It took me two years to figure out how to use my prescription without my face falling off, I figured it was only fair to pass on that knowledge so others could get results without the side effects. What were your experiences?

Great video!! I started my Tretinoin journey about 8 months ago at the age of 39 and it has been quite a ride but well worth it. When I first started I was using Tretinoin every third night and I would buffer it where I would cleanse my face, apply niacinamide, apply moisturizer and wait about half an hour or so. Then I would go and apply my Tretinoin and wait another 20min to half an hour and then I would apply the moisturizer again on top of Tretinoin. Also, right before I went to bed I would put some Aquaphor on my face just to seal everything in. I did that for about a month then I went to using it every other night and now I don’t have to wait all that time in between I can just apply niacinamide, moisturizer then Tretinoin. I would only wait a bit to put another layer over the Tretinoin as I want to give it some time to kind of sink in. I also tried using it on bare skin without anything and I was fine compared to how bad I was peeling at the beginning. The only thing that I notice is some faint redness the morning after the Tretinoin around my mouth but it goes away within an hour or so. I also want to mention that throughout my entire journey I kept using my vitamin C and peptides. I hope that this helps someone but honestly if you stick it out and put up with some horrible peeling and irritation like I have it will be so worth it. With that being said, you don’t have to go through all the peeling or irritation if you do what I have been doing because at the very beginning I went straight to using it once every other day without buffer just straight on dry skin and it took me some time to find out what works as I had to do a lot of research and digging around but overall give it a try and I hope it works for you.

Hey Dr Anne! Really wanted to thank you! It’s been almost a month using tretinoin and by following your great advices I have NO irritation so far! I’ve been using it twice a week (one day tretinoin and three days moisturizer). The third day after I have mild peeling, but that’s it! I had seen lots of videos on tips, but maybe because of the way you talk (very calming), you were the one who gave me courage to finally try tretinoin. Thank you so much! 🌷🥰

Your tips are the questions that a patient ask to her derm. Sadly, my derm just prescribed me the tretinoin and she did not gave me any tips like this. I am thankful that I found you here in youtube Dr. Anne. If I just live near you, you will be my doctor. More blessings to you and your loved ones❤

Thank you! I’m 34 years old and was using 0.025 Tretinoin mainly for acne but gave up after 2 months. The purging was horrible! Because of this video I realized I was doing many things wrong. I’ve been using 1% retinol with no irritation but no change in acne. I’m scared but your videos have encouraged me to try again. Love your videos wish me luck!

Excellent information, thank you for being so thorough.

Can i alternate cerave resurfacing retinol serum (which is a light retinol serum) most of the days and 0.25 tretinoin cream 2/3 days a week?

Wow! This video was incredibly helpful, thank you!

Thank you Doctor Anne.🙏Once more your videos are straight to the point and extremely informative. I am currently on a Tretinoin & HQ cream treatment. First week in and all good so far 🤞🏼I have been using Retinol and Retinoin before from the Ordinary and I had no issues. Let’s hope that my skin is somehow used to stronger ingredients. I know that a basic routine is the key but is hard not to be tempted to use other products than the recommended ones ☺️ Take care!

Very nice information Dr

Thank you Doctor Anne. I listen to this over and over. I was on .06% retin a for 2 months three times/week. I'm red & irritated all around my nose & mouth. I did what you said & after a week I'm doing better. I now have the 0.025% & trying to use twice a week. I use with Cerave PM. Thanks so much for the great advice.

Very informative video. Thank you🤗

❤️❤️Thankyou so much for how informative your videos are. I can relate to you on so many levels. I am a medical student. So happy to have found you. I see you as my skincare guru who is patient enough to answer each n every query.

Thank you for the great video!

Thanks Doc, really like your soothing voice and your gentle way towards Yourself!

Muchas gracias por los subtitulos y por la informacion

Thank you very much ,lovely lady

Very helpful!

I apply it 2 days and wait 2 days and then apply it again for 2 days. Been doing this for 2 weeks and I have no irritation. After the first 2 days of using it my skin was burning when I applied anything. The 2 times every 2 days helps a lot for me and I have no redness or irritation.

Thank you so much for sharing these tips, you've been a great help with this video!

