How And When To Start Exfoliating With Retinol

[@DrDrayzday]

Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% amzlink.to/az09dyI0i16Px Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA lotion amzlink.to/az0ck4fEjahTx Beekman 1802 Potato Peel amzlink.to/az036Zxhky1Ch FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links.

[@CA-bw9vw]

Tret changed my life. I had severe psoriasis that had been so itchy and thick and oozing for decades. I couldn't stop scratching in classes, in the office, or even during dates. At times, I would wake up with blood under my nails. Until I randomly tried applying 0.025% tret 2x a day to the area plus a thick layer of petroleum jelly on top. I saw INSANE improvement. A 20 year nightmare, barely an issue in 2 weeks. My derma wasn't happy about me self-medicating, ordered me to stop and revert to her keto shampoo and Cetaphil moisturizer. But after 20+ years, I decided to listen to my body over all the dermatologists who were not able to help me.

[@caitroseco6752]

Your Derm sucked! Why on earth would she tell a patient to stop doing what’s working?

[@mssafe3204]

Thank you for making dermatology accessible!

Tretinoin is the best thing i have tried so far, it takes time and patience but it is worth it

[@rottiemama6]

I was 100% just telling someone this today. I will never stop using Tret. It’s been a life changer for me.

[@saskia....]

How long did you wait for results? I started using it a few weeks ago. I don't know what to look for yet, but it seems my skin feels smoother.

[@rottiemama6]

@@saskia.... give it time. The biggest thing with Tret is patience and being able to push through the “purging” phase if you have any. If you’ve used it consistently for a few weeks, just slowly work your way up to using it every night. I started out two times a week and I did that for a month, and I still purged in the beginning. I’ve been using it consistently now every night for I’d say 6 months and my skin has never looked better at 43. If yours is getting smoother, you’re on your way. Keep using it consistently!

[@yadirachavez9912]

@@rottiemama6do you get yours from a dermatologist or online purchase?

[@d.on.in.a]

Did you start it for acne or other concerns?

[@jenniferposch866]

Hi doc. because of your recommendation I started using tretinoin three years ago my skin is so pretty. I hardly have any wrinkles and I’m 59 thanks for your recommendation. Have a great day Jennie.

[@Sapna-157]

Which brand and do you use it on your body as well?

[@franceskeller4536]

Some people don’t like the peeling phase of retinoid or tretinoin. I don’t like it either but the way I think about it is that our skin is essentially a construction site. There needs to be a smooth surface before the building starts, or the house will end up looking lopsided on an uneven ground. Same thing with gardening. New growth won’t be consistent when the weeds aren’t pulled out. Hope you can see what I’m saying! ❤

[@Dor-je1zt]

The peeling phase is dryness, not exfoliation.

[@kathrynm5841]

Thank you! Finding that balance for our particular skin is so important. Trying different routines until you hit that 'sweet spot.' Worked for me!

[@liasmith696]

What an incredible time we live in~ you and a few very select other docs are teaching us skin care biology, basics, treatments in an easy to understand video. There are so many things you cover that my doc wouldn’t be able to answer in just one visit. Now that I’ve been diagnosed with melanoma in situ, I’ll go every 3 months but that’s a different visit than how to look more youthful and what are some safe exfoliating acids for my face. Thanks Dr. Dre !!! 👻🎃

[@liasmith696]

Oooops Dr. Dray

[@GildaLee27]

@@liasmith696 When I speak of her to others, I always call her Dr Dray, "not the rapper, the dermatologist." 😍

[@liasmith696]

@@GildaLee27My son is a ghost producer and audio engineer, Dre was just a natural thing to write😂

[@marywangler5158]

I tell everyone about Tret truly changed my skin for the better!

[@CatsOrangeAndGrey]

I LOVE my tret ❤. There’s nothing that gets rid of hormonal acne faster….until the next round that comes with my cycle.

