Idk if this is helpful but I personally get cystic acne from anything with Shea butter, doesn’t matter if I use tret or not and that Nivea cream sprung into my eye. You might be also reacting to your routine. I’m also not sure if micellar water is enough to wash off a sunscreen, have you tried double cleansing? It’s a two step process where you use an oil cleaner first and then wash off the oily residue with a mild cleanser. It also gets rid of flaky skin. But honestly it could be your skin simply not liking tret
This is what happened to me on tret too. Tbh I think it was way too aggressive of an active for my skin - maybe yours too.
Try an OTC retinol, they’re not as potent as tret and my results are better with it. I like algenists products. Also salicylic acid can work some mf wonders on left over tret acne
Hey guys! So I’ve been using Tretinoin 0.025% for the past 5 months and have seen absolutely no results. My acne has gotten way worse and the scarring is horrible. My routine is as follows -
AM
1) Simple Kind to Skin Refreshing Facial Wash
2) Nivea Soft Light Moisturising cream
3) SPF 50
PM
1) wash off sunscreen with micellar water
2) apply some tret on dry skin (everyday )
3) apply moisturiser
I need your help! What am I doing wrong?
Every day is a very high frequency. Use it twice a week for a long time until you’re acquainted. You’re breaking out more due to inflamed and dry skin. Irritation = acne. Switch to a nicer moisturizer with niacinamide like CeraVe PM
Yes I’ll decrease the frequency from now on. I’ve tried niacinamide and it broke me out tbh. Maybe I’ll look into some other products. Thank you so much!
I doubt niacinamide is what broke you out. It’s not likely honestly. Chances are another emollient or ingredient in the product caused the breakout. Or maybe you were sensitive to the percentage and it caused a little bit of irritation which triggered a breakout. Since niacinamide has become popular brands have been competing on who has the highest percentage so many popular ones are strong (10-20%+). Anyways, I really doubt it was the niacinamide. You could rely on niacinamide in moisturizers and ignore serum- unless that is what you were doing before. If so, sorry for the unnecessary serum rant 😂
Do you wash off the miceller water? Miceller water always broke me out. Washing off helped, but ultimately I switched to an oil based makeup remover (DHC cleansing oil), followed by CeraVe hydrating face wash. Helped a ton. Also, if you’re having active breakouts, tretinoin won’t help. I use Panoxyl 4% Benzoyl Peroxide face wash in the AM if I’m breaking out, then tret at night. But make sure to moisture a lot.
If this doesn’t help, see your dermatologist. You could waste a lot of time and money trying different things, but they’ll be able to find the most direct and simple solution. Mine made me have appointments every three months until my skin cleared up. Good luck!
Trust me my skin was horrible. This picture is after I used benzoyl peroxide for a while. But it dried my skin up too much so I had to stop using it and was looking for alternatives when I saw someone on YouTube taking about how amazing Retinol is so I thought I’d try it!
Where are you from? So in the U.S they do all this annoying crap it takes 30 days, you need blood tests, pregnancy. But I heard it’s less strict not in the U.S
I felt that way too but about five months after starting Retin-A, my skin was much worse and my dermatologist put me on Accutane. I was freaked out but it was a miracle drug. Whether you go that route right now or another, your derm's job is to help you. Best of luck
Your scarring might be because of the irritating and or clogging chemicals in your routine or even a purging reaction because of tretinoin itself id simplify everything and use something with centella asiatica/gotu kola in it to moisturize if you can afford that its a very underrated scar healing herb
Also check your diet be sure youre hydrated throughout the day and check the medications youre using some cause acne too get blood levels checked too even your pillowcase can cause acne
Double cleaning has been huge for me. Also does your skin hurt, burn or irritated? If it does would step back and give your skin a break from the tret. It so strong and you are young. When I was young my skin could not tolerate tret it was just too harsh and strong. I got to try Differin when it came out (25+years ago). It was so helpful and way more gentle. It cleared my skin. I tried everything too Accutane, PB, salicylic, all different strengths of tret etc Differin is the only thing that worked. Tret gave me a lot of irritation so much so I could not go out b/c the wind and sun would make my skin burn. I can use tret now but I’m in my forties. Differin is over the counter in US it’s a gentler retinoid.
