Tretinoin probably popped up in your skincare search more than once and for good reason. Even it has a lot of benefits let’s be honest, it is not always the easiest to use. In this guide, we will break down the real benefits, potential side effects and how to make it work for your skin without turning it into a disaster.
What is tretinoin?
Tretinoin (also known as retinoic acid) is a synthetic form of vitamin A and is prescribed mainly to treat acne, sun-damaged skin and surface fine lines. Tretinoin cream helps your skin shed old, dead cells faster, which might sound a little weird, but it is actually a good thing. This process clears out clogged pores, smooths texture, and encourages fresh, new skin to come through. That is why it works so well for both acne and anti-aging.
Where to get tretinoin?
Tretinoin is not available over the counter in most countries, including the United States. But you can find milder Vitamin A options like retinol in many skincare products at drugstores. Retinol is a great starting point if you are new to Vitamin A treatments.
For stronger tretinoin (like 0.25%, 0.5%, or 1%), you will need a prescription from your doctor or dermatologist. That said, in some countries like Mexico, Turkey, Dubai, Marocco, Italy, Egypt, Portugal and Spain, tretinoin is available over the counter without a prescription. One important thing to keep in mind is if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should avoid using tretinoin. It is not recommended during these times. I reccommend to always check with your doctor before starting any tretinoin treatment.
If you or any of your friends are planning a trip to India, here is my article on how to get tretinoin in India and the best options available through local pharmacies.
In recent years, buying tretinoin in Spain and Italy has become trickier. It used to be much easier to purchase, but now, due to European Union regulations, pharmacies will not sell it without a prescription. However you might get lucky in certain cases. We personally bought Retirides, a tretinoin brand sold in Spain, one year ago in Mallorca.
Benefits of tretinoin
Tretinoin is one of the most effective skincare ingredients out there. It helps with acne, fine lines, dark spots and overall skin texture by speeding up skin cell turnover. With consistent use, it can transform your skin by promoting collagen production and keeping pores clear.
Tretinoin for acne
If you struggle with breakouts, tretinoin can be a game-changer. It unclogs pores, reduces inflammation and prevents new pimples from forming. It also helps fade post-acne marks, making your skin look clearer over time.
Tretinoin for wrinkles
Tretinoin is one of the few ingredients scientifically proven to reduce fine lines. It also boosts collagen production and helps smooth out the skin, making it firmer and more youthful with long-term use.
Tretinoin for hyperpigmentation
Tretinoin fades dark spots, sun damage, and post-acne marks by accelerating cell turnover. Over time, it helps even out skin tone and reduces discoloration for a brighter complexion, as demonstrated in this study on tretinoin and skin rejuvenation.
Tretinoin for better skin texture
If your skin feels rough or uneven, tretinoin can help. It encourages smoother, fresher skin by shedding dead cells and promoting new ones, giving your face a softer, more refined look.
Tretinoin for keeping pores clear
Tretinoin prevents pores from getting clogged with dead skin and oil, which means fewer blackheads and whiteheads. Over time, it also makes pores appear smaller, giving your skin a more polished look.
How to use tretinoin
Tretinoin is a powerful retinoid, but if you don’t use it correctly, you might end up with irritation, peeling or even worse, giving up on it too soon. Here is how to introduce tretinoin into your routine the right way.
1. Start slowly
Go slow – slower than you think. Your skin needs time to adjust, and rushing will only make things worse. Follow this gradual approach:
First 6 weeks: Use tretinoin just once a week at night.
After 6 weeks: If your skin is handling it well, increase to twice a week (every 3-4 days).
Stay at twice a week for a few months before even thinking about increasing further.
If your skin still feels dry or irritated, stay at this frequency longer before trying every other night.
This slow and steady approach may fel frustrating, but helps your skin adjust without excessive peeling, redness, or breakouts.
2. Apply to dry skin
After washing your face, wait at least 15-20 minutes before applying tretinoin. Damp skin absorbs products more deeply, which can lead to excessive irritation.
3. Use the tiniest amount
A pea-sized amount is all you need for your entire face. Applying more won’t speed up results. It will just cause unnecessary irritation. Also start with 0.025% strenght. Gently spread it in a thin layer, avoiding sensitive areas like the corners of your mouth, nose and eyes.
4. Moisturize properly (buffering method for sensitive skin)
For those with sensitive skin, consider the ‘sandwich’ or ‘buffering’ method:
Apply a thin layer of a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer before tretinoin.
Wait a few minutes, then apply tretinoin.
Follow up with another layer of moisturizer to minimize dryness and irritation.
5. Avoid harsh exfoliants and actives
Avoid exfoliating acids (glycolic, lactic, salicylic), benzoyl peroxide and strong vitamin C serums. Tretinoin already increases cell turnover, so adding more exfoliation can overwhelm your skin. Stick to gentle, hydrating skincare to support your skin barrier.