[@Hemmyii]

I hear that!! I don’t know for sure if this is working but I bought that de la Cruz sulfur mask when Dr dray first talked about it and I was thinking I need to use it up. So I started putting it on just the area that gets the monthly giant pimple, leaving it on for about 10 mins in the morning before I wash my face. And I haven’t had a single breakout in the same spot that ALWAYS breaks out. I now get a smaller breakout further over on my jaw where I’ve never had an issue before. So of course now I’m spreading the sulfur mask farther and no breakout this month 🤷‍♀️

[@taiyabazaheer9492]

But shouldn't tret prevent those pimples in the first place? Asking cuz I thought Tret is supposed to get rid of acne. You can try salicylic acid (consider Paula's as it's literally the best) in the week before your period on days you don't use tret and also drink two cups of spearmint tea to reduce androgens if still get pimples with tret.

[@ashlynnkaplan680]

This is gold! Thank you for talking about this topic! I have used Adapalene for several years and find that I need minimal at most additional exfoliation. Postpartum, my skin is very sensitive and I get rashes from anything acidic… vitamin C, acids. So right now it is just Adapalene and Azelaic acid. When I’m not postpartum, I use only 5% lactic acid. It’s amazing how healthy and clear my skin looks with just a couple of actives!

[@jenniferneal4323]

THANK YOU for this video!! I've been looking for solid answers to this for a little while now!

[@vister6757]

After a very long time buying and trying so many products, I concluded that I only need to keep my routine simple with tretinoin, eucerin anti pigment dual serum, moisturizer & jojoba oil (night time), sunscreen (day time). Keep the money and use it for skin booster treatment as a bonus treat 😂

[@champalitieu]

ooh this is exactly my routine :))) it's different a bit, mine is retinal and avocado oil. Sometimes less is more, dont you agree

[@retnohapsari828]

Hello I am 60, dry skin, hyperpigmentation on forehead sides, left and right cheek area near ears. There are so many products and routines suggested that I am confused. Can you help

[@marylawman8603]

I was so excited to see little Tybee in the background!! I miss seeing him. I enjoyed the topic today. Maybe one day I'll try tretinoin. I'm pretty happy with my current skin care routine and my sensitive skin is tolerating it well so I hate to rock the boat. Thanks, as always, for all of your hard work. Happy Wednesday, Dr Dray! I hope you have a lovely evening. 💚

[@davidshabas3839]

Happy Wednesday Dr Dray so excited to be here i live for this ❤️

[@DrDrayzday]

Morning!

[@margieryne6220]

Hi, I didn’t know you had a dog, I saw one walk into the other room. Very interesting video! Thank you! ❤️

[@agelessinspiration]

it is her mom’s dog, I think

[@CSFlock]

Alpha skin care has a 12% glycolic acid body lotion that is amazing! I use it on my face as well and can use it on my body every night, it makes my skin so glowy!

[@melissabridge5687]

I am 58 . I have been on tretinoin for 4 years now. Before I was on adapalene for 1 year. I had complications in 2022 when I got covid. Tretinoin was subscribed by my dermatologist. My rosacea was cleared up. My hyperpigmentation is diminishing. My skin is so smooth now. And way more even in skin tone. I will never stop using tretinoin!!!❤❤❤ I sandwich my night sling care. Snail mucin, la roche posay b5 fade serum,la roche posay skin moisturizer, tretinoin, and a thicker cream like cerave cream or triple paste cream.

[@artistl-r9f]

you should do tretinoin right after you cleanse, and then put the moisturizer then put the triple paste on and then jojoba oil and make sure you wait at least 40 minutes before next thing (after tretinoin). it takes at least 40 minutes to seep into your skin and do its magic. good luck :)

[@DoItWrightRo]

I was told the way that you’re doing it is just as effective as what the other commenter suggested.

[@khiabetmagallon4433]

Which product from cerave do you use?

[@michellevega1523]

​@@artistl-r9fher aplication is ok.I use the mucin first too,then the tret and then a moisturizer

[@Ava-lm1zy]

Which one do you use

[@christinawhite9256]

Lactic acid added into my morning routine made my skin very sensitive. It took a a while after I stopped for my skin to feel normal again, and my tretinoin was sufficient. Thank you for the video!

[@GildaLee27]

Pup sighting at 4:58!🐕❤❤❤🥰

[@teresamcadam5892]

I thought I saw that too! She’s never said anything about a doggy!

[@Kingboo1081]

@@teresamcadam5892😱😍

[@sarahc.2926]

@@teresamcadam5892 her mom had a dog that looked like this one, named Tybee. Dr. Dray and her mom used to do vlogs together several years ago. I have no idea if this dog is Tybee though!

