First, cleanse your face gently with a mild cleanser. Pat your skin dry; avoid rubbing.
Wait 20-30 minutes after cleansing before applying tretinoin. This allows your skin to fully recover from the cleansing process.
Use a pea-sized amount of tretinoin gel for your entire face. More isn’t better; it can lead to irritation.
- Apply the gel evenly to your entire face, avoiding the eyes and lips. Gently massage the gel into your skin until fully absorbed.
Apply tretinoin only at night. Sunlight can increase sensitivity and irritation.
Begin with application every other night for the first few weeks to allow your skin to adjust. Gradually increase frequency as tolerated, potentially reaching nightly use. Always follow your dermatologist’s specific instructions.
Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily. This protects your skin from sun damage, a known side effect of tretinoin.
If you experience significant irritation, reduce application frequency or stop use and consult your dermatologist.
Always store tretinoin in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Proper storage maintains its potency.
