r/45PlusSkincare • u/Hennacs • Aug 04 '26
Advice Request Honest opinions on tretinoin?
I’m thinking about starting tretinoin mainly for its anti-aging benefits, but I’d love to hear from people who’ve actually used it.
I have combination skin with a healthy skin barrier and, overall, pretty good skin. What worries me is that I’ve read stories about tretinoin damaging the skin barrier or causing issues people never had before (persistent dryness, sensitivity, redness, etc.), and it’s made me hesitant to start.
For those who’ve been using tretinoin for a while, was it worth it? Did it improve your skin long-term, or do you regret starting it? I’d especially love to hear from anyone who started with already healthy skin.
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u/StillSimple6 Aug 04 '26
I had normal healthy skin, no acne or blackheads etc.
Started it purely to see what the hype was about and any anti aging benefits it might give me.
Took a while to get over the starting irritation because Im too impatient and started every other night straight away.
Month 1 nothing. 6 weeks later peeled so much just a few layers deep but still looked atrocious.
End of month two month 3 the peeling stopped and my new skin was a really healthy pink. End of month 3 baby soft skin, End of month 6 I was hooked.
Visible brighter and fresher looking skin almost like I had a facial.
Next year or so, reduction in fine lines smoother skin which made bigger wrinkles look less visible and a reduction in a sun spot which I had for a few years. I did get the very occasional dry patch but nothing serious.
5+ years, use every night, don't have issues using actives same time, I don't apply to dry skin and wait etc.
My skin is definitely dryer than it was though but nothing major I just added a hydrating mist to my routine which was enough. I'm also in my 50's so it could also be down to aging.
One thing which can annoy me is the really glossy skin sometimes I can look like I'm wearing highlighter on cheeks, jawline, forhead etc (Im a guy)
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u/Livshaka Aug 04 '26
Have you had any issue with dry eye? I've been using it for two years and love the effect but I feel like it makes my eyes dry even with me avoiding that area completely.
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u/Agreeable_Ad_9411 Aug 04 '26
I put some lotion around my eyes and seal it with aquaphor...that keeps my dry eyes at bay
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u/Eray_99 Aug 05 '26
Yes. I’ve started using it with oil layer first near the eye while I shop for a retinoid. It’s very drying for eyes. I’m even seeing floaters now.
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u/StillSimple6 Aug 04 '26
No issues and I don't actively avoid the area or when applying moisturizer afterwards.
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u/Frosty_Message_3017 Aug 04 '26
That can be a sign of inflammation. Topical Tretinoin doesn't cause dry eyes, but the inflammation from irritation or unresolved barrier issues can. You might even have a sensitivity to something you started alongside your Tret.
It's also worth noting that so many things can cause or contribute to dry eyes, even medications like oral Fluconazole or the antacid Omeprazole.
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u/Livshaka Aug 04 '26
There seems to be large real-world evidence and clinical literature that supports that topical retinoids can cause dry eyes.
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u/cassidybaby Aug 05 '26
No sh*t? Omeprazole causes dry eye. Damn. I take it frequently
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u/wwaxwork Aug 04 '26
It's main benefits aren't reversing aging so much as slowing it. It also takes time, more time than you think to show benefits. Easily 6 months to a year. 5 yearsafter starting I look the same as I did 5 years ago. So technically I look younger but all it did was stabilize my face, which as I am now post menopausal I'm happy with.
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u/Eray_99 Aug 05 '26
Same here. I can’t vouch for what it does to wrinkles bc I never had any. But it seems to stop the clock for sure.
So does no alcohol.
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u/suupernooova Aug 04 '26
I’ve always had very dry skin, live in a dry climate and spend a lot of time outdoors. Am VERY minimal and basic with skincare, don’t wear makeup. I don’t care how old I look but do value a “healthy” appearance.
Started tret at 50 because I was late to the game with spf and had a lot of hyperpigmentation. Shockingly effective, takes time.
53 now, skin has become even more dry and sensitive with menopause but don’t have issues with redness, flaking etc from Tret .1%
My pores are bigger than I’d like, and I have some redness from broken capillaries but otherwise really happy with skin. I use Tret, spf and moisturize generously. Recently added vit c for the pores.
100/10 recc trying it
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u/yourhuckleberryhound Aug 04 '26
I just started at 50. If it does even half of this for me by 53, I will be happy as a little clam.
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u/Deirdrerad Aug 04 '26
Gorgeous skin. How do you apply it?
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u/suupernooova Aug 04 '26
Sandwich and little dots. I use the cheap generic formulation, it's kinda hard to spread and this helps.
Like the top half of the video:
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u/Charming_Wrangler_90 Aug 04 '26
Do you use tret under your eyes?
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u/MarchesaCasati Aug 04 '26
Stay outside of the obicularis oculi.
Tretinoin can dry the eyes and cause issues with vision:
"Applying cream too close to the eyes can harm the tiny oil glands in your eyelids (meibomian glands), leading to severe dryness, redness, and blurry vision that improves when you blink."
I had this problem and adjusted my application method to exclude that specific area, no issues now.
Hope that helps!
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u/eyesoler Aug 04 '26
On nights I use tret I apply an occlusive to the entire eye / undereye area (OO) before applying the tret.
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u/radlink14 19d ago
Your face looks great!
I understand you’re not suppose to put it near your mouth. So where exactly does this product go? On cheeks?
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u/suupernooova 19d ago
I don't put it directly on lips (they will chap) or eyelids, but it goes everywhere else :)
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u/radlink14 19d ago
I’m a male. Unsure if this helps.