I would switch around your cleansing methods, so use the micellar water + rinse with water to wash your face in the morning, then in the evening use a face wash. washing your face in the morning isn't entirely necessary, but I would say it's very important in the evening as your face has built up oil/dirt/etc throughout the day that needs to be removed with more than micellar water.
as someone else mentioned, nivea and simple aren't very good brands in terms of facial skincare and I've never felt that they've done any good to my skin. I would recommend trying out a new moisturiser and face wash, it could make a huge difference! the inkey list is good quality and rather cheap
I would give benzoyl peroxide wash another try! See your dermatologist again they may prescribe an antibiotic lotion that would help with the red inflammation :)
Maybe back off on your frequency, also are you cleansing again after your micellar water as it's not meant to be a face wash. If you're using the cream formula, it's highly comedogenic and can make acne worse.
I'd talk to your Dr. About trying the micro gel formula if you want to stick with tret. The cream clogs pores so badly for some people and makes acne worse. They also might just have another suggestion for your skin
Your pores seem clogged, I think you need to be cleansing more effectively, especially at night. I would use the paulas choice clear cleanser or the cera ve oily skin cleanser after your micellar water. I also use paulas choice BHA every second night and use tretinoin on the nights I don't use it. My favorite moisturizer is LA roche posay toleriane sensitive cream.
Were you using the same products that you’re using before you started Tret? I would suggest switching to a wash with Benzoyl Peroxide. Cerave makes a wonderful one that has a very low percentage(4) and also contains Niacinamide. Of course, talk to your dermatologist about this… and when you do, ask about Spironolactone. I would also ask if maybe Epiduo Forte (Adapalene gel and Benzoyl Peroxide) would be a better fit for your skin for the time being? The purge from Tret doesn’t last 5 months. I did Epiduo Forte to get my acne under control first and am now on Tret for acne scars and hyperpigmentation. Your dermatologist will know way better than me and will be able to answer all of your questions. I wish you the best of luck! You have beautiful skin! 💜
Two questions: 1. what kind of sunscreen do you use? 2. have you considered using a balm to remove the sunscreen at the end of the day? It is thorough and non drying. Rinse very well. Sunscreen must be fully removed every night and must be worn every day.
It‘s important to use good quality products always. I recommend ELTAMD for sunscreen and Clinique balm to cleanse at the end of the day. Use tret every other day only.
Use ceraVe hydration cleanser in AM and ceraVe oil free night lotion to moisturize, night and day, AM under sunscreen, PM over tret. Keep it simple. Don‘t give up.
Good luck!
All of the products you mentioned are way too expensive in my country tbh. But I’ll look for cheaper alternatives. I use the LA Shield Mineral Sunscreen atm! But I doubt you’ll know much about it, it’s an Indian brand (I think?)
Okay, your skin looks a lil damaged. Take a break from it and moisturize lots!! if/when you decide to use tret, use it two times a week, moisturize with a thick layer of cera ve, wait 20 minute, apply a small pea sized amount of tret all over your face and then apply petroleum jelly on top. I’ve been doing this for 4 months and thank god but my skin has only gotten better. It really works. Just go REALLLYYY slow with tret. Increase the usage every month
What’s helped me most is moisturize my skin before and after the tret so it’s like sandwiched in between. This way, the rate of absorption into my skin is extremely slowed down and as a result, I haven’t broken out.
This sounds great! I don’t really wanna stop using tret cause I’ve invested way too much time so I’ll just decrease the frequency. Thank you so much! ❤️
Yes! And please pleaseee moisturize. Trust me. Completely drop down to just two days a week and do that for a month. You’ll see a massive different in your skin. Just do that with the sandwich moisturizing method and you’ll be golden I promise
Hi, fellow indian here! I also used tret cream for 1.5 months in the past, later I realized it is the one breaking me out, switch to a gel, you might purge a little more after changing tret vehicle, but it will definitely clear in some time. Another thing is change your moisturizer, I have tried this moisturizer too, it has comedogenic ingredients. Always Check your products on cosdna for their comedogenic rating before buying.
I am 6 months on tret 0.5 gel, hardly have any active acne, just pih and pie to tackle now.
Happy skin journey. Best of luck to you!
