WHY I DON'T MIX TRETINOIN with MOISTURIZER

#skincare #skincaretips #skincareroutine #antiaging #antiagingskincare #drdray

[@rebeccaavern3251]

Girl u had me worried for a second I applied my tretinoin and then my moisturizer and thought I messed up 😂

[@jazzycat2990]

Same girl💀

[@rogerzambranomusic]

She did it on purpose because she knows we all do that. The title is misleading. She just wanted people to engage on her post. 😂

[@missjanelove]

Me too!

[@lomitatung8156]

Hello there. Can I start off with tretinoin without ever experiencing retinoid?

[@rebeccaavern3251]

@@lomitatung8156 I believe you can! You do need a prescription for tretinoin so if you meet with a dermatologist they will be able to give you a script and answer your questions! :)

[@mysticmama_3692]

I do a sandwich technique to reduce the risk of irritation. I put a light layer of moisturizer on, then the retinoid, then another layer of moisturizer. I discovered this when I first started it and had a massive purge process. Sometimes instead of moisturizer on top, I'll use Vaseline....which sort of locks in the moisturizer and retinoid.

[@paulcohen6727]

I've never had a problem when I mix it thoroughly with a fast-absorbing lotion. I buy 0.1% tretinoin and use one part of it with 3 parts lotion to water it down to 0.025% This saves money since the higher concentration costs proportionally less.

[@dove.9833]

I always let my products set for maybe 15-20 min before I move on to my next and that seems to help with sensitivity

[@hanadr]

This. Such a game changer.

[@ryomandu]

I don't have the patience 😂 I put the next part when the product seems dry or absorbed

[@Rocko1990]

Such a hassle though I'm just trying to get my nighttime routine out of the way then move on. Not have a 15-20 minute gap in between

[@jessicaramos188]

I definitely don't apply the tretinoin before because I put moisturizer all over my face including the eye area and the tretinoin can get carried to other parts of my face that I don't want. I moisturize then apply tretinoin in the areas I want. Simple.

[@lesliesanchez8261]

The sandwich method also helps prevent that shiny tretinoin glow that I hate so much

[@cw5451]

That’s a great tip! Thank you!

[@deadroomeyes8965]

youve made up my mind. thanks. What moisturizer are you using?

[@Ohkeh640]

@@lesliesanchez8261what’s that

[@Frost4S]

Or you can use moisturizer on sensitive areas at first then follow with tretinoin and moisturizer.

[@SundayBlues555]

This is very true, since I've done this, I noticed my chin and cheeks were very irritated, whereas some parts weren't. Those areas were also very dry and red, and the other areas were more moisturized. Wow, Dr Dray really knows her stuff. I love her!

[@stephenbailey6878]

Meh. I don’t really agree. As long as you mix it thoroughly before applying it is absolutely fine. A pea size amount is almost impossible to spread across the face. I highly doubt there are any hot spots when you mix them together in the palm of your hand thoroughly. Plus, you only need a TINY amount of moisturizer to bulk up the Tretinoin enough to make it a large enough amount to ease spreadability. You’re not mixing a lot of product into the Tret. Many people do this with no issues. Just mix it well first.

[@melbabowen4389]

Your short videos are so very informative! ❤ THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!

[@collybarn]

I mix the ever loving shit out of them together in my hands and haven't had any problems. If anything i feel like it gets distributed MORE evenly, since most tret bases don't spread well, especially when you're using such a small amount.

[@yoongisspirit4368]

1000% agree

[@celestinetoussaint6350]

LOL there's always one

[@collybarn]

@@Chyyyyyyyyyyy yeah I've tried that. Still don't love it. It's entirely about the lack of slip in most script formulas. The subscription fórmulas like agency are FAR more elegant, and don't need to be mixed with anything to spread well. I've been successfully doing the mix method for years with no hot spot problems! I can see how if you didn't mix them well it could cause an issue....but I mix them REALLY well. 😀

[@collybarn]

@@yoongisspirit4368 high five! Lol

[@Feverm00n]

Yeah I don’t think it should be considered a hard and fast rule, if you’re diligent about mixing, it could help make it more even, like you said.