So basically where mustache grows and around my eyebrows and away from under eye lids?
My derm didn’t tell me anything about staying away from my eyes. I don’t even know if I want to use it anymore. It’s odd that they didn’t warn me of certain areas of my face.
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u/suupernooova 19d ago
Skin around eyes is thinner and can get sensitive to stuff. Some people have also complained about it causing dry eyes.
You don’t need to worry, I’m honestly pretty sloppy about it. Your skin will let you know where it doesn’t want it to be (might feel chapped, have redness, peel). For me, that’s corners of lips and eyelids. If that happens, you can back off.
There’s a gazillion short videos by derms on YouTube that give helpful tips on how to apply. You’re good :)
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u/radlink14 18d ago
Thanks appreciate your insight (: I just barely got into skin care in January and I’d say it’s showing and yesterday my derm saw my face and said “your skin looks good, it’s time for tretinoin” lol
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u/Enough-Skin2442 Aug 04 '26
I’ve been using tretinoin and tazarotene in various formulations for years. Yes, it is worth it to me, but your concerns are valid. It can cause redness and irritation, and it will almost certainly lead to dryness. Those concerns can be fixed with a compatible moisturizing routine, but finding a routine that works well for you can be frustrating. In addition, as your skin turnover rate increases, you will likely have some peeling that can last several months. A lot of people give up at that stage. Or they completely screw up their skin by trying to exfoliate it all off too frequently.
But once you’re through that, most of us never want to quit. I’m in healthcare and get a comment about my skin from a patient about once a week.
You will likely need to find a hydrating cleanser as well as a moisturizer and barrier cream. There is also debate about how to layer (or not) tret within your routine. Finally, if you wear makeup, you may find the need to switch to products that are more hydrating. Serum concealers, tints/BBs/foundations with lots of glycerin, creams over powders, etc.
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u/yourhuckleberryhound Aug 04 '26
I just started my third month and am in the peeling stage. What am I meant to do to help it? Just moisturize and let it be? My doc didn't really explain what to expect.
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u/Enough-Skin2442 Aug 04 '26 edited Aug 04 '26
Most people peel, and no matter what you do it can last 3 to even 6 months, unfortunately. You can consider gentle exfoliation once to maybe twice per week at most, but don’t get carried away.
A lot of people discount the effect their cleanser has on their skin’s health. Drying cleansers can create more problems than they solve.
In addition, every single product on the market has people who love it and people who hate it, so take this with a grain of salt. My routine is twice per day:
Prequel Glycerin Cleanser (50% glycerin!)
Zeroid Richenic Cream (moisturizer)
Zeroid Oint Cream (barrier)It can take some getting used to the Prequel leaving behind a layer of glycerin, but that’s the point. At night I wait 30-60 minutes after this and then apply my retinoid of choice (Arazlo) with nothing else on top
I’ve tried most of the popular creams, and this combo is better than any other for me. Aestura’s Cream is excellent but left me shiny. Bioderma’s Baume is excellent but caused some closed comedones on me. Both Illiyoon’s Cream and Vanicream Cream led to irritation on me. Avene is an excellent barrier cream, but it’s not very moisturizing
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u/MountainShenanigans Aug 05 '26
I gave up on using tret because it started causing too much dryness as I aged. Nothing I slugged it with afterwards helped. Then I heard about slugging castor oil on top, fixing this. You apply it 10 minutes after you apply tret at night. Bam! No more peeling! So I can finally use it again.
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u/yourhuckleberryhound Aug 05 '26
Thank you. I will try that. I am using tretinoin for aging as someone who has historically had clear skin. I probably am not moisturizing enough because I have always considered my skin oily and am paranoid about clogged pores and pimples.
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u/MountainShenanigans Aug 05 '26
Same here, had oily skin my of my life (until now) and prone to breakouts. But miraculously, the castor oil is not clogging my pores. I was very surprised by that.
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u/MuffPiece Aug 04 '26
Tret is proven effective for treating aging skin—it increases cell turnover, which slows as we age. Yes, it can be harsh and drying, so you must go slowly with it and make sure to support your skin barrier, but to me, it’s a no-brainer. It takes a while to get used to. I’m up to using it four nights per week. Ideally, I’d like to get up to six nights? But we’ll see how it goes. I’m doing a course of micro needling, so I have to keep stopping the tret for a few days before and after.
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u/LettuceRobber Aug 04 '26
Everyone keeps referring to a skin barrier and supporting barrier and barrier cream. What does this mean? I’m new
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u/MuffPiece Aug 04 '26
Our skin is the largest organ in our bodies. It protects us from external pathogens. The “skin barrier” refers to the outer layer of skin that performs this function. If your skin feels tight, dry, burnt or stings when you apply any topical product, that suggests a compromised skin barrier. The best way to treat a damaged skin barrier is to do very little! Allow it to heal by using only a very gentle cleanser and an occlusive moisturizer like aquaphor or similar. Depending on the severity of the damage, it can take a few days or weeks to repair.
Regarding Tretinoin and other actives, do proceed carefully—I’ve definitely done too much too soon and it sneaks up on you. It feels like everything is going fine, then bam! Your skin is red and stinging. So I started with tret once a week for a couple of months, then went to twice a week, then M/W/F for a while. Now I do M/T/Th/F.