THIS VIDEO IS AMAZING ! GOD BLESS YOU✨🤍 I started adapalane about a week ago and I’m already starting to love my skin! I’m getting a Hydra-Facial in two weeks is that safe for my skin while using adapalane? I hope your channel grows so much you deserve it !

Thank you Doctor Anne--this is very helpful.

Can we use face oil or moisturizer after the vitamin A cream? Thanks

I feel like I don’t experience the redness or irritation using the buffer method 3 x a week with Retin A 0.025 but haven’t noticed any real improvements in 8 months but when I applied the gel directly I felt like the difference in my skin right away but then I had so much irritation. Should I try to increase to the strongest strength and use the buffer form? Thank you 🙏

Hi Dr. Anne. I love your channel. I changed my entire skin care routine with your guidance via your channel. I am using tretinoin 0.5% alone and I am not experiencing any dryness. So do I still need to layer moisturizer after tretinoin? Will adding moisturizer in my case have additional benefits?

Hello Dr Anne, am I allowed to use Retinol as a long term treatment? I saw a video on KZfaq. A woman unses tretinoin since 15 years as a long term treatment against aging. Thanks for all your videos!!

Thank you for nice video tips Dr.Anne My skin can tolerate to 0.05 % tretinoin. My steps are after face wash - nicinamide serum (wait 20mims) - tretinoin cream (wait 1 hours) - moisturizer. I know that medicine should be applied first but i had tried to apply tretinoin cream first and wait an hour then apply serum, it was kind a mess because i get creamy from tretinoin cream that mixed with the serum. It was like harder for serum to be absorbed to the skin. What should i do, Dr. Anne i need your help. please correct me. one more question- Does tretinoin will be degraded by artificial lights, indoor light, if i don't turn off the light and go to bed right after apply tretinoin cream?

Hi Dr Anne, I think using a moisturizer with a colloidal oatmeal also helps minimize irritation from retinoid.

You sound more knowledgeable than most so called dermatologist. Sorry bit I have limited respect for derms because the 19 year old me had to educate them how to eliminate acne without dumb antibiotics. Yes, there are still derms out there that prescribe antibiotics for acne. For wrinkles though its more of a challenge.

hi dr. anne i recently got prescribed 0.05% tretinoin cream for acne and was told to by my dermatologist to use every night. without doing any research on tretinoin, my skin started burning and flaking (purging?) after 3 days of using it every night. i am going to start slowly introducing it into my skin like you recommended! prior to this i was using the inkey list bha serum and a spot treatment every night without irritation. is it okay to still use these products on the nights i don’t use the tretinoin? and since my skin has becoming super dried out (i’m usually oily to combination), is it okay to use a hydrating face mask on nights i don’t use tretinoin? i just found your videos and i love how informative they are and get right to the point!

Can I use 1% clindamycin 5%benzol every other night that I don't use the Tretnion

Hi! I just started using tretinoin and I was wondering if you had any cleanser, moisturizer and SPF to suggest, since my skin is very sensitive and I don’t want to combine things that might make the situation worse. Thanks for the video, you explain things so clearly! 🥰

Hi Dr Anne. I have started tretnoine about 2 months ago. I started once a week and and now twice a week. Never experienced any side effect. I am doing tge sandwich technique (which means I was my face and apply moisturizer, wsit 20 minutes, apply tretnoine, wsit 20 minutes, then apply another layer of cream). My question is when I apply cream before is it minimizing the efficacy and strength and results of the tretnoine?

Thank u for the tips. My face is so red atm I guess it needs time to adapt. Gotta use my make up skills to go to work next days.

Thank you for this video it is very informative. I have hyperpigmentation so is it ok to use tretinoin 0.05% if I am already using The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% & Zinc, and Alpha Arbutin 2% & HA?

I've been using Tactupump/Epiduo (adapalene, benzoyl peroxide) for 7 months. This entire time I've been buffering with moisturizer. I'm still suffering from breakouts. Would you recommend applying the prescription on bare skin instead?

Thankyou Dr ❤️

For how long can i use it for anti-aging ? Can I use it daily after my skin get used to it ?

