{"id":942601,"date":"2026-05-06T23:46:53","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T23:46:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/942601\/"},"modified":"2026-05-06T23:46:53","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T23:46:53","slug":"the-ideal-tretinoin-skin-care-routine-approved-by-dermatologists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/942601\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ideal Tretinoin Skin Care Routine, Approved by Dermatologists"},"content":{"rendered":"

When my dermatologist prescribed me Tretinoin for cystic acne<\/a> six years ago, I only had one question: How do I incorporate it into my skin care routine<\/a>? I was brand new to the world of retinoids<\/a> and honestly put off by them due to side effects I\u2019d heard people talk about on social media. But with some coaching from my doctor and a little trial and error, I figured out how to build a Tretinoin skin care routine. It\u2019s simple and revolves around gentle, hydrating, noncomedogenic products that support my skin while letting the medication do its thing.<\/p>\n

Below is the Tretinoin skin care guide I wish I had when I started using the medication. I\u2019m walking you through the best products to pair with Tretinoin, what order to use them in and how to get through the dreaded retinoid uglies. I also spoke to four dermatologists about literally everything you\u2019d want to know about Tretinoin so you can find all the answers in one place.<\/p>\n

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What\u2019s the ideal Tretinoin skin care routine?<\/a><\/p>\n

To give you an idea of what a basic skin care routine looks like while on Tretinoin, I\u2019m breaking down the one I follow every morning and evening below. I talked to dermatologists to make sure it aligns with their recommendations, and I included their advice for each step (learn more about how to build a Tretinoin skin care routine below).<\/p>\n

For context, I\u2019ve been using Tretinoin cream at a 0.025% concentration since 2020, and I\u2019m also on Sprinolactone. Prior to starting Tretinoin, I had severe cystic acne and acne scars<\/a>, and I\u2019d tried every over-the-counter product you can think of, including Differin<\/a>. I have sensitive<\/a>, acne-prone, combination skin that leans dry, and I apply Tretinoin every other night. I\u2019ve done most of this skin care routine since I started the medication, and I\u2019ve added to it over the years as my skin adjusted to being on Tret. It\u2019s important to note that while this routine and these products work for me, everyone\u2019s skin is different, so consult your dermatologist for personalized recommendations.<\/p>\n

A.M. Tretinoin skin care routine<\/a>Step 1: cleanser<\/a><\/p>\n

Washing your face in the morning gets rid of dirt, oil and debris that accumulated overnight, experts told me. It essentially wipes the slate clean, giving products the best shot at absorbing into your skin and working as effectively as possible. Pick a cleanser<\/a> that just cleans and, if possible, hydrates skin \u2014 it shouldn\u2019t have additional exfoliating<\/a> ingredients in it, like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs<\/a>) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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