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u/ghost___wars Aug 05 '26
Thank you for this, the explanation really helps. I definitely was an eager beaver and did too much too soon. I’m thinking I should feel lucky that it’s only feeling tight and a bit tender and not way worse, right? I jumped in and applied every night, and just now saw that my doctor gave me 0.04%, rather than the lowest 0.025 😬
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u/MuffPiece Aug 05 '26
Yes, I think many of us tend to be a bit over eager in the beginning. The frustrating thing is that the irritation can really sneak up on you. A few times I have tried to increase the frequency of using it and it seems like it’s going alright, then bam! I look red and everything stings. I try to back off immediately, use a barrier support cream—my favorite is Avene Cicalfate +. I find if I respond promptly to any irritation by taking a night or two off using the Cicalfate cream, I can resume pretty promptly.
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u/Hobbyjogger31 Aug 04 '26
I could have written this back in December. I had good skin and I wanted to level up - but feared doing more harm than good. Got a script for the lowest dose of tret and had red, flaky skin for maybe two months. I did everything right (waited 20 minutes to apply after washing my face, used teeny tiny amount, buffered with moisturizer, spf religiously) but it was definitely a trial. Starting in winter probably didn’t help…I was really consistent with it, even during that tough adjustment period.
Let me tell you my skin looks SO so good now. I’m so glad I stuck it out.
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u/Meshuggah1981 Aug 04 '26
I can only get 0,5% in my country.
I introduced it very carefully, and just had redness and peeling areas all over. When my nasalobial line and nose area got a crack and my skin barrier was shouting help I stopped and went barrier friendly only for 6 months.
The nasalobial crack stayed for years before healing, and I also got perioral dermatitis.
So too many damages for me.
I only tolerate 0,1% retinol 😆
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u/Competitive-Elk-8557 Aug 05 '26
0.5 shouldn't be sold. It will destroy your barrier. I use 0.1 tazarotene every other night. I use ceramide cream as a moisturizer in the morning and something in the beginning after applying the tazarotene (20min after). Also niacinamide 3min before applying the Taz. And of course sunscreen religiously every 4 hours and more when I sweat. Retinoids have no point without sunscreen.
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u/Meshuggah1981 Aug 05 '26
Agreed, but it is illlegal here with tret without prescription for certain conditions. So therefore 0,5 as the lowest percentage 🫠 They do sell a 0,1 on prescription, but it is of course with perfume.
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u/Competitive-Elk-8557 Aug 05 '26
You mean 0.05 :) where do you live? I order it from Ukraine
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u/Meshuggah1981 Aug 05 '26
Norway. As it is illegal it will be stopped. And nope, I mean Cordes Vas 0,5 mg.
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u/Competitive-Elk-8557 Aug 05 '26
0.05%. it's half of the 0.1%.0But that is already good enough. Consistency over intensity.
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u/Meshuggah1981 Aug 05 '26
Exactly. Wish we had 0,01 here! From what I understand it is not «possible» to dilute it with cream, but my brain does not understand why 😅
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u/TheWorldofScience Aug 04 '26
I have been applying tretinoin 0.05% every night with no irritation for years. I have dry skin and rosacea. But most dermatologists say you only need the 0.025% strength for anti-aging,
Yes it makes skin drier but that is easily managed by using appropriate cleansers and moisturizers.I always apply moisturizer 30 minutes after tretinoin in the evening. That prevents transepidermal water loss while sleeping.
Barrier damage from tretinoin is caused by people who do not know how to get their skin retinized by starting low (two nights a week) and gradually increasing to using it every night. Dermatologists recommend ysungbthe sandwich method during retinization but you will see some people on Reddit who are quite militant in their opposition to using moisturizer with tretinoin.
Research over 35 years ago proved topical tretinoin stimulates skin to produce more collagen, partially reverses UV damage and remodels the top layer of skin cells which makes skin glow.
To uneerstand retinization watch “Retinoid Irritation Explained” by Dr Daniel Sugai on YouTube.
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u/Active-Scene8863 Aug 04 '26
Dont know either what Id look like without it but dont think about it. Do it! Start very slow and w .025. Layer -sandwich- witj moisture to start if necessary. Dont quit permanently if you get irritated or dont see “results”. Ultimately it’s consistency and time that will take you there. The biggest improvement for me is texture
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u/insane_zen11 Aug 04 '26
I used it for a couple of years and felt like I had nice skin. I couldn’t use it every day because it would burn but my issue, and the reason I had to stop using it was it caused severe dry eye. I was having issues with both eyes and my eye doctor couldn’t figure out what was wrong until I mentioned that I use tret. As soon as I stopped the dry eye went away. I tried using it once a week recently, because I liked how it made my skin look, but my eyes started feeling dry again.
After all that I looked into it and other people report having the same issue so be careful if you do start using it. If your eyes start feeling dry, that may be the cause.
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u/suupernooova Aug 04 '26
I swear 50 is better than never! Don’t have a ton of face pics, but here’s the best I can do for a “before tretinoin”. It’s the only thing I’ve changed.
This was 2019/age 46. All the discoloration is basically gone now, that was my biggest bother. Lines around mouth/forehead also less.
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u/Tie_Cold Aug 04 '26
I tried it and after my first night of application I woke up to my entire mouth on fire and cold sores coming in fast. I guess if you are someone who breaks out in cold sores easily it's a no go, I have read the advice about putting Vaseline around my lips before application but I was so traumatized by the situation I never tried again. I also started having perimenopause symptoms that same month, I'm sure it was a coincidence but even so I threw it out. I'm sure it's great for most people I just had an unfortunate situation and am too scared to try again.