Hi Dr anne. I bought 2 0.025% strength at home. Haven't used yet scared the irritation so I only used my indeed lab retinol so far so good. But after watching, I am going to use as a short contact therapy as a mask for 30mins. Then wash off. Then after cleansing off, I would use my good molecules niacinamide serum then follow with a hyaluronic acid mix with my gel moisturizer. :) I can't afford to have purging. I can't be disfigure. Never. Hahaha ❤️ thanks for the recommendation though ❤️

Hi Dr Anne... I just recently purchased Retin A 0.05% cream. While using it at night? Should I stop my other routine( I.e. just cleansing and using the Retin A tube cream) I use clean and clear dual action moisturizer which contains some amount salicylic acid can I still go ahead to use the moisturizer the morning after, Hope it won’t irritate my skin?

Dear Dr. Anne, thank you for the well structured video! I have started Tretinoin (Cordes VAS) half a year ago and have been using the smallest amount for every 3rd night. However, I still experience some peeling on the skin and have been debating to use a lower percentage. As I am in Austria and not many option are available here, I was wondering whether 0,3mg/g Tretinoin with 120mg/g urea (Ureotop+VAS) is a good idea? Could you kindly share your thoughts on this? Many thanks!

I saw this and tried these tips the other night and it’s much better. But I use ADAPALENE because I hate what retinoids do to my skin. …but what I did different was I applied adapalene first and then niacinimide then I moisturized with Avene xera calm. Once my skin felt very resistant and strong I later applied pixie glow tonic, some petrolatum moisturizer on top (it’s extremely cold climate so I need much more moisture than usual ) and on top I spot treated with benzol peroxide spot treatment I know it sounds weird but that order helped me a lot !

Hello dr Anne 🙋‍♀️ I am using tretinoin for 8 months now and I am very much comfortable in this now . But my problem is that, I still have oily skin and blackheads and whitehead and my skin is still very oily 🤦🏻‍♀️ what should I do? I apply salicylic acid gel 2% in the mrg . But still my face is full of oil . Plz help

Hey dr Anne :) Can I use the cordes vas tretinoin cream also in the morning?

Hello! I'm curios about something. I very sensitive dry skin, reactive to fragrance and certain ingredients. A few weeks ago I started using The Ordinary Retinol in Squalane 0.2% and Avene's A-oxitive eye cream which contains retinal yet I have minimal dryness and no irritation. I was expecting to get red and dry as I usually do . Do I need a higher percentage or is it working even without the purging/irritation?

I have used 0.05% tretinoin for 20 years. My skin is drier now that I'm older (42) so my derm put me on 0.05% Altreno. I love it b/c much less peeling, but it's not approved for fine lines and wrinkles, only adult acne at this time. Any advice if I should maybe switch to Refissa that is approved for lines and wrinkles? Should the results be the same since they are both 0.05% tretinoin or does the base/vehicle also matter (lotion vs cream)? Thank you for all your amazing education on this topic!

Hi doctor. Thank you so much for the information. I have a question. There are moisturizers with hyaluronic acid in them. Can it be used with tretinoin for moisturization? Will be really glad to get an answer from you. Thank you!

Does anyone have a summary?

Thanks for sharing your advice. I’m struggling with tretinoin. I have been prescribed retin-A 0.025%, it has been 5 months but my purging is still on and on, it didn’t get any better, should I stop using tretinoin, and switching to another opinion. Thanks Dr!!

Hallo Dr. Anne Very informative and nice video. I am planning to start Cordes Vas cream but i can only find 5% strength online. Is that safe for a start?? i live in Germany currently.

I recently clubbed a washoff formulation of salicylic acid 1% AHA2% along with adapalene 0.1% and I have noticed shiny patches of skin on my forehead. What is it? Burnt skin?

Why does my face is darker while using tret, like a tan dark with red shade. I am using my spf always

Dr Anne, how often do you use Tretinoin. Thank you.

How many times a week should tretinoin be used also what Mosituriser with be good with it

I have acne/oily skin and perioral dermatitis. My derm recommended tretinoin but I'm terrified of making the perioral dermatitis worse. Oral antibiotics and topicals have not really helped the dermatitis. Your thoughts?

