How to use Tretinoin (Retacnyl and Acretin)

• December 3, 2023

When to apply it, how much, and how to layer it for a beautiful result?

Beauties, if you’ve been anywhere online lately then you have seen the big buzz about Tretinoin. Even Dr. Costi has been sharing the many benefits of this skin rejuvenating product.

 

But why, you may ask, is it so popular, and why do you need to use it?

We have checked with Dr. Costi to get the info about the many benefits that tretinoin has for the skin, and how should you use it correctly to avoid an unwanted reaction.

So read on and make sure to save this info if you want glowing skin!

What is tretinoin?

Tretinoin is an effective solution if you are seeking to improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, and combat acne. It produces excellent results against photoaging. It is a type of retinoid, such as retinol.

So are tretinoin and retinol the same?

Tretinoin and Retinol are both Vitamin A derivatives called retinoids. These two compounds offer a great option to boost collagen and improve skin texture regardless of age.

The most significant distinction between tretinoin and retinol is their strengths and the fact that tretinoin is a prescription medication and retinol is an over-the-counter product. Tretinoin, also known as retinoic acid, is about 20 times more potent than retinol. It is stronger because retinoic acid is a form of vitamin A that acts directly on the skin-boosting cell renewal, turnover, and DNA damage repair.

When should you apply tretinoin?

According to Dr. Costi, you should always apply tretinoin at night. This is because when retinoids are exposed to sunlight, they can create a harsh inflammation or reaction in your skin.

How much tretinoin should you apply?

Dr. Costi advises a pea-sized amount of tretinoin on the tip of your finger, to be spread all over the face in small touches.  After you have done this, distribute the tretinoin cream evenly.

Make sure to use the tretinoin % strength that will work best for you so that your skin is healthy and glowing during the day.

If you are able to tolerate your current cream strength 5-7 nights a week without any side effects, then it may be time to increase the % dose.

When increasing strengths, introduce at 3 times a week just as you started and work your way up to 5-7 nights.

How long should you use tretinoin?

You may need to use tretinoin for at least 8 to 12 weeks before assessing its effectiveness, according to Dr. Costi. This is for the skin to adjust to the medication and for the full benefits to become apparent.

It is also worth noting that tretinoin can be used for the long term, and it can be a regular part of your anti-aging skincare routine.

How to include tretinoin in your skincare routine?

1. Wash your face and gently dry.

2. Apply a moisturizer and wait 5-10 min.

3. Apply a pea sized amount of tretinoin and distribute on your face.

4. Apply a second layer of moisturizer to soothe the skin.

Dr. Costi’s tip: Make sure to use a good moisturizer which will help to heal your skin barrier and keep irriation at bay. We love the Filorga Time-Filler 5XP to use in combination with your tretinoin cream.

What to do in case of irritation?

Side effects that you may notice can include: skin irritation and reddening, burning sensation, dry, flaky, and peeling skin, or acne breakouts.

If you notice any of these irritations from your tretinoin cream, you can ask Dr. Costi for an alternative product that will suit you better, with a gentler formulation.

 

Need a more personalized recommendation? Book your appointment with Dr. Costi right now!