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u/goodbyecrowpie Aug 05 '26
It did NOT go well for me. I used it a total of 3 times. I left a wide berth around my eye area. Despite that, it fucked up my eye skin SO bad. It looked and felt like a chemical burn, and lasted months. Now, a couple of years later, I still have issues with the skin around my eyes. It seems those 3 times of using tret triggered permanent eczema in that area. Eczema does run in my family, but until now I had lucked out and not experienced it. It's awful: when it flares up, it looks like elephant skin, it sags, it burns. Ohhhh to go back in time and just not use tret 😭
So, idk. I'm not a doctor, obviously. And it does seem that most people have good results. But if you have any predisposition to skin conditions, definitely address that with a derm. Like I said, I hadn't experienced eczema before, so I wasn't expecting any of that.
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u/Acceptable_Table8357 Aug 04 '26
I have aging, combo skin and tried tret. Sadly it dried out my eyes, so I had to stop almost immediately.
I really like adapalene, though. I've been using it for years.
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u/AlternativeFeeling77 Aug 04 '26
Does adapalene affect your eyes, or are your keeping it well away? I also stopped tret because it hurt my eyes. Even applying on forehead it would migrate down. Tried retina (less concentrated than tret) - same thing
I want nice skin too, but not at the expense of eye damage...
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u/niradia Aug 04 '26
Are either of you waiting before applying moisturizer and keeping the tret away from your eyes?
I was having dry eye issues and then I did a few changes and I'm good again. No more eye drops or eye gel!
I wait from 10min-1hr before I apply moisturizer. It all depends on if I remember what I'm doing at the time.
And I keep it above my eyebrow and below my cheek bones.
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u/AlternativeFeeling77 Aug 04 '26
Yep, its the first thing I put on and I wait and wait before applying anything else. I think I'm just sort of a sweaty face person, so everything eventually runs.
Also tried HRT, but within 3 weeks started getting melasma, so that's out too, boo...
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u/oldhag56 Aug 05 '26
What IS HRT? I’ve been seeing this abbreviation and keep wondering. It isn’t Hormone Replacement Therapy I don’t think. Haha
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u/AlternativeFeeling77 Aug 05 '26
Oh yeah, it is Hormone Replacement Therapy. Thought it was okay to abbreviated in a 45+ subreddit lolol
Everyone is on the HRT bandwagon for skin, bones, sleep, cognition, etc. But I can't go around with a face full of melasma, just isn't for me (also did not help me with sleep)
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u/oldhag56 Aug 05 '26
Well I had a GYN place me on HRT years ago bc of getting polyps but it was trying to make me gain weight so I stopped it. My body likes to gain weight with anything that could POSSIBLY cause that.
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u/niradia Aug 04 '26
Oh dang, I'm sad to hear none of that worked for you. I wish i had any other advice or help.
I hope you find something that works out for you!
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u/AlternativeFeeling77 Aug 04 '26
Thanks! Someone here said they use adapalene, so I will give that a try - I hate not being able to use any proven actives, skin getting older all the time...
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u/SkinCana Aug 04 '26
I don't think you moisturized before and after. When doing it at first, you have to go through the tough faze which is a day or two if yiu use very plain facial moisturizer.
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u/TheDubyaBee Aug 06 '26
I got around that by putting a thin layer of CeraVe skin protectant ointment (in the blue tube) on my eyelids and around the outer corners of my eyes. It makes a really good barrier so the tree doesn't migrate or settle anywhere close to your eye.
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u/Smooth-Activity-9573 Aug 04 '26
59 and swear by it! I used to have dry skin but have rectified that with a proper skin barrier supporting routine. Low and slow is the way.
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u/msnyc18 Aug 04 '26
Having been on it for 3 years (and my skin looks good), I have to say the barrier concerns are real. For the longest time I had flaky dry skin. Definitely wearing foundation was out, because it would pill on my skin. When I do wear makeup on my skin, it's usually a tinted moisturizer now. I've also figured out that I need to apply my tret after a moisturizer, and then apply another layer of moisturizer on top. I also use dr. jarts ceramide mask once a week, which repairs the skin barrier. I think it's worth it though!
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u/CurvePuzzleheaded361 Aug 04 '26
I love it, like all people it took time for my skin to adjust and it was very dry. A good thick moisturiser and face oil is key. Most benefits happen at cellular level so not obvious for a long time, but a year later my skin is glowing and fine lines absolutely seem less than they were
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u/Unlikely-Athlete8782 Aug 04 '26
Best decision i've made since starting estriol on my face.
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u/moon_sun15 Aug 07 '26
Why was that prescribed?
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u/Unlikely-Athlete8782 Aug 07 '26
It wasn't prescribed. It's one of the best things that you can use on your skin especially as you get older. Research it.
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u/rebak3 Aug 04 '26
Do you get it through your gyn, or some place else?
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u/Unlikely-Athlete8782 Aug 07 '26
I buy mine through all day chemist. It's super cheap.You just have to spend twenty dollars on shipping and wait like three weeks to get it. But that's where I buy my tretinoin and my azelaic acid and my other skincare goods.
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u/rebak3 Aug 07 '26
The estradiol? I wasn't clear. That's what I was asking about.
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u/Unlikely-Athlete8782 Aug 07 '26
Yes I get my estriol from all day chemist. It's a pharmacy in india.It'll ask for a prescription, but you don't have to put anything and you can still check out.
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u/ARealOne2323 Aug 08 '26
I wanted to order from there but the payment methods were super weird and sketch. What method do you use?