[@jasminesolorzano-maya1855]

I feel like either way I have trouble with even application? Like tretinoin and retinoid feel like they dry up so quick I can’t spread around my face fast enough

[@Ohkeh640]

I’m using the cream it works fine. Sometimes I rub the pea size along between my fingertips on both hands and rub all over face

[@samanthabrittain8680]

That's why the instructions say to dot it on the face and then rub it in.

[@werm3169]

I use adapalene and had the same experience until I started applying it in sections. put a pea sized amount on the back of my hand, and applied it to the different sections of my face one at a time.

[@gensai93]

And put the moisturizer first so your face is already lubricated and it spreads easier.

[@Monicalala]

Use half a pea sized amount

[@Ohkeh640]

Show us how to apply tret and how much moisturiser etc

[@janayjohnson7986]

It works for me. I put it in a jar and mix it well. Not that hard to stir it around with a q-tip. I have super sensitive skin and this works well!

[@jayg2895]

I did not even know people do that. I thought you apply all products one at a time.

[@thehylander266]

I put moisturizer on after my shower when skin is still “damp.” Let it dry. Then wait 1-2 hours to apply Tretinoin at night, usually a few hours before bed.

[@anjanajoshi6408]

It's a good suggestion thank you

[@andres7166]

And when do you wash your face?

[@thehylander266]

@@andres7166 I personally cleanse my face at night when I shower as that is also when I take off my sunscreen that I wear every day (I apply in the early morning before I start the day). So then after cleansing and showing, I put moisturizer on after drying off when skin is still kind of ‘damp.’ Then I wait a few hours for it to dry to apply Tretinoin which is usually an hour or so before bed because if I apply too soon after applying the moisturizer when it is still fresh, I am afraid it may dilute my Tretinoin to a much lower and less effective concentration.

[@ava-if8xc]

That's what I do too....I am a beginner in retinol....I use .3% ....just two drops twice a week.....I first wash my face then cucumber toner then moisturizer.....and after 2 hrs I use retinol followed by moisturizer.....

[@Ana-xq3yr]

This is good for dry skin. My skin is fine and prefer to apply the “medicine” directly on my skin

[@hrh-xj4fh]

Just emulisify in hands before applying to face!!!

[@Harry-fk5of]

If you mix it in well surely you're getting an even distribution? I feel like a pea-sized amount is very difficult to distribute evenly

[@Mhel2023]

I would think if i use a hand mixer it would blend pretty well.

[@donnab8665]

Great tips!!

[@lisac4225]

Thank you so much for all your tips. I’ve been following you for a while and appreciate your expertise giving out for free to the KZbin webinars. Appreciate it. Thank you so much.

[@nayjavu]

Maybe this is a stupid question but by only using a pea sized amount per the standard aren't you already getting a patchy application? Let's be real. A pea sized amount 9f anything is not covering the entire face.

[@CinemaDoll137]

Ok so how long do I wait AFTER moisturizing ?

[@samanthabrittain8680]

15 to 20 mins after.

[@littleraven28]

I always mix it with gel cream moisturizer. Never had a problem and it helps me spread it just fine.

[@justinberg4623]

I just don’t use moisturizer at night with my Tretinoin and I get really good results. Most people probably can’t handle it (especially since I use 0.1%) but it works great for me.

[@alvaroc2868]

Do you use tretinoin gel or cream ???

[@erikar6041]

I do the same with no problems. 🤷‍♀️ My skin never went through the burning, drying, etc. from Tretinoin either!

[@justinberg4623]

@@alvaroc2868 I use the cream. I also use 20% Azelaic Acid.

[@bianca-eu9sd]

@@justinberg4623 holy moly u got one tough skin, i use adapelene , vitamin c and salicylic acid and my skin was irritated so had to tone it down so i use it every other day

[@shivamsrivastava6312]

@@erikar6041 Did you increase the concentration?

