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Have you just started using tretinoin? Or are you thinking about adding tretinoin into your skincare routine? If so, keep reading!
Retinoids can sometimes seem like a scary ingredient. And while there are side effects and best practices you should be aware of, they’re actually a lot easier to incorporate into your skincare routine than you might think.
The key is to simplify!
If you’re just starting out with tretinoin and you’re not sure how it’ll affect your skin, you’ll want to take it slow and steady. Cut out any skin-sensitising actives and opt for gentle formulas – this way you’ll minimise irritation.
Need an example? Here’s my tretinoin skincare routine.
This includes nights when I’m using tretinoin … and the days and nights when I’m not. With retinoids the effects aren’t always instant, so you’ll want to account for any dryness or flakiness that may come a day or two after application. This is why it’s so important to stick to a simple, gentle routine all week!
MY STANDARD TRETINOIN SKINCARE ROUTINE
Nights using tretinoin
CLEANSER: Glossybox Daily Micellar Gel Cleanser
When you’re using tret, you’re going to want to avoid cleansers that contain AHAs or BHAs. Simple is best here and if you can find a cleanser that’s gentle but does the job, go for it! The Glossybox Daily Micellar Gel Cleanser has been working for me at the minute because it leaves my skin feeling soft, clean and, most importantly, not at all stripped.
MOISTURISER: CeraVe Moisturising Cream
Step 2 (moisturiser) and Step 3 (tret treatment) are pretty much interchangeable – it just depends on how hardy your skin is. Since my skin is quite sensitive and gets irritated fairly easily, I prefer to use a moisturiser BEFORE I apply my tretinoin treatment. This stops it from drying out quite so much.
Pick a moisturiser that’s rich in ceramides and other hydrating ingredients like panthenol, glycerin and sodium hyaluronate. For me, the CeraVe Moisturising Cream works like a charm. It’s really thick and nourishing which helps fight those pesky dry patches.
TRETINOIN: Dermatica Skin Glow*
Of course, we can’t create a tretinoin skincare routine without the tretinoin! I’m currently using the Dermatica Skin Glow treatment which contains a mixture of tretinoin, niacinamide and azelaic acid. You can read more about my experience with Dermatica here.
This is a prescription-strength retinoid so it’s really best to let it work its magic by itself. I keep my tretinoin nighttime routine VERY simple because I don’t want to overwhelm my skin or cause any unnecessary trauma.
It’s also important that you wait for your skin to be dry before you apply your tret. Wet skin is more permeable than dry skin, so you’re likely to experience more irritation if you jump straight in after cleansing.
Nights not using tretinoin
CLEANSER: Versed Wash It Out Gel Cleanser
I like to stick to a gentle cleanser, even on nights when I’m not using tret. The Versed Wash It Out Gel Cleanser is pretty basic and lightweight. It contains rosewater and ceramides to nourish the skin while removing dirt and impurities.
ESSENCE: Make P:rem Comfort Me Panthenol Moisture Essence*
Toners can be a tricky one since they often contain active ingredients like glycolic or salicylic acid. I usually prefer to go straight in with an essence – they tend to be a lot more hydrating anyway. My current top pick is the Make P:rem Comfort Me Panthenol Moisture Essence. This is an absolute powerhouse of nourishing ingredients: ceramide NP, madecassoside and panthenol to name just a few.
If you’re interested, take a look at my full review of the Make P:rem Moisture Essence here.
MOISTURISER: CeraVe Moisturising Cream
Again, I like to stick with the CeraVe Moisturising Cream, even on my days off of tret. Because my skin does get pretty dry when using retinoids, I need to constantly keep it hydrated. This moisturiser is the only one that I’ve found to be nourishing enough to stop my skin feeling so tight and irritated.
OIL: Q+A Squalane Facial Oil
This is the final step and, in my opinion, the most crucial one! I always pat in a lightweight facial oil over the top of my moisturiser and it makes a world of difference. When I wake up in the morning my face looks plump and dewy, which makes a massive change from the flaky mess it was before I started doing this step!
The Q+A Squalane is my personal fave because it doesn’t feel at all heavy and you really don’t need a lot to get the full benefit. I usually just take 3-4 drops and lightly press it over my face. It basically works as a moisture barrier to help the products underneath sink into the skin.
More retinoid posts
Mornings
CLEANSER: Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser
I’d usually just use the same cleanser morning and night, but I’m currently trialling the Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser and it’s perfect for a simple tretinoin skincare routine. This face wash is really gentle and non-drying, which is just the ticket when my skin’s feeling a bit sensitive.
If you really need extra moisture, it might be worth using a creamy cleanser (instead of a gel one). The CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, for example, is a pretty solid choice for super dry skin. But if you just need something to clean your skin without irritating it, a simple AHA/BHA-free gel should be fine!
ESSENCE: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
I LOVE the Make P:rem panthenol essence, but if I want something lighter for the daytime I’ll generally opt for the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence instead. This still offers lots of hydration, it’s just not as lotion-like so it feels a bit more breathable.
MOISTURISER: CeraVe Moisturising Cream
You might have noticed by now that this is my go-to moisturiser. Though it’s quite thick, I still think it works amazingly well as a morning cream. It contains silicones which give it a smooth, velvety finish – the perfect base for makeup.
SUNSCREEN: TIA’M My Signature Vita Red Sunscreen*
When you’re using retinoids you really need to remember to apply sunscreen! The thickness of the sunscreen you choose, however, is totally up to you. I prefer creamy formulas, like the TIA’M My Signature Vita Red Sunscreen, because I feel like this gives me a bit of extra moisture. But a thinner, lighter SPF works too. Just make sure you’re at least wearing some!
What’s your go-to skincare routine when you’re using tretinoin? Let me know in the comments.
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