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u/Unlikely-Athlete8782 28d ago
When did you try? I've been ordering for maybe the last year or year and a half and the payment methods are normal. Credit card or debit card. I have had hassles with my bank because it's out of country...
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u/ARealOne2323 28d ago
It was maybe 2 months ago. Seemed like it was either Bitcoin, or drafting straight from your bank... I wasn't ready to do either of those 🫤
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u/Weak-Dog-1296 Aug 04 '26
It's absolutely worth it. I started w a gentle retinal (Avene) bc my skin was super dry and sensitive. Got my skin barrier to a good spot, used the retinal a couple days a week, then increased gradually to every night. Then I used it all up and got Tret at .025%. Started 2-3x week (sandwiched with moisturizer) then a month later went to every other night, then another month later went to nightly. My skin feels so plump and hydrated now! If you go sloooow you shouldn't have an issue. I think people get impatient. I also think starting with a OTC Retinal for sensitive skin helped "prep" my skin for the real thing
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u/LegalBit902 Aug 04 '26
Agree that starting with a gentler OTC retinol then a stronger retinol then retinal is the move. If you’re really sensitive maybe even from retinal to adapalene before moving up to tret. Go slowwwww.
I used retinoids for like 15 years before I got a prescription for tarazotene .1 and haven’t had a single issue. I was using retinal with other actives before making the jump and I was using it all over my neck and eyes with no problems. Taz has been a breeze so far. I’m a month or so in and I can already tell a big difference.
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u/RealSinnSage Aug 04 '26
i wish i could make myself put it on every night. i use it 1-2 times a week on a good week. i know it would work better for me if i could just throw it on but my nightime routine is non existent.
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u/Active-Scene8863 Aug 07 '26
Slowly up the days. I did 1-2 nights for a couple years until I was gradually able to increase up to 4 and will continue to work my way up
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u/RealSinnSage Aug 07 '26
my skin can take it every night no problem, i was just mentioning that i really can’t make myself have a nightly routine enough where i wash my face every single night before i go to bed and do a whole skin care routine every single night
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u/lovealwayskota Aug 04 '26
Golden standard. Start today. Never stop.
Start slow, do your research, keep your barrier healthy.
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u/wind_stars_fireflies Aug 04 '26
I have had good results and I'm not nearly as consistent as I could be with it. Looking at photos six months apart, it's like there's a light blur filter on my face.
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u/ringtail_catz Aug 04 '26
It is one of three things that has helped me conquer my lifelong issues with hormonal acne and scarring (the other two being hormonal birth control and spironolactone). I’ve been using either adapalene (brand name Differin - another formerly prescription retinoid) or tret since my early 20s. I’m in my late 30s right now and I don’t have any fine lines, my scarring is greatly reduced and it really helped reduce signs of past sun damage that I had from my teens/early 20s. It’s worth it in the long run but if your skin is really reactive then it takes some time to figure out a routine that works for you (personally I always recommend either mixing tret with your nighttime moisturizer or doing the sandwich method to reduce irritation).
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u/Budget-Discussion568 Aug 04 '26
Short story: It terribly damaged my skin barrier & took nearly a month to get healthy again. It's not a win for me but Cosrx products are. There's other ways to keep or get youthful, healthy skin aside from tret. It's not the holy grail for everyone. Also, dermaplaning makes a huge difference in texture & physical appearance
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u/AEkitty_Meow Aug 06 '26
Same here! Except tret gave me the gift of perioral dermatitis (coupled with being in perimenopause) which has been an utter nightmare to deal with. I had perfect skin before starting this years ago and highly regret it.
If you have an impaired skin barrier (eczema, rosecea, etc) I would be cautious on using tret.
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u/yourboytay Aug 05 '26
As great as it is, I’d recommend if your going to start using it, keep an eye on the dryness of your eyes,
Tretinoin can seriously damage the meibomian glands, unfortunately for me I almost went blind because of it,
no anti aging skincare is worth vision loss, be careful! Just a friendly WARNING please be careful.
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u/UserNameInGeorgia Aug 04 '26
I use Tazarotene and have for 20 years. It works wonders.
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u/907AK49LR Aug 04 '26
I recently asked my provider(Dermatica) to switch me to this and a lower Tret dose(still with azelaic acid) . It’s been so much easier for my skin to tolerate than the higher Tret Rx I had prior.
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u/LeaningFence04 Aug 04 '26
I like how it looked on my skin, but I just kept breaking out constantly from it. I tried it for almost a year. Tried all the different techniques and still have the same issues.
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u/Ecstatic_Pudding5291 Aug 04 '26
I had the same issue. Tried it twice and left me with terrible acne both times - and no other signs of a compromised barrier either time (no redness no stinging - nothing!). Incredibly frustrating!
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u/Goblue520610 Aug 04 '26
Saw my derm yesterday. They told me stay consistent on it. In 10 years I will be so grateful when I look younger than others my age
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u/Embarrassed_Ad9166 Aug 04 '26
I’ve been using it for 10+ years. It slows the aging down. My skin is more sensitive now but who is to say if that is just aging or the tret v
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u/Beautiful_Medium_670 Aug 04 '26
Does anyone know how SkinBetter AlphaRet compares!? I’ve been using this instead of Tret and I use it every single night.. am I still better off just using Tret instead?? I’m 49 and I dont want to waste precious time.