6. Sunscreen is a must
Tretinoin makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, so wearing SPF 30 or higher every single day is essential. Even if you’re indoors, UV rays can still affect your skin.
7. Be patient – results take time
Tretinoin isn’t an overnight miracle. Many people experience purging (temporary breakouts) in the first few weeks. Real improvements – smoother skin, fewer breakouts and reduced fine lines – take at least 12 weeks or sometimes longer.
Potential side effects
Tretinoin can make your skin dry, red, warm and flaky, and in some cases it might swell or blister. You could also experience itching, tenderness or a burning feeling.
If you don’t use tretinoin properly, it can actually make your skin worse. Without sunscreen, your skin becomes more vulnerable to sun damage, which can lead to darkening (hyperpigmentation) instead of brightening. Overusing tretinoin or irritating your skin too much can also weaken your skin barrier, making it even more prone to sun damage. That is why it is so important to go slow, keep your skin hydrated, and wear SPF every single day.
Tretinoin myths vs. facts
Tretinoin is one of those skincare ingredients that gets a lot of attention and a lot of myths, too. If you have been thinking about adding it to your routine, it important to separate fact from fiction. Let’s clear up some of the most common misconceptions.
Myth 1: Tretinoin will erase deep wrinkles
Fact: Tretinoin is great for fine lines, but it is not a magic eraser for deep wrinkles. It works by boosting collagen and speeding up cell turnover, which can help smooth out your skin and prevent new lines from forming. Over time, you will definitely see improvement, but it won’t completely erase deep wrinkles.
Myth 2: Tretinoin is too harsh for sensitive skin
A great way to ease into tretinoin is by starting with an over-the-counter retinol product first. This helps build your skin’s tolerance. Once you are ready, start with a lower strength (like 0.25) and use it just once a week for the first month. After that, you can increase to twice a week for the next few months, slowly working your way up.
The great thing about tretinoin is that even the 0.25 strength can be really effective, so please don’t rush to use it every day. If your skin starts to get too red or irritated, just slow down or take a break for a few days. The key is to go at your own pace and listen to your skin. Even after years of using tretinoin, I am still on the lowest strength (0.25) and it still works great for me. I don’t even use it every day, just about every third day.
Myth 3: Tretinoin will always cause a skin purge
A lot of people mention “purging” when they first start using tretinoin. It can happen, but it’s not something everyone will experience and it is usually not as bad as it sounds. If it does happen, it is because tretinoin is speeding up your skin’s turnover, bringing things to the surface. It is temporary and your skin should start clearing up after a few weeks. To help prevent a major purge, start super slow. Use it just once a week for the first month, then move to twice a week for a couple of months. Stick with the lowest strength at first and you can keep this routine for as long as you need.
Personal experience with tretinoin
I’ve been using tretinoin for about three years now, and I stick to the lowest strength, 0.025%. I use it three times a week, which is just enough to see results without irritating my skin too much.
Since I have pigmetation (melasma), I have to be really careful. If my skin gets irritated, it actually makes things worse because irritation triggers more melanin production, which means even more dark spots. That is why I focus on keeping my skin calm, moisturized and always protected with sunscreen.
I have definitely seen improvements in my skin texture and fine lines—my skin feels smoother and looks more refined. But when it comes to pigmentation, I haven’t noticed a big difference. Melasma is tricky, so I know I have to be extra careful with irritation and sun exposure.
I plan to switch to 0.05% in a few years, around my forties. I want to give my skin plenty of time to adjust gradually and avoid unnecessary irritation. The truth is, you don’t need to go higher to see results. Stronger doesn’t always mean better. It just means more irritation. And if you are in your 30s already using tretinoin 0.05% or 0.1%, what will you use when you are in your 60s? It is better to stick with a strength your skin can handle long-term.
Tretinoin alternatives
Retinol
If you can’t get tretinoin over the counter or your skin is too sensitive, retinol is a great alternative. It is a bit weaker than tretinoin, so it takes longer to show results, but it can still help with acne, fine lines and skin texture. It is a gentler option if you want to avoid irritation but still see improvements over time.
Adapalene
It is mainly used to treat acne, but it also has great anti-aging benefits. Since it is gentler and less irritating, doctors often recommend it for people with sensitive skin. If you live in United States it is now available over the counter, so you don’t need a prescription to get it.
Conclusion: tretinoin
Tretinoin can do wonders for your skin, but it’s not something you want to rush. If you take your time with it and start slow, you will likely see some great results. If it’s too harsh or you’re not ready for it, retinol and other alternatives are solid options that can still improve your skin without the irritation. Just be patient, consistent, and don’t forget your sunscreen.