[@NancyFosterLouise]

Some nights I let my skin dry for 30 minutes….I don’t use any moisturizer at all…my skin is so used to Tret after 20+ years! No irritation at all! I’m 74..

[@marisolforonda6811]

Hi, I'm curious about long term use. Do you see a change if you stop using it?

[@Ohkeh640]

You should use moisturiser regardless

[@marisolforonda6811]

@@Ohkeh640 of course. My question is about Tretinoin.

[@And…ow3ch]

Following your tips has cleared my skin up! When I initiated Tretinoin I did exactly this & I experienced little to no skin irritation.

[@heyitskonan]

Did you put tretinoin before or after moisturizer?

[@And…ow3ch]

@@heyitskonan moisturizer first then, Tretinoin.

[@deb1623]

I don’t use these 2 products but appreciate this good advice for other facial products I use. I never considered uneven distribution…

[@stephenbailey6878]

You don’t use moisturizer?? Lol

[@lizzylizzy9526]

I was just prescribed this for mild hormonal acne cause of pcos. I hope it works after a few months. Since each month I get 2-3 cystic pimples a week before menses which leaves dark pink reddish spots on cheeks

[@jin8339]

You always make so much sense. Thanks for correcting this mixing style. 🌹❤️🌸🌻

[@sage2181]

I haven't had any peeling whatsoever on tret. I started using it every day even though the doc said twice a week because I have zero reaction. At six weeks I do notice about two pimples that are small. I am 50 and had already been using high quality retinal for months, and glycolic acids. I keep waiting to peel but it never comes. I do use a lot of moisturizing products during the day and use a milky rice toner at night before the tret.

[@bec504]

I'm so confused about application. I've heard people say to sandwich it between moisturizers, and other say to not apply it to damp skin even if it's damp from a moisturizer.

[@debrucey]

What’s confusing? Both of those things are correct

[@dagmarhammonds9994]

I love this advice. I never realized that. Thank you

[@rubyromaine3911]

Also wait 10-20 min after you apply your retina-a before putting on your nighttime moisturizer so it gives it a chance to sink in.

[@kimt9971]

Ha, I seriously just did this five minutes ago! But never again. Thanks for this tip Dr D.

[@Sir-Reborn]

What are you talking about?? I always put a few pumps of moisturizer and tret on my fingers, and I can't imagine any scenario where the tret would be uneven

[@debrucey]

Mixing products can cause the emulsion to break, which would result in lots of tiny patches of super concentrated tretinoin

[@jkp7096]

Thanks for the info.

[@hoshi3168]

If anyone is experiencing irritation, burning sensation, and skin peeling because of tretinoin cream or gel then I highly recommend don’t do the mistake i did which was using it every night (what my dermatologist reccomended) instead use it once a week as a starter and build your way up, and also if you’re experiencing any of those side effects i mentioned then i highly suggest (this may sound dumb) but sit infront of your fan and let it fan you at its lowest setting or half speed that has helped me so much whenever I would face burning and etc it would cool me down and cool my face off and the redness, burning, and all that definitely calmed down! Im currently doing it right now as well and i see so much of a difference. I hope both of our journeys with trentinoin goes well. :) Also to add that i would sit infront of my fan after cleansing and moisturizing then i would just let the fan do its job

[@silviamotoasca6122]

Thank you!

[@thesdfable]

okay everyone on the internet seems to be able to somehow purchase tretinoin even though it is sold only with prescription. Apparently people mostly buy it for wrinkles so not even for acne or anything. So I would appreciate it if someone can share how they purchase it

[@1obedience]

I don't know but have ever looked online.

[@janijani2215]

Wow dr dray. Your skin looks beautiful ❤ mashallah

[@rosecrow810]

This is an amazing channel! you're an excellent speaker! These dermatological tips have been EVERYTHING! for my skincare routine! Total "game changer"!

