[@annamacm4063]

@Marshall same here! I decided to try tretinoin for my rosacea two years ago and one year ago I added azelaic acid every morning into my routine. My rosacea has not only improved, but I actually get compliments about my skin. I decided to try tret for my rosacea after finding a couple of pub med papers saying 0.05% tret seems to help with flushing and redness, which were my problems - big time flushing! No derm has ever suggested this course of treatment which is a huge pity as nothing else I’ve tried made any difference at all and I tried everything before this.

[@hanginglampify]

@@annamacm4063 @marshall7311 Is this prescription tret you both added or OTC? I had no idea Tret could help with Rosacea! Was always told it would likely be too irritating.

[@thisusedtobemyrealname7876]

At 35y old finally took the accutane treatment that cleared up my acne and it has not come back in 7yrs. It took 8 months but was so worth it. Just wanted to say that patience really is key with your skin care, there are no quick fixes. Now at 42yrs old started to work on the scars the acne left behind. Had my first session of microneedling a few weeks ago and started a good skincare routine (cleanser, moisturiser, spf 50, adapalene every other day on the evenings). Thank you for all the dermatologists who give us this awesome informative content free of charge!

[@savannahslopez]

I have wanted to start using retinol for a year now. After watching your video describing prescription retinoids, i decided to start 0.05% prescription tretinoin in October. I got through the dry skin irritation phase for a few weeks using your tips! My skin feels softer and I am slowly seeing positive changes. Now, I have an established night time routine! 💓 best tips: using more moisturizer than usual when starting out, starting once per week for two weeks, then twice per week, etc

[@2CorgiMom]

Thank you Dr Sam. After several visits to my dermatologist and watching countless YT videos, no one EVER mentioned to stop other acids when acclimating to retinoids and I’ve started and stopped multiple times, believing I’m just one of those who will never acclimate. After watching this, I’ve decided to stop my vitamin C and Lactic acid and am giving retinoids another go. 🤞

[@DrSamEllis]

Best of luck! Would love to get an update on your journey after you’ve tried this method!

[@lesliegrace5986]

Any updates?

[@khanhajra6750]

Same, any update

[@iryna3891]

Same! I just got my tretinion ! And I am actually going to start tonight ! And im so happy I saw this ! Because knowing me, I would have slapped on vitamin C tomorrow morning ! 😂

[@savannahn1643]

@@iryna3891 any update?

[@sofiakritikaki9130]

My dermatologist also gave me a good advice, instead of having it on for the whole night 🌙 at first I just had it on for a few hours and then washed it off, and increased cradually

[@allisonmarks3833]

Love the 1/2 of the fingertip example! I am an esthetician and experience that a pea size amount can be confusing for some.

[@hengwin]

I had no problems whatsover using retinol and I didn't even ease into it. I did however shed like a lizard for 5 months when starting tret, only to find out a year later that it wasn't me being sensitive to the tret per se but the combination of dry skin, tret AND winter season. Also, slugging is a godsend.

[@gretchenniemann2061]

How did you know Dr. Sam?! I just stopped breastfeeding and my tretinoin came in the mail yesterday. So timely!! 🥰

[@kerry8461]

The instructions about how much to apply and how it seems like we don’t apply enough but we do- helpful

[@hippybecca]

For starters I recommend the Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol. Super gentle and very moisturizing!. It has changed my skin for the better and it is super affordable in comparison to most other retinols!

[@HannaK.E]

Yes I am a 24F with naturally pretty good skin, I moisturize as often as I can, wear sunscreen/avoid excessive sun exposure on the regular, and eventually heard of the benefits of retinol and skin preservation. I started using retinol last summer at the end of the day, i put a very thin layer over my face and neck every night for about a week. Then I started noticing that I had slight itching and irritation, and I was afraid that I would damage my skin. I started it because I know that with skin, prevention and preservation is key to long term youthfulness. I really appreciate your professional educated take on the product, so that I feel more confident in incorporating it back into my skincare routine! I'm happy I kept my little retinol bottle.