[@teresamcadam5892]

@ oh I’ve would of loved to see those videos. I guess her parents live in Texas too.

[@FragileFlame82]

A question I have always wondered about! Thanks Dr Dray!

[@DrDrayzday]

thanks for watching

[@jgoldfarb3]

Great info👍your videos are better than being at the Dermatologist 👍

[@maricelg777]

Happy Wednesday, Dr. Dray❤

[@RRFTB]

I laughed so hard when you said older skin starts to look like shredded wheat. Lmaaao! Great video!

[@Sentimentalist0923]

Please share more about Beekman 1802 products in a future video. I just recently received their hand cream as a gift and I LOVE it!

[@xcoachkim]

I picked up CeraVe Blemish Control Gel as an exfoliating acid for my oily combo skin and it made such a huge difference, my pores look clearer and appear less obvious.

[@girlulookgood]

I love the peeling because I know new skin is coming Tret is the best

[@Dor-je1zt]

The peeling is dryness, not exfoliation.

[@girlulookgood]

@ for meee and my skin exfoliating

[@susanvee1]

After 30 years of daily .10% Tret use I would like to add that rubbing my fingertips on my clean, semi-damp face at the END of my shower will effectively remove loose skin flakes. This is by far the best mechanical method out of the many, many I have tried. (I haven’t tried anything except tretinoin %.10 as far as a chemical exfoliant.)

[@eliseraifman4766]

Thanks Dr. Dray! Very helpful video!

[@claudiasmith9117]

Good morning Dr Dray ❤

[@hazeyjane58]

Dr. Dray, thank you!! You're answering all my questions! Thank you!!

[@LuVena143]

This was so very much needed!! Thank you. 🙏 🎉

[@nellysrapyan]

Dr.Dray, your skin is so flawless. Would you attribute it to your good genetics mostly or does it have to do with how you take care of it? Thank you for sharing so much knowledge with us on your platform 🙏👏

[@lmpwhatley5674]

This was a very informative video! Thanks so much

[@paulahatch9955]

Happy Wednesday Dr Dray….see you tomorrow x💙🤩🎃

[@christinavanmeter5034]

Been curious ab this. Thanks!!!

[@whitneybrown4067]

Greetings Dr Dray hope u r well n 🖐Hello Every1 n Happy Wednesday😀n what a Wonderful Vid…. thanks n This is Gonna b Extremely Insightful🔥👍n Continued Blessings to All💜….

[@DrDrayzday]

Happy Wednesday!

[@tasmiasultanatonima2093]

Tretinoin forever ♥️

[@DrDrayzday]

👍

[@jomama_1014]

Was that little Tybee!!❤❤ also, helpful video. Thanks Dr Dray!

[@centaurs2]

Does Dr Dray have Tybee. I’ve thought that cute little doggy and Mom so often.

[@jordanxfile]

@@centaurs2 Same here

[@tls0501]

I always enjoyed seeing Dr Dray’s mother. I haven’t seen her in the videos in a while. Does anybody know where she’s been or have I just missed the videos?

[@jamieeee820]

How often did you use the SA lotion with your tretinoin? Love your content!

[@susanfield2444]

Fantastic video

[@annewiseman9983]

Dr Dray, can you please share as to how you get your glass skin? Thank you for all your excellent advice

[@reviewunboxinges3228]

Thank you Doc ❤

[@DrDrayzday]

thanks for watching

[@jeannemuller7625]

Great video. Thanks for sharing

[@keri117]

Hi Dr.Dray, Thanks for all the great info! I am new to tretinoin 0.1% for hypo pigmentation / white acne scars and hyperpigmentation, I'm curious about the CeraVe SA lotion, is it used in conjunction with the tretinoin and if so does it go on before or after? I use the CeraVe daytime moisturizer with SPF 30 and I also use the CeraVe PM at night, I really like their products!(Also I've been using the "sandwich" method with the tretinoin and I seem to be tolerating it quite well!

[@aleejjj]

So weird literally was thinking about this the other day!

[@jontreal22]

Was that Tybee making an appearance in the background; Good'ol Tybee.