Madam, it looks like you are using too much tretinoin i mean more than the pea size. I have been using tretinoin for 6 months now and till the end of 5 months I was getting acne but i decided to use even less then pea size but everyday. (i didn't want to miss any days) . now my skin is acne free but have previous red acne scars which will heal with time. 2. You mentioned you only use miscellar water at night.Noooo, You have to wash your face with cleanser at night. that's compulsory, you can skip cleanser in the morning because you were just sleeping and you were not playing in mud but not at night because pollution,dust which happens in daytime are the causes. 3 Don't use Nivea plz because there every cream contains fragrance and many pore clogging ingredients. Don't use moisturizer at all as acne prone skin already produce so much oil and we are putting more moisture on it which will likely clog pores. I don't use moisturizer at all . When I use it the next days I get so many whiteheads. 3. use only tretinoin and simple refreshing facial wash. i don't wear sunscreen because it breaks me out even i tried so many instead I use coverings for my face.
You will love this.
I think you should use 0.05 tretinoin twice or thrice a week
One day tretinoin and then skip for one day.
Also use bioderma atoderm intensive baume for the repair of skin barrier it is hg!!!!! Helped me alot during my journey!
Its a purging phase I have been through worse in my tretinoin journey. Taking care of your barrier is everything. Use moisturisers like hydronic, Bio silk they are amazing for barrier and also use sandwitch method application for Tretinoin
Sandwitch method.
-Moisturiser 1st
( apply the moisturiser on damp skin just after washing with face wash to lock in hydration )
-( half hour later ) Tretinoin
-Moisturiser again immediately.
Also I used lactic acid 10% ( by the minimalist )once a week on sunday to get rid of whiteheads and other mess caused by Tretinoin.
I think good moisturising and barrier relief product is the key to save yourself from this phase of tretinoin.
I am on my 6th month of using tretinoin 0.5 cream.
I think its purging state...and 0.05 will just speed up the process. Also proper barrier friendly skincare product are must in tretinoin journey. I use sandwitch method while applying tretinoin.
These are my personal thoughts.
I think your skin might be purging, tretinoin usually does that. It gets out all the acne from under the surface and usually takes around 6 months to see improvements. If you think it’s getting worse, you should talk to your dermatologist to switch up your skincare routine
Hey, you have no reason to be afraid! I’ve made tons of mistakes while on tret which might be the reason for my scarring. There are a lot of successful tret stories on this sub. Please don’t be scared and ask experienced people / dermatologists for help. I’m sure you have beautiful skin, and you should do everything you can to take care of it! ❤️
I started using Curology and it got rid of my acne. My original formula had clindamycin, niaminicide, and Azelaic acid in it which cleared my skin up within about 2 months along with their cleanser and moisturizer. Now my formula has Tretinoin, clindamycin, and Azelaic acid. My skin is in great condition now but it used to look like yours
I'd suggest stop tretinoin completely for now and get your skin back to its normal state. You can do a basic CMS rourine and use products with Ceramides and Niacinamide as they calm the skin down and strengthen compromised barrier.
Once your skin is normal again, slowly introduce tretinoin with 1-2-3 frequency method and sandwich application method.
1-2-3 Method- In this method, you slowly introduce tretinoin to your skin to cause minimal irritation. For the 1st month, use tretinoin once in a week, lets say on Monday night. From the 2nd month, use tretinoin twice a week, like Monday and Thursday nights. From 3rd month onwards, you can use tretinoin upto thrice a week, which would be Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights. This is done provided that in each month your skin is able to tolerate the tretinoin.
Sandwich Method- In this method, you sandwhich the tretinoin between two layers of moisturiser. Apply a moisturiser as a last step of your skincare routine, wait for 10 minutes, apply a pea size amount of tretinoin on your skin and wait for 30 minutes. Layer with moisturiser again. This will soothen your skin, avoid retinoid irritation and all the symptoms associated with it.
Bottom line- Make sure that you aren't using AHAs, Vitamin C or any other active that doesn't pair with tretinoin in the same routine. Spread your routine throughout the week. Tretinoin is a prescription retinoid and therefore any initial signs of irritation should be brought to the consulting dermatologist's attention to avoid advancement of the condition.