[@ryuichiro.sakuraba]

Much appreciate the tips! On a retinoid journey myself and it has been a smooth road for 16 weeks now. Have been using retinol, and I feel lucky that I have experienced minimal irritation and I have been able to move to a higher strength and 6 nights a week application (1 day saved for exfoliating acids). The results are slow but promising though - razor cuts tend to heal faster, more glowy skin (can even skip makeup or just use a tinted moisturiser), and reduction of fine lines, and were noticeable after 12 weeks of use. Results may vary from one person to another, but this urged my mum and sis to hop onto their own retinoid journey too. :) Only thing is, the back of my hands had the retinisation flakiness (as I tend to use remaining skincare product from my routine on the hands). Quite funny that my hands are more sensitive than my face lol. This has subsided though and quite enjoying the feel of the hands as if I'm back in my late 20s. XD ...would like to try tretinoin so a visit to the derm is in order.

[@taybear06]

Thank you for this. I wanted to incorporate retinoid in my skinscare, but was worried about mixing w/my other skin care products. I found this to be helpful & feel more comfortable in starting thank you.❤

[@RitaKaminski]

this is the best retinoid video on the internet

[@MyLoVeLyMaN]

I've been using Differin for a year and had amazing results. It took me long time and patience to be able to use it every other night (which is perfect for me) Recently tried tret, I thought it would be easy to adjust, but even with moisturiser underneath, I got loads of dryness and flakiness which didn't seem to go away even after 2 months.. I decided to stop and go back to Differin, also because it way easier and cheaper to get :)

[@Alex-mx6mu]

Hi! What schedule did you do your differin on until you got used to it every night

[@Pyq935]

Such articulate and well informative video ! No substitute of a specialist doctor ❤

[@NicePerson58]

0.1 % Tretinoin is my holly grail, and I would never stop using it till death. Thank you, Dr Ellis. Such an informative video.

[@rachelz7418]

I just started a prescription .005% retinoid to help with acne - after 1 application I had flaky skin around my chin - this video is very helpful as I work to build my skin’s tolerance! I might try the sand which method for awhile. Thank you!

[@senseofwonder4734]

This is perfect timing! Just got my first prescription!!

[@Littlentern]

Very much appreciated video..... trying to start my retinol journey off right at age 26

[@bsarahla]

thanks for this detailed video!~ I recently started tretinoin through curology and kept getting irritation. (i am dealing with hormonal acne in my late 20's after stopping birth control.) I would stop my tretinoin but then start it again after 7 days, but lost confidence in doing so because the cystic painful pimples would start to show up. I was not exactly sure what was going on, and added a bunch of actives with my routine, Vitamin C, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. i was thinking i would need to go on spironolactone and inquired about it with my PCP... but i guess i was having a hard time believing that i did not need a lot of steps in my routine to get me good skin. This really helped me a lot!

[@Mrpancake-lol124]

I’ve just started using the olay retinol 24 max. Maybe a week ago and my face is full of spots. It’s working! Yaaay!

[@maddiew1978]

Perfect timing. I'm a week and a half into using Tretinoin and my skin is normally nice, but now it's flaky and I'm breaking out

[@glamifieldbd]

Thanks for sharing the details. Actually, retinol is one of the key ingredients for anti-aging. Because it helps clear away old cells, retinol will also help treat acne by unclogging blocked pores and unearthing blackheads and whiteheads. It can also help to prevent future acne.

[@tofuchillimia]

1st day of adapalene!! So excited for this journey hehe thanks for the great tips ❤

[@DrSamEllis]

🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@johnathanhampshire6585]

This is by far the most informative video I have come across. Thank you.

[@joannecoady8436]

This is the best explanation of retinoids that I've ever heard. Thank you 😊

[@sonyawix5871]

You are so beautiful! Thank you for the info, I am 21 and want to start tretinoin as a prevention of collagen loss in the skin, so its was very helpful!