[@tonyj4271]

hope youre all enjoying your Wednesday xo

[@yulia3625-x9n]

This is the mandelic acid I’m using. I only started tretinoin so I’m not in the rush to reintroduce this one. But I must say that it was incredible for my dry skin. Other acids or mix of them in form of pads, serum, toner were a bit too much for me. So I made a step back using bywishtrend and a313, restored my skin. And about 6 month in of not having bad dryness and finally introduced tretinoin (I only had 1 week but my skin not overreacting no dryness with 0,025).

[@dzingunyte]

Aww doc make video with your puppy!❤😅 miss your mom too!❤

[@mboulangere3818]

Great video thank you Dr Dray. What does this mean then for chemical peels while using tret? In the past you have commented that you felt that chemical peels were underrated? Thank you !

[@Zen_Gen18]

Hi Dr. Dray, do you apply the SA lotion in the same night routine along with tretinoin?

[@rmgqwzxiytfj]

I'm confused by this as well. She doesn't really specify. I've always been under the impression that layering acids with tretinoin in the same routine can compromise/deactivate the tretinoin rendering it less effective.

[@Katepwe]

I don’t think so. I usually exfoliate 1-2 times/week and skip the tretinoin on those nights.

[@Kingboo1081]

4:58 doggie 🫣❤️

[@agelessinspiration]

her mom’s dog

[@ellek8703]

I started over a year ago. My red spots from rosacea are slowly fading. I started on .025% and now I'm using. 05%. If I stop peeling on this, I'll ask my dermatologist for .1%. I added vitamin C cream recently, and I think it's accelerating the fading, also helping my melasma.

[@luciasamouco6623]

Tretinoin is amazing for controlling my acne and oily skin. I just wish there was also a formula for scalp, I whished I could control my oil scalp prodution as well.

[@stephenc2511]

Would you please review Paula’s choice phytoestrogen elasticity product. Specifically if it is of benefit to us ladies over 60 who are estrogen challenged.

[@AAna_Stasiaa]

Can you also review the Paula's choice retinaldehyde too please?

[@Terry-s5o]

I just received a travel size of the retinaldehyde and I'm curious about it, too!

[@midlifemom5829]

57 yo and have been using tret 0.1% and L-ascorbic (Vit C) for years. With the thousands of skin care products out there, i wont use any of it if it doesn't play well with my tret and VitC. I do skip a night and use AHA for my melasma

[@amy83079]

Whoa, Dr Dray, did you get a 🐕 dog ❤❓

[@agelessinspiration]

probably her mom’s dog

[@Donna-cc1kt]

I’m shredded wheat? Lmao. Biggest laugh you’ve ever given me. 👏🏻

[@DWPersianExcursion]

I love chemical exfoliation ❤❤❤

[@DrDrayzday]

👍

[@VivianDallAlba]

Dr. Dray, could you please make a video for people who can't use retinol/retinoic acid? I was using it to treat my melasma, but even though I used a powerful moisturizer that rebuilds the skin barrier before using retinol/retinoic acid (and I'm really paranoid about sunscreen) unfortunately my melasma ended up getting worse. I researched a lot about retinoic acid and was really excited about using this active ingredient because it's unique in skin regeneration, but unfortunately, even in the form of retinol, it ended up triggering my melasma. Please, could you recommend a skin care routine for people who have limitations on the use of retinoic acid/retinol? Something that is at least close to being as effective in skin regeneration? Thank you very much, greetings from a fan in Brazil!

[@cindypalumbo7503]

Thank you!!

[@debbiecs1964]

Yes, I end up getting dry skin when I do an exfoliation. I still even get dry and flaky skin after using tretinoin for such a long time now.

[@andrea6710]

I love Biologique Recherche P50W one to two times a week and Altreno on the other nights.

[@LCL1979]

I’m starting to play around with a new toner that has PHA and LHA instead of AHA and BHA. I like the idea of using something that is more gentle but can be tolerated daily.

[@jamievogel9025]

Dr dray I've seen in cvs that they also have the cetephil lotion with all the exfoliates for the face also

[@sharontisherman7619]

Good morning Dr. Dray! Do you wait after washing your face before applying Tretinoin? I still wait about 30 minutes.❤

[@db-gb5xi]

In her weekend vlogs, she's mentioned she applies moisturizer while skin is still damp and then once she's dressed, she applies the tret.

[@sharontisherman7619]

@ thank you!

