Tretinoin: 1 Year Check-in
I’ve been using Tretinoin 0.05% in my routine for the past year. It was prescribed to me by my dermatologist as a solution to help with the Maskne issues I was having and also for anti-aging preventative measures. If you would like to hear more about that, please check out my first post – Starting My Tretinoin Journey
* Maskne, is the phrasing of "mask" and "acne to refer to acne and other rashes of the face that occur in association with mask wearing
This post will focus on the following:
-Tretinoin vs Retinol- what’s the difference
-My Tretinoin Skincare routine
-Why I use Tretinoin vs other Retinol options
-How my skin has responded to Tretinoin over the last year
-The products I use alongside Tretinoin
As I previously mentioned, I’ve been using Tretinoin 0.05% in my routine for the past year. This is the strength that my dermatologist prescribed last August (2020) and there hasn’t been any new adjustments. Since being prescribed Tretinoin 0.05% I’ve had two follow up appointments with my derm and we’ve agreed that my skin was responding well to the 0.05% strength along with the frequency of usage.
Tretinoin vs Retinol- what’s the difference and my preference
The Difference
Retinol is a kind of Retinoid that is naturally occurring from Vitamin A. It’s available over the counter and can be purchased without a prescription or meeting with a doctor. It helps to speed up skin cell turnover and in the process it can even out the skin and diminish fine lines. Retinol is converted into retinoic acid only after absorbed and stored into the skin. This process takes a little longer and is often why it takes a little longer to see results.
Tretinoin is a prescription based formula that is also a Retinoid. It’s known for doing all of the same things that Retinol can do in terms of speeding up cell turnover, but it’s also great for treating acne. What makes it different from Retinol is the concentration of pure retinoic acid. Tretinoin is known for being 20x more potent than most retinols. The potency of it also means faster results.
Both are known for having the same side effects, which can include the skin being itchy, peeling, dryness and more. Some people may go through a purge and experience acne breakouts.
My Preference
Prior to using Tretinoin, I tried several over the counter Retinol formulas. I found that my skin tolerated them well and the results were steady. I noticed that many of the formulas that I enjoyed using the prices ranged anywhere from $75 to $120 for one tube that was around 45 grams. With these formulas being gentler on the skin, I was able to use them more frequently. Using them more frequently also meant that I was going through them pretty quickly. Therefore, the prescription route of (2) 45 gram tubes only being $10 with my health insurance was a better route for me. With Tretinoin I’m using less product and I’m spending way less on it too!
My Night Routine with Tretinoin
When I initially started with Tretinoin, I used it once a week. After a few weeks I upped it to twice a week. Once I felt that my skin was able to tolerate it well, I started using it three times a week. I currently still use Tretinoin in my skincare routine 3x a week. I’ve pretty much set aside 3 days a week to use it. Having a schedule makes it easier to remember to use it and the best way to space out my applications. My goal is to use it often, but not every day- even though my dermatologist told me I could.
The nights I use Tretinoin I make sure to double cleanse as I would usually do. I try to incorporate a hydrating second step cleanser in this routine. Some nights I use a mask and other nights I don’t. If I do use a mask, I make sure that its moisturizing or hydrating. I avoid using any masks or serums that contain acids like (salicylic acid, glycolic, lactic & etc). The reason for this is the Tretinoin itself is already potent and I don’t think it’s necessary to bombard my skin with so many potent ingredients at once.
PM Tretinoin Video Demo
+Double cleanse
Optional - Mask
+Toner
+Eye Cream
Let my skin air dry for a few minutes
+Tretinoin Application: I apply a pea size of tretinoin- sometimes this is my last step.
Optional- Moisturizer depending on the condition of my skin I may apply a moisturizer almost as a sandwich method to add some moisture to my skin. The Sandwich Method: using a moisturizer before or after the Tretinoin application to keep the skin hydrated.
-How my skin has responded over the last year
Over the year I can see that my skin has tolerated Tretinoin well, but it was important for me to add more hydrating & moisturizing products into my routines -even on the days when I’m not directly using it. I was initially applying the Tretinoin directly to dry skin and not buffering with a toner or any hydrating serums. Doing this caused my skin to be super dry. I also noticed that using too many potent acids and ingredients in my overall routines had also caused my skin to be dry and peeling at times. Whilst this happened my skin didn’t feel sensitive or irritated, but it’s something I was looking to avoid.
As for the appearance of my skin, I do think it has helped me with the maskne breakouts. I still have breakouts here and there, but they’re not as severe. When I do break out the healing time is a lot faster. As for the anti-aging benefits, I feel like my skin looks very smooth. Areas like my forehead I can barely see any fine lines, which says a lot because my face can be very expressive.
Moving forward I’m not exactly sure if I’ll up my usage up more than 3 days per week. Being that I use other actives ingredients throughout the week, I don’t think it’s entirely necessary at this point.
To maintain the balance of skin I’ve incorporated the following products into my Tretinoin Routine Nights:
+Hydrating/Moisturizing Toner- my skin is super dehydrated to begin with. On the nights I use Tretinoin, I prefer to use a more moisturizing toner. I feel like this method also serves as a buffer.
-First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Wild Oat Hydrating Toner- It’s made with nourishing ingredients and absorbs so well into my skin.
+ Barrier Repair Products- I use these products as a measure to keep my skin hydrated and protected. They’re known for strengthening the barrier of the skin.
Click on the video to see a full review on each product listed!
- Paula’s Choice Omega Repair Serum
- Kinship Oat Ceramide Relief Oil
- Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Redness Relief Serum
+ Ceramide Based Moisturizers
Stratia Liquid Gold- An affordable moisturizer that has a medium consistency. It’s formulated with ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids.
Farmacy Beauty- Honey Halo is a thick moisturizer formulated with honey, ceramides and it intensely moisturizes. (Save 20% off your order with code- BeautyEtcBlog on the farmacy website)
La Roche Posay - Cicaplast Baume B5- great drugstore formula made with Panthenol, Shea Butter and Glycerin that can used from head to toe! (Save 25% with code- Toni at Skinstore.com)