Retin-A: Q&A

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Is It Better to Use a Milder Form of Retin-A Daily, or a Stronger One and Skip Days?

I have been using Tretinoin cream .05% for 4 months, and while my skin has adjusted to it, I still can't apply it every night. If I do I get small chemical burns and my skin gets far too dry & scaly. Would it be best for me to request a milder form, such as the .01% and use it every night, or is taking 2-3 nights off a week and sticking with the .05% the way to go?

1 Doctor Answer | Asked by anon
+2

Use Retin-A a few times a week

I usually prescribe a dose like you have and recommend people use it a few times a week. It's not necessary to use it daily and the effects and cell turnover are very much the same if you use a lower dose daily, or a higher dose a few times a week. You shouldn't be trying to build up to daily use. Using it a few times a week is just fine.

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

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