[@ellek8703]

It's funny, I use tretinoin and I wear a cpap mask. My skin under the silicone cpap mask is so smooth, my sunscreen and foundation have trouble staying on my skin. If I could cover my whole face in the silicone, my skin would look perfect. 😂

[@Clanahan12]

I used tret(0.05) when I was a teen for acne, it worked v well, but I did not know how to properly use it so it iritated my skin(I was still happy as I was getting rid of acne). Now, I started using 0.02% for the past couple of months so a milder version and let me tell you no retinol or retinal compares

[@ur786.1]

Hi doc, i bought Tretinoin 0.025% but didnt realise it has erythromycin 2% in. I don't have active acne, my goal is more anti aging. I'm late 30s. Is it safe to use or would you recommend i ditch it?

[@tedkat9764]

Thank you.

[@LeahE16]

Would the Cerave or Cetaphil Salicylic Acid Cleansers be enough direct contact of the SA on the skin to provide some mild exfoliation? I've always avoided chemical exfoliants due to sensitive skin prone to dryness, but I might try SA cleanser if it can provide a benefit without being overly drying. Thank you!

[@zoe_claire_m]

I find that my skin just can’t tolerate anything more than 5% glycolic acid with retinal or retinol - anything above 5% and my face gets red in places and burns like a sunburn. However, it can cope with 10% Lactic Acid and 2% Salicylic Acid (toner) on the nights I’m not using retinal/retinol.

[@Brian_0523]

Was that Tyebe in the video?

[@DesiMakeupGrl]

Can some people always get flaking and dryness from Tretinoin? I’ve used it for over a year and I’m still dry. I can’t use vitamin c or any other actives while on it either.

[@LCL1979]

Can you drop down to a lower strength tret or maybe switch to a retinal or retinol?

[@saskia....]

Have you tried doing a sandwich method? It has helped me to avoid dryness (moisturizer, tret, then moisturizer)

[@rafael02130]

Can i apply regular vaseline as a moisturizer after tretinoin?

[@linajmval]

Can you talk about RAR activation with Retinoids? It's very important for us to know. Especially when spending our hard earned money on otc products. Differin is the only one I know that activates RAR that is OTC. Tret and 2/3 others, which can only be prescribed are the others that activate RAR. Please look into RAR activation. I dont think other types of vitamin a/retinoids activate RAR, which is a bummer cuz I purchased other converted lesser forms of it, but I am using it to help me get used to the start of Tret to save money cuz I can't return it. Wish me luck :)

[@Dukebeagleoni]

Woof! 🐩🐾🦴

[@IrmarisFeliciano-g8m]

Do you use the Cetaphil lotion SA before or after tretinoin? Thanks

[@db-gb5xi]

In her weekend vlogs, she tends to put lotion or cream on before the tret.

[@cynthiamccall8025]

Have been using 2.5 retinol. No problems. Is the only way to go on to tretinoin is through a dermatologist?

[@KelseyRohman-o1v]

Does tretinoin have the ability to increase hair growth? I have been seeing influencers and product reviewers incorporating tretinoin into their hair-care routines. Specifically, around the hair line and even in the center of the scalp/center hairline. None had stated as to whether or not this was as a result of a medical/dermatological recommendation on their dermatologist or esthetician's part.

[@s.shaooo1676]

is azelaic acid also an exfoliant?

[@susanhancock9089]

I wish tretinoin worked for me. I have tried a couple of times and my skin does fine but my eyes BURN so badly. I am not putting it in my eye and am avoiding the eye area, but after about a week of use my eyes become dry and extremely sensitive to anything. Have had to lay in bed with a cold compress on my eyes for a couple of hours to get relief. If tretinoin isn't an option, what's the next best recommendation. (of note, my skin is not sensitive, I don't have allergies, etc so this is an unusual experience for me). TIA!

[@moniquelindholm1381]

I know it’s not a popular opinion, but every week or so I feel the need to do a physical exfoliation. But it’s gentle , lol

[@evakilove55]

For mature and dry skin what exfoliate products can i use?

[@EvaBlanc-e2q]

omg. i saw a pet!! is it a cat or a dog? cute!!!