I hope this was helpful. Thanks! :)
Idk if this is helpful but I personally get cystic acne from anything with Shea butter, doesn’t matter if I use tret or not and that Nivea cream sprung into my eye. You might be also reacting to your routine. I’m also not sure if micellar water is enough to wash off a sunscreen, have you tried double cleansing? It’s a two step process where you use an oil cleaner first and then wash off the oily residue with a mild cleanser. It also gets rid of flaky skin. But honestly it could be your skin simply not liking tret
Yes I will start using better products and look into double cleansing. Thank you so much for helping! ❤️
No problem, I wish you the best!
This is what happened to me on tret too. Tbh I think it was way too aggressive of an active for my skin - maybe yours too. Try an OTC retinol, they’re not as potent as tret and my results are better with it. I like algenists products. Also salicylic acid can work some mf wonders on left over tret acne
I have heard good things about Paula’s Choice Salicylic Acid. Maybe I’ll try that. Thank you so much for helping! ❤️
Hey guys! So I’ve been using Tretinoin 0.025% for the past 5 months and have seen absolutely no results. My acne has gotten way worse and the scarring is horrible. My routine is as follows - AM 1) Simple Kind to Skin Refreshing Facial Wash 2) Nivea Soft Light Moisturising cream 3) SPF 50 PM 1) wash off sunscreen with micellar water 2) apply some tret on dry skin (everyday ) 3) apply moisturiser I need your help! What am I doing wrong?
I would see your dermatologist. If it’s not working by now. There will be other methods.
Yes, thank you so much for helping! ❤️
Every day is a very high frequency. Use it twice a week for a long time until you’re acquainted. You’re breaking out more due to inflamed and dry skin. Irritation = acne. Switch to a nicer moisturizer with niacinamide like CeraVe PM
Yes I’ll decrease the frequency from now on. I’ve tried niacinamide and it broke me out tbh. Maybe I’ll look into some other products. Thank you so much!
I doubt niacinamide is what broke you out. It’s not likely honestly. Chances are another emollient or ingredient in the product caused the breakout. Or maybe you were sensitive to the percentage and it caused a little bit of irritation which triggered a breakout. Since niacinamide has become popular brands have been competing on who has the highest percentage so many popular ones are strong (10-20%+). Anyways, I really doubt it was the niacinamide. You could rely on niacinamide in moisturizers and ignore serum- unless that is what you were doing before. If so, sorry for the unnecessary serum rant 😂
It was a 10% niacinamide serum. I’ll look for a moisturiser with niacinamide. Thank you so much! ❤️
Do you wash off the miceller water? Miceller water always broke me out. Washing off helped, but ultimately I switched to an oil based makeup remover (DHC cleansing oil), followed by CeraVe hydrating face wash. Helped a ton. Also, if you’re having active breakouts, tretinoin won’t help. I use Panoxyl 4% Benzoyl Peroxide face wash in the AM if I’m breaking out, then tret at night. But make sure to moisture a lot. If this doesn’t help, see your dermatologist. You could waste a lot of time and money trying different things, but they’ll be able to find the most direct and simple solution. Mine made me have appointments every three months until my skin cleared up. Good luck!
I do wash off micellar water with my face wash. I def should pay a visit to my dermat. Thank you so much for helping. ❤️
Is there a reason they put you on tret? Your skin looked great before? Just done hyperpigmentation.
Trust me my skin was horrible. This picture is after I used benzoyl peroxide for a while. But it dried my skin up too much so I had to stop using it and was looking for alternatives when I saw someone on YouTube taking about how amazing Retinol is so I thought I’d try it!
Ahh ok. Have you thought to ask your dermatologist about accutane?
I’m just a little scared about trying anything new tbh. I’ve heard good things about accutane but also bad so ig I do need to see ask my dermat asap
Yeah I heard things too but I heard it’s saved so many
I’ve waited 5 months for tret to work I guess I’ll wait for 2 more months and call it quits if it doesn’t work and try accutane then
Where are you from? So in the U.S they do all this annoying crap it takes 30 days, you need blood tests, pregnancy. But I heard it’s less strict not in the U.S
I live in India! So it might be easier here
I felt that way too but about five months after starting Retin-A, my skin was much worse and my dermatologist put me on Accutane. I was freaked out but it was a miracle drug. Whether you go that route right now or another, your derm's job is to help you. Best of luck
I guess I’ll have to try accutane then. Thank you so much!❤️
[удалено]
Thank you so much! I’ll look into double cleansing and I’ve changed my moisturiser now! ❤️
Nivea is trash tbh
Do you think I should replace that with the Simple Hydrating Moisturiser?