Loved your video❤️❤️❤️😘😘 Merry Christmas❤️🎄 I just have one thing to ask. Can I use Alpha arbutin with tretinoin? Like layer them together? Alpha arbutin first and then second one alpha arbutin+ha. Please please do answer this. Thankyou! (If any other suggestion please lemme know) lots of love❤️

When you say irritation do you also mean acne? I’ve been using tretinion for years. I’m kind of inconsistent with it because I feel like it makes my face break out worst. I’m using it for acne and then I still break out so I also use a 10% benzoyl peroxide face wash. I have multiple serums, oils, creams, toners. But I feel like the more I try to tackle the acne the worst it gets. I’m also a nurse so wearing the mask for 12 hrs a day 3 days a week has really blown up my chin acne and now along my cheekbones and around my ear lobe. I can’t go to my dermatologist because I treat COVID patients and work a lot of overtime. Please send help and thank you again. 💖

Nice and very informative video! Can a person of skin of colour use tretinoin or adaplene? As irritation can lead to hyperpigmentation for SOC. Thanks xx hope to hear from you.

i started prescription aknimycin plus tretinoid. its been 3 days. doctor told me to apply every evening after cleaning my face. my skin is getting red and it burns specially while applying moisturizer and sunscreen. i am doing my best to protect my skin. i have a lot of acne scars, black heads, uneven skin and some new acnes. my skin is oily but now is very very dry. i hope i dnt need to stop using it.

As a beginner guy, can I start it like a mask for 30 minutes after every 4 days and niacinamide serum in rest days? I have 0.5 tretinoin with me from months but I'm scared of purging and peeling as I can't afford it due to my public contact and job nature

But how am I supposed to spread half a fingertip over my entire face🙄 now I know why I had such a strong irritation though, I was using half a fingertip on each of my cheeks and on my forehead😅

A cosmetician told me to never use retinol with a product that contains water as it would irritate more. Do you have a view on that?

Hi doc. I have a concern. I am loving this sunscreen from Cosrx (aloe soothing sun cream) which has fragrance in it and i am planning to use tretinoin. Do you think i should look for other sunscreen substitutes or should i keep using this one and observe?

Hello Doc can I use The Ordinary 10% niacinamade with zinc while using retinoic acid cream?

Thank you so much for your indications. I just started Retin-A 2 weeks ago so your recommendations will be so helpful. One question . Can I put retin -A on my neck and chest ? And hands ? Thank you so much

Hello doctor. I have been prescribed retin a 0.05 dand salicylic acid . Is this combination okay?? Will it help clear my acne and darks spots? Please help.

Started tretinoin treatment with benzoyl peroxide for acne. I have used just a tiny bit under my eyes because I see wrinkles there. In the morning, when I wake up, my whole eye area looks like it has aged 10 years with scores of wrinkles and skin looking drooped. Is it normal ?

Can I use Stridex 2% Salicylic Acid M-W-F then Tretinoin gel 0.025 Tues-Thurs-Sat? Thank you Dr. Anne. Take care

Maam can we apply tretinon cream in summers please reply.

I’m new to this kinda stuff but what kind of moisturizer and spf you recommend and how to use it all for example do you want me to put tretinoin first then put moisturizer after 5 mins then put spf after 5 mins

Hey Doc, I notice that you apply Cordes Vas. Does it contain perfume oil? Because I read at ingredients list on an online pharmacy, and ingredients are different from the packaging picture. Im moving to Germany and I think its the only one available. Thanks!

Dr Anne. What do you think about influencing fetal development by using Tretinoin??? Is it really enough to stop using Tretinoin while being pregnant or breastfeeding only??? Thank you very much for you opinion.

Hi, Soo i use moisturizer then tretinoin and end it with sunscreen ?

Thank yuo

Hi doc I really like your videos coz it is very im formative😊 Recently my derma prescribed me benzoyl peroxide for morning and tretinoin for evening is it safe to use them daily? I didn't start to use them coz i'm still thinking if they will both work on my skin type

Hi Do you consider that retin a i to be the best antiaging skincare if tolerated well?