[@stellacalder5023]

I've watched this video a few times since starting the CeraVe 0.3 retinol serum two months ago and I've had no irritation at all but really good results so far. I've had lots of random "damn, my skin looks so good in this light" moments in the past few weeks. I started with twice a week for 2 weeks, then went up to every three nights for 2 weeks, and now I've been using it every other night for 3 weeks. I tried to use it two nights in a row a few days ago, but I felt a little red and sensitive the next day so I just went back to every other night and the slight redness went away by the morning. I'll try again in a week or two. I made sure I was using sunscreen every day for 2 months in a row before I let myself start retinol and waited to add my vitamin C/E/ferulic serum back in until week 3 and waited to add my once-weekly BHA/AHA serum until week 5. Retinol felt like the "missing ingredient" for my skin and I credit this video for making this process so easy (and keeping me motivated to start slowly).

[@DrSamEllis]

@@stellacalder5023 so awesome to hear about your progress! Thank you for sharing!!

[@tiffanymorantes5391]

I started with the Loreal retinol. After I built my tolerance, I was then prescribed Tretinoin (acne- stopped birth control). I am on week 6. I have oily skin, and I haven't experienced flaking or peeling or redness; however, I had a terrible purge! Even so, my acne cycle is very short. It feels like within days my zits clear up. My purging consisted of huge and painful zits, btw. I use it every night- 0.025 in the gel form.

[@mari22]

Thanks for another great vid, Dr. Sam 🧡. What retinol products/brands do you recommend for dry, sensitive, rosacea prone, and more mature skin?

[@ylayla3087]

After watching this video, I subscribed…

[@jmcd31]

This is 1 of the best guides ive seen. Will be re-referring to this before i use adapalene and tret. Thanks 👍

[@brittneyr8590]

This video is SO helpful. Thank you for being so detailed. I’m excited to use the retinoid I was prescribed a few months ago but have been afraid to use. 😊 Also, I hope you’re enjoying lots of snuggles with your new baby!

[@DonnieReno]

I watched a lot of videos about retinols, by several different dermatologists and they all warn about redness and irritation and peeling/flaking. When I felt was informed enough I bought some L’Oreal revitalift retinol night cream. I used it and then was going to wait a week. To my surprise I had zero irritation or redness. I went ahead and skipped a day, then on the 3rd night I used it again and again no irritation or redness. I used it the next night and still no irritation or redness. I’ve had a little bit of slight peeling around my chin area but that’s all. I used to think I had very sensitive skin but I guess I was wrong 🤷‍♀️ I think I’ll be using it every night from now on.

[@SoniaOBrien-v1j]

Thank you for explaining everything and helping clear up so many questions I needed to know. ❤ THANK YOU for all the other advice you have given over the years. You are so appreciated.

[@PinkShimmer74]

Love your videos, Sam! Your skin is so stunning! Thanks for posting all of these educational videos. ❤

[@HusaMusesOn]

Following your advice…1st 2 weeks went well!

[@cassondrafaye]

The most informative video on KZbin about retinol ! Thank you

[@lovesara310]

Awesome! Thank you for this so needed a guide to when to apply for the next few months 💪! I started a month ago with once a week. Now that I'm in month 2 twice a week and feel light to mild side effects, lots of flaky skin. I have sensitive skin so going very slow it works.

[@christinemack2153]

Thank you, Dr. Ellis. When I first started using Tretinoin, I experienced redness and flakey skin, especially around the corners of the eyes and mouth. I found using it every other night and mixing it with a moisturizer really helped. So interesting to know that even over the counter retinol has skin benefits. Have a wonderful day!

[@lauralatman5127]

Thank you! This was presented to well and is the best information I have received re retinoids. Armed and ready to begin again with my tretinoin .025%

[@DrSamEllis]

You’ve got this 🙌🏼

[@karenwalker8682]

i wish they made retinoids of lower concentration that you could apply a thick layer like a moisturizer. trying to evenly rub in a pea sized amount is difficult

[@credx2689]

