Whether you're targeting acne, signs of aging or dark spots, applying tretinoin the correct way can make a significant difference in your results. Getting the most out of this powerful prescription takes time, consistency and the right routine.

Keep reading for step-by-step instructions, common mistakes to avoid and expert tips for safely combining tretinoin with other skincare ingredients.

• Apply tretinoin at night on completely dry skin: use a pea-size amount, keep it away from eyes and lips, and seal it with moisturizer.

• Start slowly, two nights a week with a lower strength, build up to every other night, then nightly as your skin adjusts. Increase strength only if needed after 12 weeks.

• Expect dryness or a brief breakout surge in the first weeks. Acne improvements show in two to three weeks, while anti-aging benefits take three to six months of consistent use.

• Maximize results by wearing daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, skipping other retinoids or harsh exfoliants and using the moisturizer “sandwich method” if you have sensitive skin.

How to apply tretinoin

Using tretinoin correctly is key to seeing results while minimizing side effects like dryness or irritation. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to help you apply tretinoin safely and effectively as part of your skincare routine.¹

1. Wash and dry your face. Wait 20 to 30 minutes before applying tretinoin. Applying tretinoin to wet skin can cause irritation.

2. Get a pea-size amount of tretinoin on your finger.

3. Apply to the affected areas and spread evenly. Avoid your eyes, lips, corners of nose or any open wounds. Do not apply tretinoin to the eye area.

4. Do not apply any other topical medications, like hydroquinone, niacinamide or hyaluronic acid, within one hour before or after applying tretinoin. Using multiple medications at the same time can increase irritation.

5. End with moisturizer. 

How often to use tretinoin

It can take some time for your skin to adjust to tretinoin use, so your provider will likely suggest starting slowly and building up to daily use. This method can help reduce skin irritation and other unwanted side effects. 

Results from tretinoin are highly individual. Some individuals tolerate nightly use easily, while others may prefer to use it only two to three times a week to reduce irritation.² It’s generally best to begin with a lower-strength tretinoin to give your skin time to adjust. Once your skin has built up tolerance, you can consider transitioning to a stronger formula if necessary.³

When to apply tretinoin

For the best results, use tretinoin at night. Exposure to sunlight could potentially reduce its effectiveness. Tretinoin also makes the skin more vulnerable to sun damage.⁴ 

In your skincare routine, apply tretinoin after washing and before moisturizing. Your face should be completely dry before applying tretinoin, as wet skin can increase irritation.⁵ 

Use other skincare products in the morning to avoid irritation or interactions. If you do apply other topical medications in the evening, do it one hour before or after applying tretinoin.⁶

Common mistakes when starting tretinoin

When used as directed, tretinoin is a highly effective and well-tolerated skincare product. To achieve the best results, avoid these common mistakes often made when starting tretinoin:⁷

Applying every day, right away. It is recommended to apply tretinoin just two days a week, gradually increasing application frequency - never applying more than once a day.

Starting with the highest strength. Just like frequency, the strength of tretinoin should start low and slowly increase.

Skipping sunscreen. Tretinoin makes the skin more vulnerable to burns and sun damage. Use sunscreen or skincare products with at least 15 SPF daily.

Combining incompatible products. It is best to avoid other retinoids like tazarotene (Tazorac®) or adapalene (Differin®). Using multiple retinoids can increase irritation. Skip products with alcohol (astringents, shaving creams or after-shave lotions) as they can cause dryness. Any products with peeling agents (like resorcinol, salicylic acid or sulfur) can also cause irritation and redness.

Forgetting moisturizer. Tretinoin can be drying. If you are using tretinoin for acne, a water-based moisturizer may work best, however if you are using tretinoin for anti-aging, oil-based moisturizers are a better fit.

How to use tretinoin with other skincare products

For best results, tretinoin should be added into a skincare routine that includes complementary products and avoids products that can cause unwanted side effects. Here is how to use tretinoin with the following skincare products or ingredients:^8,9

Moisturizer. Always follow tretinoin with a noncomedogenic (won’t clog your pores) moisturizer. For acne-prone skin, use a water-based lotion. For anti-aging support, use an oil-based moisturizer. If you have sensitive skin, dermatologists recommend using the “sandwich method” of applying a moisturizer before and after tretinoin.

Clindamycin. Tretinoin is commonly paired with the antibiotic clindamycin to treat acne, sometimes in one combination topical. The antibiotics kill the bacteria that causes acne, while the retinoids in tretinoin remove dead skin cells to reduce clogged pores.¹⁰ Apply the combination clindamycin and tretinoin gel nightly, after washing the skin.¹¹

Benzoyl Peroxide. The antibacterial properties of benzoyl peroxide complement tretinoin in treating acne. While most experts agree that it is safe to use benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin in the same skincare routine, it is recommended to use tretinoin at night and benzoyl peroxide in the morning. Using both simultaneously can reduce tretinoin’s effectiveness and raise the risk of irritation.¹²

Azelaic Acid. Combining tretinoin with azelaic acid can improve results over using either product alone.¹³ Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help soothe irritation from tretinoin and reduce breakouts. Experts recommend applying tretinoin at night and azelaic acid in the morning to avoid adverse reactions.¹⁴ 

Hydroquinone. Using tretinoin and hydroquinone together has been clinically proven to significantly improve hyperpigmentation, skin texture, sallowness, wrinkling and skin clarity.¹⁵ It’s generally safe to use these two active ingredients together in your skincare routine.

Using tretinoin with sensitive skin

Individuals with sensitive skin can still benefit from tretinoin, as long as special precautions are taken to reduce irritation and inflammation. Here are some tips to reduce irritation from tretinoin:¹⁶ 

• Reduce frequency. Anytime you start to experience negative side effects, reduce the number of days you use tretinoin. If you’re just beginning, start at just two days per week.

• Use a moisturizer. Everyone should use a moisturizer with tretinoin, but it is especially important if you have sensitive skin. Try the “sandwich method” of applying moisturizer before and after tretinoin.

• Wear sun protection. Stay out of the sun as much as possible and wear sunscreen with at least SPF 15 daily.

If you are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms, talk to your provider about adjusting your routine.

When to expect results from tretinoin

It takes time to experience full results from tretinoin use. For acne, it usually takes two to three weeks to see improvements. Results may appear to worsen slightly in the first week as your skin adjusts, but this is temporary. Tretinoin can take three to six months to see visible improvements in signs of aging like fine lines, discoloration and skin texture.¹⁷ 

Consistent, long-term use of tretinoin will bring the best results. In one study, 79% of participants saw a significant improvement in fine wrinkling, mottled hyperpigmentation, roughness and laxity after 24 weeks of tretinoin use.¹⁸

How RedBox Rx can help

RedBox Rx makes receiving tretinoin for acne, anti-aging or melasma (dark spots) easy and affordable.

Benefits of RedBox Rx include:

• Easy, affordable online doctor consultation for just $25.

• Tretinoin prescriptions starting at $20/month.

• No insurance required. HSA and FSA eligible.

• FREE shipping directly to you. One-time treatment and quarterly subscriptions available.

Get started treating your acne or signs of aging today by taking an easy online assessment.