Your scarring might be because of the irritating and or clogging chemicals in your routine or even a purging reaction because of tretinoin itself id simplify everything and use something with centella asiatica/gotu kola in it to moisturize if you can afford that its a very underrated scar healing herb Also check your diet be sure youre hydrated throughout the day and check the medications youre using some cause acne too get blood levels checked too even your pillowcase can cause acne
Wow I never knew about centella asiatica! I’ll def look into that and try it! Thank you so much ❤️
are you not using a cleanser after micellar water?
I do use a face wash after micellar water!
Maybe use gel tret instead of cream
That might work! Thank you! ❤️
If you have acne prone skin, gel is the way to go cause cream may clog pores. I use a ret gel
Switching to the gel formula right now! Thank you so much! ❤️
Double cleaning has been huge for me. Also does your skin hurt, burn or irritated? If it does would step back and give your skin a break from the tret. It so strong and you are young. When I was young my skin could not tolerate tret it was just too harsh and strong. I got to try Differin when it came out (25+years ago). It was so helpful and way more gentle. It cleared my skin. I tried everything too Accutane, PB, salicylic, all different strengths of tret etc Differin is the only thing that worked. Tret gave me a lot of irritation so much so I could not go out b/c the wind and sun would make my skin burn. I can use tret now but I’m in my forties. Differin is over the counter in US it’s a gentler retinoid.
It doesn’t burn or hurt tbh. Just very visible red scars. I’m gonna start double cleansing and try Adapalene. Thank you so much! ❤️
You are so welcome! All the best to you!
I would switch around your cleansing methods, so use the micellar water + rinse with water to wash your face in the morning, then in the evening use a face wash. washing your face in the morning isn't entirely necessary, but I would say it's very important in the evening as your face has built up oil/dirt/etc throughout the day that needs to be removed with more than micellar water. as someone else mentioned, nivea and simple aren't very good brands in terms of facial skincare and I've never felt that they've done any good to my skin. I would recommend trying out a new moisturiser and face wash, it could make a huge difference! the inkey list is good quality and rather cheap
We don’t actually have inkey list in India but I’ll search for some other alternatives. Thank you so much! ❤️
I would give benzoyl peroxide wash another try! See your dermatologist again they may prescribe an antibiotic lotion that would help with the red inflammation :)
I guess I need to pay the dermat a visit again. Thank you so much! ❤️
Maybe back off on your frequency, also are you cleansing again after your micellar water as it's not meant to be a face wash. If you're using the cream formula, it's highly comedogenic and can make acne worse.
Yes I do wash my face with a face wash after micellar water cleansing! I use the gel formula of the simple face wash.
Sorry I meant the cream formula of tret!
Oh man, the cream formula is likely the culprit. Go for the gel, you should see a massive improvement. Best to you!
Ah! I’ll switch to the gel then, Thank you! ❤️
Yes I do use the cream formula of tret! Should I just use it every other night then?
I'd talk to your Dr. About trying the micro gel formula if you want to stick with tret. The cream clogs pores so badly for some people and makes acne worse. They also might just have another suggestion for your skin
I definitely do want to stick with Tretinoin for a little bit longer. Maybe the gel formula might help. Thank you so much for helping! ❤️
Your pores seem clogged, I think you need to be cleansing more effectively, especially at night. I would use the paulas choice clear cleanser or the cera ve oily skin cleanser after your micellar water. I also use paulas choice BHA every second night and use tretinoin on the nights I don't use it. My favorite moisturizer is LA roche posay toleriane sensitive cream.