[@dumbgenious1960]

Would this be the same with differin? And would putting moisturizer before make differin or tretinoin less effective (and so maybe it would be wiser to just use less so as to be more efficient)?

[@trnigyul]

She did a video on this, she stated that putting moisturizer first does not affect the efficacy of the differin or tretonoin. All it does is make it more tolerable on the skin. I couldn't handle differin until I started adding a layer of moisturizer first.

[@ethereumrise7860]

I mix it with lotion (shake well) & apply

[@lucyquintero855]

Thank you . .. im glad I’m doing it the right way .

[@karlitaangel4400]

Dr. Dray, what is your opinion about Tretinoin and all retinols can cause damage to the eyes meibomian glands even when applied not close to the eyes?

[@YinYanUzumaki]

I think that's a possibility that can't be ruled out. for some people the negative effects are seen very quickly but for some people its not seen for at least a few years of use so its difficult to say what happens when

[@Ohkeh640]

What??? I apply tret close to eyes every night for months with no issues Lol

[@angiepattillo3599]

Other skin care products can have this affect also. Niacinamide is one for me.

[@main2333]

For tretinoin to be effective. Apply moisturizer 30-1hr for it to be more effective.

[@henryp5283]

Hey Dr dray , I have a question if you don’t mind. Do you have to use retinoids forever to see the results ? If u start using it and see results , will they go away if you stop ? Thanks 😊

[@stephenbailey6878]

Yes, the results will stop when you discontinue. It’s a vitamin that takes some time to bring benefits to the skin. You will see results after a few months. But if you stop after a couple of years your skin will go back to baseline

[@butterfliesinthesun9054]

Thank you for the information! Question, I’m really curious if I can use MSM and tretinoin together topically? That would be an incredible combination but I read that it’s not recommended and I’m seeking advice please 🙏🏻 unless I use my MSM serum In the morning and tretinoin at night? Thank you 😊

[@le0pardstar]

i feel like my tret is gonna be applied unevenly anyway cause i use a pea sized amount it’s hard to spread

[@NancyFosterLouise]

I use two/three pea sized! Been doing for 20 years and skin looks pretty good at 74

[@TheShumoby]

@@NancyFosterLouise Wow! You do look terrific based on your youtube photo!

[@Ana-xq3yr]

Agree this doesn’t make sense. There’s never a perfect application either way

[@millybadze2117]

@@NancyFosterLouise You look amaziing!!! Do you apply your tretinoin first and then moisturizer or vice versa also do you use it everyday or every other day?

[@nayjavu]

Thank you. Finally someone that has a brain lol I never understood the pea sized application rule when it's not covering the entire face

[@jenniferflores1379]

When using tretnoin, can snail serum essence be used as a moisturizer? I tend to break out with regular moisturizers and the snail serum essence has been the only thing hydrating my skin without breaking me out but now that I want to start using tretnoin I’m wondering if the snail serum can me used as moisturizer?

[@mindyg.5546]

I use moisturizer before and after, the sandwich method. Is that okay? It’s so drying to my skin even if I use it every two days.

[@pratikjadhav4394]

Yess the sandwich method is perfect.

[@Semelem]

Lightweight moisturizer >>>> vitamin A >>>> lightweight moisturizer again >>>> occlusive/heavy moisturizer

[@cremebrulee4759]

That makes a lot of sense.

[@candicec6513]

What a stretch

[@MissLalove123]

Interesting you said that. My dermatologist had recommended that I wash my face, apply moisturizer, than tretinoin, and then more moisturizer on top of that again. But I have wondered about what you’re saying too.

[@sherylmadrid6189]

That’s how I use it.

[@user-be5qg7mr1s]

thats what i do also.

[@21972012145525]

Dr dray, I’m back again. Can you do a video on dupixent? I don’t see one from you. Don’t really understand how it works and how/any it’s different from allergy shots. Bought ichtammol today from Walgreens based on your recommendation! You’re right it soothes the itch right away! Thank you for the relief! ❤️

[@frostythehoeman6969]

Good tip

[@bellalopez7415]

Thank you 🙏🏻♥️

[@meggieprice]

D'oy! Saw this right after I did exactly that.... thought I was mixing them carefully- oh well...