I started using Olay regenerist Retinol 24 after watching you drug store holy grail- I hadn’t had a problem with irritation initially despite having rosacea. I believe in one video you mention that you have rosacea and found that it was fine. I used it but avoided the upper/apple of my cheeks where my rosacea flares up. I don’t recall if I started slow or just jumped into nightly use but it was great. However, I ran out for almost a month (I have to order it online cuz it’s unavailable in my town) and finally got another jar. However, I was less cautious since I’d first tried it and forgetting the concern, went full bore and didn’t avoid my most sensitive spots- I had immediate reaction. I skipped a couple days and then when I applied again I avoided my cheeks and I’m back on track, using it nightly without irritation Thank you for the detailed advice- so very helpful

[@eesi9037]

I’ve been lucky so far because I started tret 3 weeks ago and I’ve had minor dryness! I wonder if this is because I naturally have oily skin? I’m 31…I’m excited to see some results!

[@NancyMancarious]

What is your opinion on switching the moisturiser with a shea butter when using retinol?

[@susanr9907]

Incredible video! Very easy and clear instructions. Thank you!

[@morgianasartre6709]

My derm started me on differin in december, granted she definately was not giving me a whole speech on how to use it the way you did but I started using it every evening and have had no side effects thankfully aside from maybe a bit of dryness. 😊

[@DrSamEllis]

That’s amazing!

[@caityburgett]

I’ve been on tretinoin for over a year three times a week at night. My skin was looking pretty nice until I incorporated a vitamin c serum in the morning. I’m not sure if the acne on my chin will subside or if I should just stop the vitamin c. I know it’s very beneficial. Acne has always been an issue and I’m almost 40. So annoying. I love all of your information. Thank you for all you do.

[@DrSamEllis]

Ah yes, some people will break out when incorporating vitamin c into their regimen! It is beneficial to have in a routine, but not worth it if the breakouts persist!

[@estheroh3675]

I wish this video had been out a few months ago when I started using a retinoid! I would have avoided a lot of peeling and irritation 😅

[@mrsannette7]

Hi Dr Ellis, I’m new to your channel and find you super interesting and educational. Would you mind doing a video that concentrates on reviewing ideal retinoids for certain age groups. Those starting out in their 20’s and 30’s, then those that are particularly effective for people in their late 30’s and 40’s, then 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. I’m in my 50’s and haven’t used a prescription retinoid and am interested to. Thanks for the quality educational service.

[@ArkadiaMK]

Thank you for making such a practical and informative video! I have 1%retinol serum I use for my body, so I thougt I'll do a patch test on the side of my cheek for a few days, just to see what happens. To my surprise, nothing happened. Is it possible I tolerate retinol so well? Should I test for longer? Can my product be insufficient? I'm in a pickle, I'd be grateful for anyones thoughts. :)

[@meganmalicki9857]

Thank you so much for this. I just started tretinoin after using the Avene retrinal every night with no issue and after just one application I'm getting peeling around my mouth and nasal Labeal folds. But, that is part of the journey and I will be using your schedule along with the most basic and moisturizing skin routine to get acclimated to my new prescription.

[@savannahn1643]

Any update?

[@anniebrik9816]

Thank you! that's very informative. I'll try out with 1.7% gravich retinol

[@Steven-ze2zk]

Excellent. I have crow's feet and forehead lines. I hope this helps.

[@pablomcn]

the thing that most affects me, after being past trough all the other effects, after using tretinoin seasonally for ten years and now trying to incorporate it daily, is the dryness at the chick bone right under the eyes. the skin feel so tight that sometimes a smile makes it feel like its gonna rip apart kkk sounds exaggerated, but its true, feels like paper and im more at the only side. the way light reflects looks amazing, though.

[@keeerthhy]

Cannot thank you enough for making this video.

[@Tonia787]

These are great tips and Im going to try again..so much I didn’t know

[@Bsquared7317]

If the research is showing that retinol and tretinoin are equal in outcomes for wrinkles, then what would be the reason to graduate to tretinoin and to work up on the strength of it? Instead of just sticking with a retinol.

