5 Things to Expect When Starting on Tretinoin: A Beginner’s Guide
Tretinoin is one of the most effective skincare ingredients for anti-aging, acne treatment, and overall skin improvement. But while starting tretinoin can transform your skin, seeing good results requires patience and proper expectations. Below, we’ll go over 5 things you should know about beginning your tretinoin journey.
Whether you're using tretinoin for acne, fine lines, or hyperpigmentation, understanding these five key points will set you up for a smooth journey and help you succeed with your new skincare routine. Let’s get to it!
The Tretinoin "Purge" is Real (And Temporary)
What to expect: During your first couple of weeks on tretinoin, your skin may actually look worse before it gets better. This is known as "tretinoin purging" (or "retinoid purging"), and is completely normal. Most people experience purging within the first 2-4 weeks, with the process typically lasting 6-12 weeks. The purging phase gradually decreases as your skin adjusts to the new medication.
Why it happens: Tretinoin accelerates cellular turnover, bringing underlying congestion to your skin’s surface more quickly than usual, creating temporary breakouts.
Tips for dealing with purging:
Though it can be tough, don't stop using tretinoin during the purging phase. It’s all part of the processs.
Maintain a gentle, consistent routine to not further irritate your skin
Avoid picking at the breakouts that may appear
Consider starting with a lower concentration (0.025%) of tret so that your skin can more easily get accustomed to it
2. Skin Dryness and Irritation Are Common Side Effects
What to expect: Tretinoin commonly causes dryness, flaking, redness, and irritation, especially during the first few months of use. This is called "retinoid dermatitis”… or the "retinoid uglies” lol.
Symptoms include:
Dry, flaky skin, or peeling around the mouth, nose, and eye areas
Redness and inflammation
Burning or stinging sensation
Increased skin sensitivity
How to minimize irritation:
Start slow with your tret application, ex. 2-3 times per week instead of every night right off the bat
Apply to completely dry skin (wait 20-30 minutes after cleansing)
Don’t use too much product. A pea-sized amount should be sufficient for your entire face
Follow with a gentle, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free moisturizer
3. Sun Sensitivity Increases Significantly
What to expect: Tretinoin makes your skin a lot more photosensitive, meaning you'll be more prone to sunburn and UV damage while using it.
Why this happens: Tretinoin increases cellular turnover, revealing newer, more delicate skin layers that are more susceptible to UV rays. Tret can also temporarily thin the outer layer of your skin, making it more sensitive.
How to protect your skin:
Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily, and reapply every 2 hours when outdoors
Wear protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats
Try to avoid the sun during peak hours (10 AM - 4 PM)
Only use tretinoin at night (which is typically recommended anyway)
Consideer taking a break from tretinoin if you’re planning on vacationing outdoors or during periods of extended sun exposure
4. Results Take Time - Patience is Essential
What to expect: Unlike some skincare products that provide fast results, tretinoin requires consistent, long-term use to see significant improvements.
Realistic timeline:
2-4 weeks: Initial adjustment period, possible purging
6-12 weeks: Your skin begins adapting to the tret, irritation may decrease
3-6 months: Noticeable improvements in texture and tone
6-12 months: Significant results in fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and acne
1+ years: Continued improvement and maintenance of results
If you’re able to stick with a consistent tret routing, you can expect to see skin improvements such as:
Smoother skin texture, with reduced fine lines and wrinkles
Improved acne and fewer breakouts
Faded dark spots and hyperpigmentation
More even skin tone
5. Your Skincare Routine Will Need Adjustments
What to expect: Since it’s usually advised to not use other actives when using tretinoin (due to the risk of irritating your skin), starting tretinoin may mean simplifying and modifying your existing skincare routine to prevent over-irritation and maximize effectiveness.
Ingredients to avoid while using tretinoin:
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid
Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid
Benzoyl peroxide (unless specifically directed by your dermatologist)
Vitamin C (some people can tolerate using it with tret, but you should proceed with caution)
Physical scrubs and exfoliating brushes
Alcohol-based toners
Fragranced products which may exacerbate irritation
Recommended routine adjustments:
Use gentle, non-foaming cleansers
Apply tretinoin to dry skin, wait, then moisturize
Choose a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer to apply after tret use
Consider using a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid to combat the dryness that can come with tret use
As your skin gets more accustomed to tretinoin and demonstrates that it can tolerate the medication, you may begin to slowly reintroduce other active ingredients if desired. However, it’s good to reintroduce slowly, and carefully monitor your skin for any reactions.
Beginning tretinoin treatment requires patience, consistency, and realistic expectations. While the initial adjustment period can be challenging, millions of people have successfully incorporated tretinoin into their skincare routines with transformative results.
Key takeaways for tretinoin beginners:
Expect an initial purging and adjustment period
Start slowly with lower concentrations and frequency
Prioritize sun protection more than ever
Simplify your skincare routine
Give the treatment at least 3-6 months to see significant results
Maintain consistent use for long-term benefits
When in doubt, consult with a dermatologist before starting tretinoin, especially if you have sensitive skin, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have existing skin conditions.
Remember, tretinoin is a long-term investment in your skin's health and appearance. With proper expectations and consistent use, you're likely to see the improvements that have made tretinoin a gold standard in skincare. 💆🏻♀️🧴✨