[@yoongisspirit4368]

Take a small amount then mix it well before applying on your face so you will get even distribution

[@evilherbivore13]

If you have time, try the sandwich method. It's like mixing without mixing if you get what I mean. Great to prevent any irritation

[@traceykoontz2868]

Thank you, what about retinol and moisturizer?

[@icequeen5553]

Love this

[@Heivaya]

Yes! I agree 100%

[@ayanroy5109]

Dr.Dray can i apply Bioderma Atoderm creme before tretinoin?or will it be too occlusive to penetrate the tretinoin cream properly?

[@2000dns]

It doest matter if it's applied before or after?

[@ReikoNemo]

I follow most of your tips, but this is one that doesn't work for me. My skin sucks up the tretinoin cream before I can spread it evenly. Mixing it with moisturizer, or applying it immediately over a product with slip (like toner), helps me avoid hot spots.

[@collybarn]

Yes exactly!!!

[@vegan_guac]

But if you moisturised your skin beforehand it wouldn't be "sucking in" the next product since it would be sufficiently moisturised

[@ReikoNemo]

@@vegan_guac So I tried that too, and it works best if I apply tretinoin immediately over the moisturizer. Which is kinda like mixing them directly on my face. I can achieve more homogeneity if I mix them in my hands where I have more control.

[@vegan_guac]

@@ReikoNemo applying it while the skin is not dry increases irritation that's why that's not recommended, but hey if that works for you then cool!

[@ReikoNemo]

@@vegan_guac Yep I hear that too. I'm an empirical learner though so occasionally I break the rules. Usually I find that the rules are there for a reason, but with tretinoin, it seems to be really different for everyone.

[@ms.p6828]

Question, I have oily skin. Do I need to put moisturizer on after the tret?

[@ankitasweetheart]

Hi, do I need to use a gentle cleanser in the next morning of using tretinoin or washing with only water is enough?

[@katz6582]

Is it better to put moisturizer over or under? Is cicaplast good over retin a?

[@lynetteroach43]

Can you use other serums beforehand? I bought a bunch from ordinary

[@clone2k696]

What about the "sandwich" technique: moisturizer - tretinoin - moisturizer? Would you recommend it for tretinoin application?

[@mysticmama_3692]

That's what I do. It works really well to avoid irritation.

[@ryfr6711]

I don’t understand the idea of mixing. It just seems like layering lazily

[@gummy5862]

No mixing is mixing.

[@Feverm00n]

It could technically allow someone to dilute the tret more easily than layering, and allow them to ease into using it. For example, if someone wanted to very gradually work their way up, it would probably be pretty difficult to evenly distribute an amount half the size of a pea onto the face, especially if the formula is fast absorbing. But mixing the half a pea of tret with half a pea of moisturizer (and mixing very very well) would allow for easier and potentially more evenly distributed application of a half dose. Some dermatology textbooks also recommend mixing as a way of starting tret as well.

[@pinkmushroom5703]

Can you apply before AND after? I’d be worried of my skin drying out.

[@tanpopodbsk]

I've seen Tretinoin prescribed to be used on hair line for hair loss, does this work? Does Adapalene have the same benefit for hair loss?

[@ickywitdasticky]

Sorry I'm not Dr. Dray or an MD, but tretinoin only really works for hair loss when used with minoxidil. Tretinoin potentially helps the minoxidil go deeper into the skin, and increases the enzyme that is needed to turn the minoxidil into its active form. I really doubt Differin was ever studied for this, but it's reasonable to suspect that it COULD have some hair loss benefit in this way with minoxidil. Personally if I wanted to augment minox, I'd just be safe and use it with tret.

[@shivamsrivastava6312]

@@ickywitdasticky If you wann to increase the efficacy of minoxidil, couple it with microneedling. It has been clinically shown to significantly increase the absorption of topical minoxidil.