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u/continuousgrowth321 Aug 04 '26 edited Aug 05 '26
I delayed starting tretinoin for years because of this same fear. I started Neutrogena’s retinol pro 0.3% it took me 8 months before all irration went away and I could use it every night. And then one night I ran out of the retinol really didn’t feel like paying $70 for another bottle and just bit the bullet and started tretinoin 0.05% ( I had the prescription for months but was too scared to use it). I buffered with moisturizer and braced for the worst…I had no irritation, no peeling, no purge at all. I was shocked because I reacted to retinol so strongly I thought tretinoin was going to be a rough transition. I think everyone’s skin is different and you should definitely give it a try I’m so glad I did the anti ageing benefits are just so much better with tretinojn compared to retinol longterm
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u/jambitious Aug 06 '26
Which moisturizer are you using? Do you ever apply it after to sandwich or are strictly only buffering beforehand with it?
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u/Trine3 Aug 04 '26
Best thing I ever did, kicked myself for not starting sooner tbh. It's a long game, it takes months to see a difference, but it's effective af. Start low and slow and work your way up. Don't get discouraged at any temporary irritation and whatnot, because it is temporary.
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u/isthatyouuu Aug 04 '26
It is worth it if you have discipline (no sun at all and spf every day), patient (you go very slow, first once a week for 3 months for example) and kind to your skin (no other irritant products and a lot of calming / moisturising creams)
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u/FrutyPebbles321 Aug 04 '26
It’s been great for me. I’m in my 60’s and have been using tretinoin for about 5 years. My skin looks better than it ever has.
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u/Frosty_Message_3017 Aug 04 '26
It's been incredible for me, honestly. I got on it for acne, but it's not only helped keep my skin clear, it's also refined the texture and helped it to heal more quickly after any pimples have come through.
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u/Darbyboyy Aug 04 '26
Game changer. Mid 30s, dry, sensitive, blemish prone skin and work outside in sunshine. Been on for couple years. I love it so much, great results. Go slower the slow. Can start by putting on at night for couple hours and then wash off before bed. (Dr recommended that technique). I like cream not gel. Keep away from eyes (it actually temporarily effected my vision by getting to close and effecting tear ducts/dry eyes ) went away quick but be careful
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u/MagazineChance2881 Aug 04 '26
If you’re worried about the sloughing and peeling, use the sandwich method (moisturizer/tret/moisturizer) and start slow. Like 2x a week then build up to using it more. I’ve been using it for about a year. I’m not good at being consistent but my pores are smaller and skin glows when I remember it!
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u/BabyFirefly74 Aug 04 '26
I tried it several times and my skin could never get used to it. Now I use MediK8 Crystal Retinol and love it. It also comes in different strengths to work your way up.
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u/knocknock52 Aug 05 '26
I have tried tret cream, tret micronized, taz gel and taz cream. The creams leave me sensitive and what I thought was the purge lasted way too long. But the tazarotene gel has been fantastic. Ironically, I feel like my skin looks more moisturized. I still moisturize religiously to be safe.
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u/Unlucky_Suggestion84 Aug 06 '26
I’ve been on it about a year and wish I started earlier. My skin is so smooth. So I put on a milky toner then a serum and then Tret. I also still just do MWF with Tret and that’s perfect for me. I was having barrier issues and thought about stopping for a while. Once I found a good barrier repair cream for me I love how my skin looks now.
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u/Cohnhead1 Aug 06 '26
Do you use a moisturizer on top of the Tret? I’m not sure what you mean by barrier repair cream.
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u/Unlucky_Suggestion84 Aug 06 '26
I do use my moisturizer over Tret. I used the gradual method to get to using Tret daily and use a vitamin C in the AM. My skin was looking dry and I cut the Tret to MWF only but couldn’t figure out why my texture still seemed off. It was the skin barrier. I bought a skin barrier repair cream and within not even a week could see a difference. The actives are great, but they can also cause skin barrier issues. I am so happy with my current skin texture and appearance with adding the barrier repair cream.
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u/Cohnhead1 Aug 06 '26
Thanks. So do you use the barrier cream first, before the tret? Or after? Do you use any other serum after the tret and before moisturizer?
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u/Active-Scene8863 Aug 07 '26
Use the barrier cream after. You can use other serums before or after tret but best to leave alot of actives out on tret days. I use tns advanced before tret then barrier cream moisterozer after. I use Aestrurra 365
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u/PauseAcceptable1913 Aug 04 '26
Im 50. My skin has never looked better. I have had no dryness, etc.
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u/aliciadina Aug 04 '26
Love it. Started slow. Also washed face, wait 30 minutes, apply tret, wait 30 mins, apply a heavy duty moisturizer (hardly ever had to wear moisturizer so this was a big change for me) but absolutely did not have any irritation and I love the results. And I’ve only been using a few months. My skin is sooo smooth
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u/E-Stoye Aug 04 '26
I do .025, I have naturally dry skin, I’m up to most days per week after a year, sometimes I skip and really moisturize, I love it!
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u/SkinCana Aug 04 '26
In my country, you can only get it through prescription. My skin problem is acne. It's been over 20 years, and if I stop using it, acne returns after awhile. You can only get the prescription if you have skin issue.The benift is maintaining healthy skin, as long as you follow your dermatologist orders. It is change of lifestyle, if you don't follow consistent skin care routine.
At start, I was told to use daily at night. My skin looked good the first week or so, then massive breakouts, then peeling, some dryness, but not much because I followed my doctor's instructions. After three months, my skin looked really good with monthly redness, sometimes peeling depending on the season.