[@xr29-72]

Can u do a video on accurate please

[@uguruchiamakaeunice3821]

Hello ma'am,is there a difference between tretion and retina soap? Please 🙏 I'm an acne prone skin and oily face

[@atadlish]

Just want to say how helpful your schedule for attacking the first weeks of tretinoin are Dr. Ellis! Again, I'm making the transition from nightly retinol to Tret soon (once I've finished the Paula's Choice 1%) & want to go about it in a smart, informed fashion. I'll definitely remove all actives and bring them back carefully. P.s. bakuchiol isn't an active, right?

[@JasminMiettunen]

You probably don’t need this anymore since it’s been a few months, but bakuchiol is an active and can cause some irritation for some people, so if you wanted to be extra careful you'd stop that too

[@aaaneeeleeej]

Hi!! Thank you for sharing these lovely tips! Can you pls recommend a sunscreen for oily sensitive skin?

[@kiren3168]

Sadly a lot of tretinoin creams have isopropyl Myristate in them and it is highly comedogenic for my skin. I guess I'll get a gel.

[@lluviahernandez943]

Keep the tips coming!! Your videos are very informative.

[@sulakaricats]

Excellent video and exactly the same routine given to me by my derm Dr Anne…I’m still not at nightly but seeing improvement with an OTC retinol for anti ageing, my skin is dry/ combo and sensitive, I actually didn’t think I’d be able to tolerate retinol ever again after a destroyed skin barrier but we worked with gentle simple routine and 6 months on healthy skin and making gains

[@JasminMiettunen]

Great! What products/routine are you using? I have dry sensitive skin too :)

[@sulakaricats]

@@JasminMiettunen I’m in Australia and use QV Face, Australian pharmacy brand and a favourite with our dermatologists here, similar to Vanicream I believe. QV is cruelty free. I’m not sure how widely available it is internationally sorry. I’m using TO Granactive Retinol 2% Emulsion on alternate nights.

[@veronicalopez1733]

Ist Retinoid also ok for people with rosacea?

[@anniebrik9816]

just got the vit c and retinoid serums. and now i have to stop vit c to try the retinol))))

[@lindagreen8505]

Great video. Very clear and straigtforward.

[@janethothersall8345]

I thought you had your baby when this alert popped up….greetings from over the pond and good luck with your delivery, it really isn’t that bad, I have 5 children all grown up now, and all were a very straight forward labour and delivery, I hope the same for you!

[@nicolewilfong]

She had her baby at the end of Jan :) 💙

[@janethothersall8345]

@@nicolewilfong …..thank you …I only saw a video of her last week packing her bag for hospital..I am now totally confused 😂 was it a boy or girl?

[@savannahslopez]

@@janethothersall8345 a baby boy! she announced it on her instagram and in a previous youtube video

[@janethothersall8345]

@@savannahslopez ….ah thank you!

[@julieete257]

There is another dermatologist that said they reason is not working in melanoma was because we tend to use only one product instead of using several tyrosine inhibitors so now I'm confused as you mentioned that we should use only Retin A.

[@wakalabakataka]

Thanks for the video, You're skin is beautiful. You are too!

[@rachelwhite1702]

Such a helpful video! Would you recommend avoiding all retinoids (including non-prescription) when trying to conceive? Obviously they’re a big no-no in pregnancy but I’ve seen conflicting advice and haven’t used any retinoids for two years for this reason. I’ve seen some derms say “it’s only for 9 months” forgetting that it can take some women a really long time to get pregnant in the first place 😔

[@luisafernandadeleon7906]

So much useful information. Thanks!

[@luchikana]

So informative and helpful. Thank you!

[@gysellozano4091]

LOVE this video so much! Thank you for all the very helpful information!

[@mahnoorsw0rld482]

*W.. Briefly Explained.. Thank Uh GOrgeOus DOC...* ❤😊❤

[@zehraj726]

I love you so much, your videos are so informative and I can finally say that I’m fully satisfied with my current skincare plan and thanks to you I’m fully prepared for my future skin care as well. I’m so happy that I came across your videos, I put all of your tips in my skincare notes and follow them on a daily basis❤️. The only thing missing is a neck routine, can we apply our Retnoid on our neck to prevent lines and aging, can you please do a video just focusing on neck care. Love your content❤️ thank you!