[@kaaju_8749]

Hi can you tell me is it okay to use aloe vera gel instead of cera ve cream for moisturizing ?

[@sable7114]

Makes a lot of sense, but then you always do!😊

[@baberuth42069]

i will be applying moisturizer and then tret from now on, it always keeps it from being too irritating

[@celestialstar124]

I cannot apply only retin-A without mixing with moisturiser before apply on my 1st application or after i take a few months break from all retin-A. I tried moisturiser before, after and even sandwich it. I get red and burnt skin no matter how. My dermatologist from Singapore General Hospital (world rank 8th hospital) suggest i mix with moisturiser before application. Feb 2023 i had surgery and warded for really long duration. Readmitted in june and August 2023. I stop retin-A because ward have lots of light turn on whole night. I cannot stand restart my retin-A with sandwich style after my discharge. I got burnt skin so after 2 weeks of recovery i mix with moisturiser again. I have no issue mixing because i mix it properly before apply. I have really dry and patchy skin and i still unable to master the art of only half a pea size on my entire face. If i apply retin-A solo i can barely cover 1/3 of my face. If i use a whole pea size i cover only 2/3 of my face and cannot tolerate it every alternate day. My dermatologist say no point apply once every 3 to 4 days with high risk of burning my face and forced to avoid retin-A for 2 weeks. Just apply with moisturiser.

[@HollyL56]

Yes! Great info. 💜

[@lhutton1]

Wow! Had no idea. My face always feels dry after using tretinion.

[@wandalowe5578]

Hey thanks for that tip. Let me ask you, if you were unable you use or get a hold of trey what over the counter retinol would you recommend? Thanks, will be wait3 for your answer...

[@savannahsalazar2463]

Hello, new here (28F). I’m struggling with hormonal acne. Would tretinoin help, and if so how do I access it? Is it prescribed only?

[@Ohkeh640]

How long after you cleanse do you apply tret and how long do you wait to apply moisturiser? Thanks I’d like to know how long to wait

[@Rocko1990]

But if you get it evenly mixed, is it really a problem? I'm just trying to keep my night routine simple as possible. Will mixing them together really dilute and prevent the tretinoin from working? Saw another dermatologist on KZbin saying it will

[@tomtoktakk]

I was told by 1 dermatologist that do not use any cream that is formulated for face+body, only ue cream formulated for face! as face skin is more sensitive than body so brands claiming a face+body cream are hoax. but this dermatologist uses cerave moisturizing cream which is formulated for face+body.

[@chelsiearthome8094]

Means that it is gentle and for skin but also works for body... not a hoax. You should be able to use all your products where you want.

[@suiha9553]

Hey Dr. dray, where I can buy Tretinoin ? Can you please give me the name? Please

[@mfrog38]

I’ve tried both ways and still end up with bad irritation on the top of the cheeks

[@allamericanmom7204]

Would the same be true for a pre mixed formula like agency or curology?

[@allysonbergman1303]

No

[@collybarn]

I've tried those and they actually spread waaaay better than the kind you get at the pharmacy, so I don't even find I have the need to mix my tret with moisturizer with those. The entire reason i DO mix a little moisturizer in is because the kind from the pharmacy, and the one i get from a compounding pharmacy, are pretty crap formulas. But with these I don't really need to. However you could still use the sandwich method with these to minimize irritation.

[@SuzyKim84]

🙌👍❤️ I’ve seen ppl do this as a way to “dilute” their tret but I didn’t get it. Like how would it do that if the amount doesn’t… I mean…huh?! My brain felt like it shut down for a min.🤭🤯🤣

[@MyDogSteppedOnaBeee]

Hi is there any difference or benefits of the moisturizing cream jar vs the pump moisturizing cream? The effectiveness? Formula? composition of pumped cream Vs with the jar? for example can you refill each with the 0pposite like if I buy the jar and refill the pump will it be ok to keep using or vice versa?