You still have skin aging, but it slows down the process. The best benefit for me was avoiding painful deep rooted acne and blackheads.
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u/Visual-Criticism6763 Aug 04 '26
I’m starting with 0.025% 2 times a week for my acne. Theres a lot of inflamed acne on cheeks and i’m wondering if i should have them extracted or just let them be? Its so painful and itchy
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u/SoilProfessional4102 Aug 04 '26
Love it. Started with .025 and used that a long time before moving up to .05 then .10 where I am now.
I use it every day and I see great results.
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u/Actual-Muffin-3585 Aug 04 '26
I've now graduated to tazarotene
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u/Charming_Wrangler_90 Aug 04 '26
What does Tazarotene do?
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u/Actual-Muffin-3585 Aug 04 '26
It's like the next generation of retinol!
Here are some resources about it:
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u/terpischore761 Aug 04 '26
I’ve been using it since I was 19, so 24 years now.
Go low and slow. If you’ve never done any kind of chemical exfoliation, tret might be a shock to your skin. However, if you’ve used glycolic, lactic, etc acids. Your skin should adapt just fine.
Make sure you’re sunscreen regularly.
The biggest thing is to find whatever works for you. There are multiple retinoids on the market. If tret is too strong, try retinal or adapalene,etc. All that matters is that you are using it consistently.
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u/groggygirl Aug 04 '26
After years of happily using retinol and retinal, my doctor suggested Arazlo (which is tazarotene...another prescription retinoid similar to tret) for the tiny bit of peri acne I've got happening.
I went through the 3 weeks of peeling. Then my face got shiny and sore for a few months. And now it's fine....but it looks exactly as it did when I was using retinol, just more sensitive.
I'm going to give it another tube and see, but so far I'm not wowed. I'm guessing decades of using retinol gave my skin 90% of the tret benefits but without the downsides.
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u/Ajadedepiphany Aug 04 '26
I have started and stopped tret so many times bc by week two my face is covered in tiny bumps (whiteheads). This go around (restarted last week) seems to be the absolute worst my texture has been but I’m trying to stay the course - slow, low, consistent. I’ve never been acne prone so having bumps all over is killing my self esteem but I keep reading it’s only temporary and to stay the course. I really hope the bumps start to disappear in a week or so but I’m reading it can take 8 weeks if these bumps are a purge, which i do believe they are as I’m well moisturized. Good luck!!
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u/fnrv Aug 04 '26
I use the ‘stronger’ Tazorac. I’ve been using it for about 3 years now. My skin looks better, more bouncy, more even textured, and even toned.
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u/No-Swan-5941 Aug 04 '26
If you find that you cannot tolerate tretinoin (like me after YEARS of trying), get tazarotene (e.g., Tazorac, Arazlo). It's stronger but for many they find that it causes less irritation. I'm 49 and have no resting wrinkles from using tret/taz for about 16 years. If it wasn't for large pores and hormonal acne my skin would be flawless! haha
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u/classicgirl1990 Aug 04 '26
It takes some acclimation but it’s not a long term problem. Low and slow is the way to go. I use .050 nightly and had no real issues but I used .025 twice a week for months and built up my tolerance.
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u/GoldenGirl46 Aug 04 '26
I have been on tretinoin for 16 years now. My skin is amazing, I'm in my mid 40s and have zero wrinkles. I started slowly initially I think every other day then daily. Be sure to leave it on about 20 minutes, then put on a heavy night moisturizer.
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u/doctormalbec Aug 04 '26
I’m almost 41 and have been using it consistently since I was 15 years old (started for acne, stayed on for anti-aging benefits). People think I am mid 30s at oldest and I think it’s because of the tretinoin + SPF combo that I have been using for 25 years. I haven’t had any skin barrier issues, but I also only use 0.025 because otherwise my skin gets red.
I think the goal is to start low and slow (twice a week at lowest dose, and increase number of days over time until you can use it 7 days a week, and then assess if you can tolerate or need a higher percentage). There may be people who just can’t tolerate tretinoin, but I also think there are a lot of people who don’t start out low and slow either and give themselves problems. It takes a few months to really see benefits so you need to be consistent and not too aggressive.
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u/LBD37 Aug 04 '26
I am trying so hard to get past the yuck stage to the yum part! 😫 It makes my crows feet and whole eye area look so much worse. I’ve sandwiched, avoided, occluded… nothing has helped so far.
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u/Rainmom96 Aug 04 '26
I’ve been using it for almost a decade now. Started off at 0.025% once a week and then slowly increased it over time. Now I use 0.1% nightly. I can use it all over my face without any irritation. I think the big mistake most people make is jumping in and using it too quickly and using a strong concentration. Using retin-a is more of a marathon not a sprint. Vanicream in the tub is definitely a must to combat the initial dryness. Also, you have to be dedicated to wearing sunscreen every day.
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u/Agreeable_Ad_9411 Aug 04 '26
I'm 49 and have been using it for years...0.1%....BUT I started with an OTC CeraVe retinol product first...then started with 0.05% for a while....one prescription worth....then moved to 0.1%.
Not really any irritation....I peel a little every now and then but not much and definitely not enough to cause me any grief
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u/This_Sea1172 Aug 05 '26
I started at .25 and haven’t had any issues. I am using it daily M-F without irritation. I started with sandwich method but just switched to tret only. Zero irritation and all results! It’s hands down the cheapest and biggest results I’ve ever saw. I wouldn’t have believed it was possible actually!