[@kendallstark4302]

I've been using a prescription retinoid for almost a year, but I still watch videos like this one, just to see if what I'm doing is OK. I use the brand Retirides, have you heard of it? I live in Spain so maybe it's only known here. It smells faintly of roses, but it hasn't irritated my skin at all.

[@estherkimani9417]

Is it okay to put on vitamin C in the morning and niacinamide at night on days that your not using retinol? Please advice

[@xXPierce0freakyXx]

This video answered all of my questions Tysm

[@zahraamin164]

extremely helpful guide, thanks so much

[@ellyrenee]

This was super helpful and informative! Can I still use my hydrating serums in the same routine as a retinoid? How would this look - cleanse, hydrating serums, let skin dry, retinoid, moisturizer? And where does an exfoliant go in my routine after acclimating to the retinoid?

[@xr29-72]

Can u do a video on accutane please

[@NewYorkaise38]

is it possible to use retinoid when breastfeeding? also what are your thoughts on bakuchiol? Thanks!!

[@nuklearrik3567]

I apply my adapalene over the ordinarys chia seed oil and mix it with a bland moisturizer (illiyoon) because my skin gets irritated if I rub it

[@MrMark28]

Love ya Dr Sam!! It’s a finger length for me! Idk my skin is deff weird.

[@julsshan]

Thanks for this very much detailed video! I just want to know if serum of 2.5% is not to be used fir beginners?

[@yarazard]

Thank you so much for all this information! What kind of moisturizer do you recommend? I put a vitamin C moisturizer and it burned so bad.

[@natashaparoutis]

Thanks Doc! Just curious if you’d recommend using Omnilux contour while using tretinoin?

[@Flattsforthree12]

Incredibly helpful. Thank you!!

[@medicinal_pothead]

i have been using O.1% retin a for a few years and my skin looks amazing, i’m 30 and people think i’m in my early twenties all the time

[@sonjalalelu3667]

Do you use ir all year round or do you stop in summer and continue in fall and winter? I am very fair skinned. An advice would be very helpful.

[@medicinal_pothead]

i use it year round

[@devdawg22]

My dermatologist prescribed me one that is made more for sensitive skin . I'm nervous because I have pustule rosacea and have a perioral dermatitis history.

[@born_confused]

I'm so happy I found this channel. I've been looking for a channel that goes in depth into retinol and prescription strength retinol. I've been using retinol for about 2 years and started with the inkey list and the ordinary. I've now worked up to acne free adapelene which I love. I wanted to ask your opinion. Should I stay on adapelene for anti-aging and pigmentation or try tretinion? I'm 43 and have pretty tough skin. I do suffer with millia though which adapelene has helped. I'm not sure which retinol is right for me. I'm so excited about this channel 😁

[@chloeching5715]

Dr. Sam. Love and appreciate your very informative video. May I know if Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate is also an effective form of Vitamin A please?

[@napnap609]

What if -your sunscreen is causing breakouts or iritation? I think that's happening to me. So I stay in the shade, work in an office with the blinds closed and use a UV umbrella if I'm actually in the sun. I wish I could find a sunscreen that doesn't irritate, although of course I've only tried about 2-3 brands. Mostly chemical not physical sunscreens.

[@jenwat5326]

Thank you so much!! I have started and stopped more then once because of the peeling. Just getting ready to start to add it to my routine again. I will definitely try the sandwich method ❤

[@kikijean9204]

Dr. Sam, as a 70 yr old woman who has benefited from Tretinoin for decades (first acne, now wrinkles)-would you recommend staying with a 0.05 strength w/a lactic or glycolic acid added in morning; or going w a 0.1 strength and not using the acid. I can do either of those w/o irritation and wonder what is more beneficial at this point in my life. Thank you!!

[@alicejyi4705]

I am just a new user of 55 yr old of 0.1 adapalene with little side effects..in your place, I will try 0.1 and if no irritation, then introduce the AHA products. I do think your skin is well adjusted to it and strong dose will do her good.