[@maggiemendoza8169]

Hi dr dray if I start using retinol does it need to be washed off in the morning with water or a gentle cleanser before I apply SPF or can I just apply SPF directly in the morning ?

[@nativedoll3557]

Makes sense absolutely

[@melodyandbryanphillips8304]

Oh wow I didn’t know this! I started mixing it after 2 yrs of still experiencing irritation, I’ll just put it on, then put the moisturizer on from now on

[@Ohkeh640]

Use moisturiser first then apply tret 30-45min after. It’ll lessen irritation How are you going

[@bhargaviyadav622]

Is tretinoin as effective as isotretinoin? I mean do they both exactly perform same?

[@Thereisonlyone464]

Question, I just got a prescription of tretinoin 0.25% (stillsitting on my counter) but I started using L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 0.3% Pure Retinol on my neck yesterday because I heard tretinoin is too strong for my my neck. I had redness and some itching and burning from the retinol on my neck, does that mean my skin might not do well with the tretinoin on my face if I’m this sensitive to retinol? Should I use the retinol one on my face until I get used to it and then start with the tretinoin?

[@rose_yts]

So, it's a mistake to mix hyaluronic acid with Retin-A or retinol, I would say?

[@stephaddiction]

How long do i wait between aoplication?

[@rimisen6040]

Hlw mam which is better tretinoin cream and retinol sirum? Pls reply to me 😊

[@thaliashaw3261]

What type of moisturizer do you use after the tretinoin gel so that it won’t become stringy?

[@mohasenabasher8217]

Which tretinoin she used can you please give me the name? Please

[@SueRosalie]

all brands are the same - it's a drug

[@sammychem5920]

Can tretinoin be used under the eyes for lines and dark circles?

[@holiholi9744]

Please suggest if I should use Tretinoin to treat freckles??? I got freckles only on one side of my face

[@midnighttennessee8904]

I heard someone say when you 1st start to apply to skin and wash off after 10 minutes, for a while. How do you feel about that? I have extremely dry skin.

[@savannap5124]

Thats extremely ineffective.

[@midnighttennessee8904]

@@savannap5124 it was a dermatologist on utube who said it. It was to get your skin accustomed to the retinal. I have very dry skin and tried prescription retinol years back. I started by just putting it on my face, with nothing else and ended up with a few scabes after a few weeks in. I thought maybe this would be a good way to try it again. I get it would be ineffective, for the time I did it. However going slow, I think would be best for me. I think.....

[@savannap5124]

Sounds like u have made up ur mind then, why even ask? It would be better to put down a barrier on ur skin with moisturizer then a tretinoin on top. If ur skin still cannot handle it then it would be best to talk to a derm in an office where they can inspect ur skin or avoid prescription strength. Many people simply cannot tolerate retinols or retinoids and use bakuchiol as an alternative (although its less effective). Alternatively u can just start with a really low strength over the counter retinol

[@blahhlucy]

@@midnighttennessee8904 Don't listen to the person above, Dr. Dray actually has a video talking about this. It's called contact therapy and it is effective. Most tretinoin instructions actually tell you to start this way and you will see results even if you continue to wash the product off because your skin still absorbs part of it. I would do one application leave 5 min wash off, wait 2 days, apply and leave 30 min wash off, wait 2 days, apply and leave an hour wash off, wait 2 days, apply and leave 2 hours, wash off. If your skin is doing fine I would then start applying tret once a week half an hour after moisturizing your skin and continue that for a month and id there's no irritation move to doing that every 3 days. If that doesn't cause irritation i'd actually recommend to just keep applying every 3 days, you don't have to apply tret daily to see results. You could eventually do every other day but if you have sensitive skin don't worry about working up to nightly application x

[@evilherbivore13]

Have you considered the sandwich method then skipping a couple few days? That would get your skin used to the tret with minimal irritation and maximum efficacy.

[@daniakh7850]

Can I use the red serum by the ordinary on the days off tretinoin ? Like if I use it 3 days a week can I use the red serum in one of the days off ?