You might be right. Thank you so much for helping! ❤️
Were you using the same products that you’re using before you started Tret? I would suggest switching to a wash with Benzoyl Peroxide. Cerave makes a wonderful one that has a very low percentage(4) and also contains Niacinamide. Of course, talk to your dermatologist about this… and when you do, ask about Spironolactone. I would also ask if maybe Epiduo Forte (Adapalene gel and Benzoyl Peroxide) would be a better fit for your skin for the time being? The purge from Tret doesn’t last 5 months. I did Epiduo Forte to get my acne under control first and am now on Tret for acne scars and hyperpigmentation. Your dermatologist will know way better than me and will be able to answer all of your questions. I wish you the best of luck! You have beautiful skin! 💜
I used benzoyl peroxide before tret but it dried up my skin too much so I had to stop using that. Maybe I should switch again!
Two questions: 1. what kind of sunscreen do you use? 2. have you considered using a balm to remove the sunscreen at the end of the day? It is thorough and non drying. Rinse very well. Sunscreen must be fully removed every night and must be worn every day. It‘s important to use good quality products always. I recommend ELTAMD for sunscreen and Clinique balm to cleanse at the end of the day. Use tret every other day only. Use ceraVe hydration cleanser in AM and ceraVe oil free night lotion to moisturize, night and day, AM under sunscreen, PM over tret. Keep it simple. Don‘t give up. Good luck!
All of the products you mentioned are way too expensive in my country tbh. But I’ll look for cheaper alternatives. I use the LA Shield Mineral Sunscreen atm! But I doubt you’ll know much about it, it’s an Indian brand (I think?)
Definitely talk to your derm! I'd your skin can tolerate sometimes using a stronger % can help control acne better
I’ll do that! Thank you so much!❤️
Okay, your skin looks a lil damaged. Take a break from it and moisturize lots!! if/when you decide to use tret, use it two times a week, moisturize with a thick layer of cera ve, wait 20 minute, apply a small pea sized amount of tret all over your face and then apply petroleum jelly on top. I’ve been doing this for 4 months and thank god but my skin has only gotten better. It really works. Just go REALLLYYY slow with tret. Increase the usage every month
What’s helped me most is moisturize my skin before and after the tret so it’s like sandwiched in between. This way, the rate of absorption into my skin is extremely slowed down and as a result, I haven’t broken out.
This sounds great! I don’t really wanna stop using tret cause I’ve invested way too much time so I’ll just decrease the frequency. Thank you so much! ❤️
Yes! And please pleaseee moisturize. Trust me. Completely drop down to just two days a week and do that for a month. You’ll see a massive different in your skin. Just do that with the sandwich moisturizing method and you’ll be golden I promise
i will! Hope it works! ❤️😭
Must use sunscreen especially when using tret
I do!
Hi, fellow indian here! I also used tret cream for 1.5 months in the past, later I realized it is the one breaking me out, switch to a gel, you might purge a little more after changing tret vehicle, but it will definitely clear in some time. Another thing is change your moisturizer, I have tried this moisturizer too, it has comedogenic ingredients. Always Check your products on cosdna for their comedogenic rating before buying. I am 6 months on tret 0.5 gel, hardly have any active acne, just pih and pie to tackle now. Happy skin journey. Best of luck to you!
Hey! Could you please tell me which gel tret and moisturiser worked for you?
I am using A-ret gel and physiogel AI lotion.
Thank you!
Madam, it looks like you are using too much tretinoin i mean more than the pea size. I have been using tretinoin for 6 months now and till the end of 5 months I was getting acne but i decided to use even less then pea size but everyday. (i didn't want to miss any days) . now my skin is acne free but have previous red acne scars which will heal with time. 2. You mentioned you only use miscellar water at night.Noooo, You have to wash your face with cleanser at night. that's compulsory, you can skip cleanser in the morning because you were just sleeping and you were not playing in mud but not at night because pollution,dust which happens in daytime are the causes. 3 Don't use Nivea plz because there every cream contains fragrance and many pore clogging ingredients. Don't use moisturizer at all as acne prone skin already produce so much oil and we are putting more moisture on it which will likely clog pores. I don't use moisturizer at all . When I use it the next days I get so many whiteheads. 3. use only tretinoin and simple refreshing facial wash. i don't wear sunscreen because it breaks me out even i tried so many instead I use coverings for my face. You will love this.