Hi Dra. Anne I have read reviews that "actives" such as BHA which is also salicylic acid should not be paired with retinoid, but I was prescribed by a dermatologist with a facial wash that contains 1.5% salicylic acid along with a .05 tretinoin and I have sensitive skin, just want your opinion about this. Thank you.

hi ..... very nice video ... you answer all my question which were in my mind... one thing i couldnt understand ... can i use niacinamid ?? during first 6 weeks of using tretinion??? can you plz clear it??? i have niacinamid powder by ordinary .. if i use it in alternate nights not with tretinion but separately . it will helpful ??? plz guide me

Dr Anne, can you combine Retinol (tretinoin 0.0025%) with collagen (Genacol cream)?

I’ve been using benzoyl peroxide in the morning and topical treinoin 0.05 at night and my face is extremely irritated and red now :( should I stop them both for a while and restart isotretinoin only? Or should I use a hydrocortisone 17- butyrate cream on my face to alleviate the redness?

can I use 1 drop of glycerin mixed with retinoid to make it more spreadable. thanks again

So during the whole course of 6 weeks, I'm not allowed to use exfoliating scrub Doc?

Hi doc :) im 29 and i want to start to add retinol to my regime. I am asian and have large pores,sensitive skin (its easily gets red). Can i start to use retinol? My mother always said that i am way too young to use anti aging skincare or even retinol. But i want to prevent as early as possible. What do you think about that doc? Should i use over counter products first? Like ordinary or should i consult to doctor and get prescription?

It's helps to remove pimple spot?

@2:15 how to wash face gently if the sunscreen you have use during the day is water resistant?How to get rid of that sunsblock creme before applying tretinoin?

Hi, I was prescribed 0.05 tretinoin and doctor said to use daily . Should I use daily . I’ve had it for a week with no peeling so should I continue daily ?

Where can i buy retin A?

Hi. What is your recommendation if I am doing laser hair removal. Should I stop the laser if i want to use retin A

What should l do if l get blistering, crusting?? I hv stop fr 20days nw, still dryness, itchyness & irritation. Can u recommend anythg to heal it?

Hey! I was using .025% tretinoin cream but after using it for few days .. my face looked much more oily and and I saw so many new clogged pores ..I used the gel version .05% on my cheeks where I usually get lots of acne ..2 times a week .. seems to work on my clogged pores .. but kinda makes my skin red ! What’s the reason of being oily? Is that the vehicle of that cream? and do I need to apply it on my whole face ? Or concerned area ? And any way to lessen the irritation with gel?

Hello doc my skin type is combination,I have bumps almost all over my face and some stubborn white/blackheads on my nose, also dark spots too recently I have started to use tretinoin gel 0.025 so is it good to use 1% salicylic acid facewash or not?

Hi! I am using currently Medik8 Crystal Retinal. Could I use Tretinoin every 3rd day maybe? My skin is OK, no peeling or dryness. I used Retinal every night. Thank you and kind regards from Croatia!

After how long can I start using vitamin C serum when using retinoids

Tretenoin or retenoid? I'm confused

Hey doc i apply my retinol during the night and demelan even tone cream during day time and both I apply moisturiser ( ordinary natural moisturizing factors +HA) is that okay or I'm I doing more Damage? I already have breakouts ( white heads that are very itchy and tightness of skin on forehead) PLEASE HELP!!!

Can i use snail essence as moisturizer then apply tret? Almost 2 weeks been using tret

Ma'am do we have to wear sunscreen every two hours even when we are at home, is it enough if I stay away from windows n apply sunscreen indoors only once please do reply me ma'am.

Doctor Anne do you think "Cordess Vas"has the same amount of tretinoin ingredients as others? (Retin A from Italy). Ihave never had any irritation from tretinoin, but I had some peeling from the Italian version. I miss it:)) (using Cordess Vass) thank you

Doctor, is it alright to continue using 0.1%adapalene fr months or years without any break? Does skin develop any sort of tolerance to it over time? I am 22yrs old. Though hormonal acne and stubborn comedones are my major concerns I do have fine lines on my forehead (even after drinking 2.5-3ltrs of water/d. Could you guide me please.

I m going to start 0.025. I can use cetaphil moisturizer over it right doc ?