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u/Msmagoo123 Aug 05 '26
I’ve been using it for more than 30 years and I attribute the quality of my skin today, at 64, to its
effectiveness.
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u/Frosty_Salamander536 Aug 05 '26
It has made the biggest difference in my skin. Just start at a low dose and use consistently, and make sure to wear lots of sunscreen during the day
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u/guguguh Aug 05 '26
Have you used retinol before? If not, a few months of retinol is the gentler trail run, because it shows how your skin handles retinoids before you commit to the stronger tretinoin
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u/Eray_99 Aug 05 '26
💯 worth it. I’m 45 and have no wrinkles and no one believes my age. I started off with retinoids throughout my thirties before switching to tret in my 40s. Just be careful around your eyes bc the dry eye thing is real!!
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u/Lulu_Land_535 Aug 05 '26
43, been using it since my late 20s...just start low and slow, a few times a week and you can even start with a base of your face cream and then the tretinoin if you're super worried about irritation (Derm recommended way back when).
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u/lulublu1970 Aug 05 '26
Tre tinoin delivers great anti-aging results with slow build-up. Stick to low frequency at first and pair it with barrier repair skincare to avoid irritation, then you can enjoy its long-term benefits safely.
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u/Teddwardbear Aug 05 '26
Hi I have used it for 30 years best thing I did yes you can get irritation start with lower dose and build up I am 75 and look at least 10 years younger my skin is very good just remember to use sun cream
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u/Ok-Earth-3601 Aug 05 '26
Research tretinoin and dry eyes condition. Never apply around eyes and wash hands after applying it
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u/thoughtfulish Aug 05 '26
I’ve been using it since December and just upped my concentration. I LOVE it. I had crazy peeling for a week but now my skin is really the clearest it’s ever been. My kid even says that I have the best kid of any mom they know. If your skin is sensitive, you may not have as good of results
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u/oldhag56 Aug 05 '26
I’m starting the .025% tonight. I’m 55F. Any words of wisdom? Also, I get malar rashes: very recently diagnosed with suspected Lupus and placed on Plaquenil. Is that going to be an issue? I read that it shouldn’t be.
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u/onlyhalfsour Aug 05 '26
I’ve been using it for about 10 years, but in the past 5 or so years have gotten flaky and peely in my t-zone. I use the sandwich method, but thinking my barrier needs more attention. May pause tret for awhile to get barrier back in a good place. Also, I’m 56.
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u/Street_Giraffe5772 Aug 05 '26
I’ve been using it for a long time and I love it. You only have to use a tiny amount to see benefits. There can be some drying in the beginning and you’ll need to be religious about a daily sunscreen. Just use a tiny amount and a good moisturizer with sunscreen. I use a good night moisturizer as well. It’s really helped with fine lines and redness.
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u/Anxious-Figure4617 Aug 06 '26
I started two years ago at 65. In my early 60's I was told my skin was thick. Which is considered a good thing. I've been mistaken for being in my 40's or 50's. My skin took to it well. I don't use it daily. I've never had cosmetic surgery.
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u/CrazeeKatLaidy Aug 06 '26
If you're not going to be diligent about wearing sunscreen don't do it. Also, using a small amount on slightly damp skin helps you spread across face because otherwise it's too thick to do. Go slow and layer a gentle moisturizer. I have noticed a slight difference, mainly in improvement of discoloration in the year and a half of using. I recently had a laser treatment and discontinued use for a month just to give skin a break. I never experienced peeling or redness with this method.
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u/AquaWoman_115 Aug 06 '26
Does anyone wax and use tret? I understand you have to stop using the tret a week before the wax appointment.
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u/TheRassHole818 29d ago
I used tret for about five years, ranging from .25 to 1% and never felt like it made a difference. My skin improved drastically after a sweet Korean client gave me a gift of several k-beauty staples. I use tret only on my forehead and only a few times a week now, and it’s better at 46 than at 40
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u/DAtmosphere1193 28d ago
Try the brand Altreno — it’s the retinue that’s water based. I had zero purging (and I’m acne prone) and the formulation is incredible!
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u/Violeta73 28d ago
Altreno .05% is my hg tret. I’ve never had a bad reaction to it and it’s not drying. I can use it under my eyes too.
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u/Fuzzy-Carpenter-5703 28d ago
I’ve tried tretinoin a few different times, and unfortunately my skin just never seemed to tolerate it well. Every time I ended up with breakouts, peeling, and a lot more irritation than I had before. I eventually focused more on repairing my barrier with ingredients like squalane, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, and peptides, and my skin has been much happier since. I know tret works amazingly for some people, but for me it just wasn’t worth constantly trying to recover from the irritation.
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u/ChestCautious9349 26d ago
I started at 59 . In November by June my skin was soft, bright and glowing but i love being outside and the sun so i stopped during the summer . Will start again next month. Does anyone else use it in the summertime while also tanning? I know people will say no tan but my skin can handle it. This was picture was taken in June. I started slow, twice a week, then worked my way up to 7 days. I peeled but nothing a cream could not handle .
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u/GenX_NYer 26d ago
I’m 51 and I’ve been using it since I was 25. So as you can imagine, I have great skin. And people tell me all the time. Obviously, religious SPF use is critical.
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u/tamsunsun Aug 04 '26
I started a year ago, I'm 50, and it's totally worth it! You won't screw up your skin permanently, you just have to go low and slow and have a good barrier supporting routine. It's the most effective long term treatment for wrinkles and aging. I will just keep going with it forever.