What Do I Use First Retin-A or Night Cream?

I got some tretinoin retin-a 0.1 gel from doctors yesterday and done a test patch last night with no adverse reaction, but would really like to know what do i use first?.., my night cream (Elemis pro marine collagen) or the Retin-A? ...How often do i use the Retin-A and finally can i still use my Witch Hazel toner as it contain alcohol? I would really appreciate some advice as i'm dying to use it :)

Tags:

Comment on this

5 Doctor Answers | Asked by aliiian

Doctor Answers (5)
Community Comments (1)

Using Retin-A To Your Best Advantage

If a patient's skin has become acclimated to their retinoid, I instruct them to begin using it every other night or every third night. Some people use a night cream over their retinoid after 5-10 minutes. I usually suggest that you use your retinoid one night and then your moisturizer the next. If you use both, however, always apply your retinoid last. Witch hazel is probably not your best choice in toners. Something without alcohol and small amounts of lactic... more

Gold Standard Anti Aging

Topical Retinoids (i.e. retin a) are the gold standard for anti aging. They help improve fine lines and wrinkles, dyspigmentation, pore size as well as acne. One common side effect which occurs while starting to use a retinoid is redness and peeling. This can be minimized by every other night application for one to two weeks, as well as the use of a moisturizer after applying the retin a. It is important to apply the product to a clean and dry face. This means waiting 15-20 minutes after... more

Toner then Retin A

Apply toner before retin a. However, witch hazel may not be the best toner to use in combination with retin a due to the possibility of irritation.

Retin-A should be applied to dry skin

Personally, I don't like Witch Hazel and think it's terrible for the skin, and it can potentially irritate the skin if you apply Retin-A over it. Retin-A is drying, so applying it over Witch Hazel will be excessive. I'd recommend if you insist on the Witch Hazel that you don't use it on the same nights as the Retin-A. Retin-A needs to be applied to clean, dry skin only. I recommend 2-3x a week to start with. Apply moisturizer or the night cream over it; your prescription... more

RetinA Use...

You may use your toner immediately after you wash your face in the evening. Then, I always recommend you wait 5-10 minutes to make sure your skin is without any moisture and completely dry, before applying your Retin-A. Apply a "pea size" to entire face, avoiding eye area. You may apply a moisturizer on top afterwards. You may want to start slow with the Retin-A, using it only 2-3 times for the first week and then slowly move into using it nightly... more