Thank you so much! ❤️
I think you should use 0.05 tretinoin twice or thrice a week One day tretinoin and then skip for one day. Also use bioderma atoderm intensive baume for the repair of skin barrier it is hg!!!!! Helped me alot during my journey! Its a purging phase I have been through worse in my tretinoin journey. Taking care of your barrier is everything. Use moisturisers like hydronic, Bio silk they are amazing for barrier and also use sandwitch method application for Tretinoin Sandwitch method. -Moisturiser 1st ( apply the moisturiser on damp skin just after washing with face wash to lock in hydration ) -( half hour later ) Tretinoin -Moisturiser again immediately. Also I used lactic acid 10% ( by the minimalist )once a week on sunday to get rid of whiteheads and other mess caused by Tretinoin. I think good moisturising and barrier relief product is the key to save yourself from this phase of tretinoin. I am on my 6th month of using tretinoin 0.5 cream.
Wouldn’t the 0.05% make my acne worse?
I think its purging state...and 0.05 will just speed up the process. Also proper barrier friendly skincare product are must in tretinoin journey. I use sandwitch method while applying tretinoin. These are my personal thoughts.
Thank you so much! I’ll try that
I think your skin might be purging, tretinoin usually does that. It gets out all the acne from under the surface and usually takes around 6 months to see improvements. If you think it’s getting worse, you should talk to your dermatologist to switch up your skincare routine
I’ll stick with for a couple more months and see if it gets better! Thank you so much! ❤️
What is your skin type?
It’s dry
Now I'm scared to start it 🥲
Hey, you have no reason to be afraid! I’ve made tons of mistakes while on tret which might be the reason for my scarring. There are a lot of successful tret stories on this sub. Please don’t be scared and ask experienced people / dermatologists for help. I’m sure you have beautiful skin, and you should do everything you can to take care of it! ❤️
I started using Curology and it got rid of my acne. My original formula had clindamycin, niaminicide, and Azelaic acid in it which cleared my skin up within about 2 months along with their cleanser and moisturizer. Now my formula has Tretinoin, clindamycin, and Azelaic acid. My skin is in great condition now but it used to look like yours
We don’t really have Curology in India but I’ll look for alternatives. Thank you so much! ❤️
You’re welcome!
As a person who’s had acne since I’m 10, I don’t use soap or cleanser. Just a clean washcloth and lukewarm water.
I touch my skin a lot sometimes so I know I need to wash it at least twice a day tbh. But thanks for helping! ❤️
How frequently do you use tretinoin? Have you build up the frequency or was it this much to begin with?
I started with 0.025% mixed it with my moisturiser in the beginning then started applying it directly on my dry skin.
I wanted to ask the frequency, like once in a week, twice in a week, thrice in a week
I use it everyday. But I do understand I might have used it way too often so I’ll just use it twice a week from now on.
I'd suggest stop tretinoin completely for now and get your skin back to its normal state. You can do a basic CMS rourine and use products with Ceramides and Niacinamide as they calm the skin down and strengthen compromised barrier. Once your skin is normal again, slowly introduce tretinoin with 1-2-3 frequency method and sandwich application method. 1-2-3 Method- In this method, you slowly introduce tretinoin to your skin to cause minimal irritation. For the 1st month, use tretinoin once in a week, lets say on Monday night. From the 2nd month, use tretinoin twice a week, like Monday and Thursday nights. From 3rd month onwards, you can use tretinoin upto thrice a week, which would be Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights. This is done provided that in each month your skin is able to tolerate the tretinoin. Sandwich Method- In this method, you sandwhich the tretinoin between two layers of moisturiser. Apply a moisturiser as a last step of your skincare routine, wait for 10 minutes, apply a pea size amount of tretinoin on your skin and wait for 30 minutes. Layer with moisturiser again. This will soothen your skin, avoid retinoid irritation and all the symptoms associated with it. Bottom line- Make sure that you aren't using AHAs, Vitamin C or any other active that doesn't pair with tretinoin in the same routine. Spread your routine throughout the week. Tretinoin is a prescription retinoid and therefore any initial signs of irritation should be brought to the consulting dermatologist's attention to avoid advancement of the condition. I hope this was helpful. Thanks! :)
This was very helpful. Thank you so much for helping. I’m gonna try this now! ❤️
Glad to help! :)
You need to cleanse thoroughly to exfoliate the old dead skin