[@LisaNix2]

Dog

[@dzingunyte]

Sort of mini poodle 😅😊

[@inhate-loverelationshipswi5413]

I'm acne prone and have been using tretnoin for a long time, my skin tolerate it very well that I could use it every night throw in mandelic acid + lha toner without any irritation. The "don't exfoliate to much" kinda make me nervous and want to rone down sometimes but glad to hear that if it work just stick with it Although funny enough my skin hate ascorbic acid and 3-o-ethyl ascorbate so much that every time I use it break me out lol so yay to retinold and exfoliant but nay to vitamin c I guess

[@kristinanieto4204]

Can you use tretinoin if you have couperose skin on your cheeks (tiny and slightly visible blood vessels close to the surface of the skin), not rosacea

[@Emmazz1412]

Which concentration of tretinoin to start if I was using 1.5% retinol for a year..?

[@eveshay9874]

Thank you for this Informative video. My Derm. Has me on Zenataine once a week. The Beekman 1802 sounds right up my alley to try on my hyperpigmentation. 👍🏻👍🏻 I’m 60 yrs. old so I need to get my skin to turn over. ☺️

[@grf123]

I haven't exfoliated in months, I use tretinoin & azelaic acid and moisture and double cleanse at night. I feel people are just over exfoliating with high strength peeling solutions when they just don't need it, I feel if ur moisturizering and using actives like me and moisture, additional exfoliation isn't needed.

[@PerKolind]

You are LITERALLY exfoliating daily. Azelaic acid is a mild exfoliant lol

[@grf123]

@PK-mx7nf I meant a dedicated peel or physical scrub, all most every person is over exfoliating, ppl are using salicylic acid, Retnoids, toners and moisturizers often have LHA and PHA, AHA, a dedicated exfoliation is not needed when ur moisturizering and using actives that might mildly exfoliate. Also just moisturizering can help desquamation, too

[@user-vg6mk8rm3v]

So for example if you use 0.05 tret you can use it with mandalic acid together 3 times a week providing you tolerate it?

[@JustineC233]

Tretinoin is so hard to get in Canada right now. The two biggest tretinoin brands (stieva-a, retin-a) are only making a few different potencies now , all of which are way too high for me. Any suggestions on what else I could try? I loved my 0.01% Tretinoin but I can no longer get it here in Canada 😢

[@sharontisherman7619]

Can you get Adapalene? Its a cousin to Tret. and gentler. Brand name Differin.❤

[@JustineC233]

@ yes but I use retinol for anti aging not acne and Adapelene unfortunately doesn’t do much for anti aging it’s better for acne.

[@captinzoom]

Yeah. At that low of strength you might as well use over the counter retinaldehyde like the avene oxitive from shoppers drug Mart or Rexall. You can find them on sale often. Yes two step conversation but pretty much the same as the super low level you were using

[@santafilipina9020]

What about Musely?

[@Ninnnsey]

I live in Canada. I got a prescription online from Felix. It should be arriving in 3 days :) my family doctor gave me a prescription and it was $150 and that was the cheaper stuff. I said no thanks lol. This stuff from Felix was $15 after insurance. Before insurance it was around $40

[@jenessastrickland1555]

I have got that Cetaphil lotion, but I have to wonder how much salicylic acid it has, since it’s not listed as an “active ingredient” the way it usually is. Does anyone know?

[@ShavkatShavkat-r8w]

Please tell about forehead lines

[@db-gb5xi]

Try doing a search, dr dray forehead wrinkles, to see which videos might apply.

[@teresamcadam5892]

Did I see a dog walking in the background??

[@akinsch]

OK....your lashes are epically long today. Share your mascara please! Stunning!

[@ncf7]

Kissme heroine make mascara is the best! It's a japanese brand

[@nadab4750]

​@@ncf7 I like that brand too. I use the brown waterproof one. I brush up my upper lashes as usual, then do a second coat with the tip of the brush at right angles to my lash line. I use an eyelash curler if I have time. Using this non-clumping mascara it looks like they are my own naturally long lashes. I still don't like my boyfriend seeing me without mascara. I think he thinks that they are my own lovely lashes 🫣🤔😉🤭😂 👱❤️

[@youssefhesham7133]

is pantene pro v sheer volume shampoo good for hard water buildup?

[@Ello3342]

Can you use an AHA serum before tretinoin?

[@db-gb5xi]

Check her video, skincare ingredients not to mix.