{"id":11663,"date":"2021-04-06T12:57:46","date_gmt":"2021-04-06T19:57:46","guid":{"rendered":"https://www.realself.com\/news\/?p=11663"},"modified":"2023-10-12T16:12:17","modified_gmt":"2023-10-12T23:12:17","slug":"how-to-use-retin-a","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https://www.realself.com\/news\/how-to-use-retin-a","title":{"rendered":"How to Use Retin-A: 7 Tricks Derms Swear By for Getting the Best Result"},"content":{"rendered":"

Among skin care experts, retinol is known as the holy grail of complexion-boosting, anti-aging products. The vitamin A derivative aids in collagen production and cell turnover, helping bring forth new skin cells to reveal a healthier, glowier look, with a reduced appearance of fine lines. But in a cruel twist of fate, retinol can also act as the one product that wreaks total havoc on your skin. And retinol’s more potent relative, Retin-A<\/a> (a brand name for topical tretinoin cream or retinoic acid, and typically available only via prescription), boasts an even more intense reaction from users—whether good or bad. While many are drawn to Retin-A for its uncanny ability to smooth wrinkles<\/a>, diminish dark spots<\/a> and discoloration, and reduce pimples and acne<\/a>, this powerful exfoliant can be ultra-irritating. So in an effort to ensure you see only positive results from your retinoid use, we spoke to two dermatologists about how to use tretinoin. <\/p>

Interested in Retin-A?<\/small><\/div>Find Doctors Near You<\/a><\/div>

1. Start at a lower strength<\/strong><\/h2>

If you’ve never used Retin-A before, you probably don’t know how your skin will react to it. It’s better to play it safe and start with a thin layer (a pea-sized amount should be enough) of a lower-strength product, to prevent a potential skin freak-out. “Retin-A and other topical retinoids come in many different strengths and formulations,” explains New York City dermatologist Dr. Hadley Claire King.<\/a> “Higher strengths can potentially be more irritating, and different formulations have different bases that can be more moisturizing or more drying.” A gel, for example, can be more drying than a cream, so reaching for a cream-based retin-A is advised if your skin is on the sensitive side. Retin-A is also available in concentrations ranging from 0.025% to 0.1%, so experimenting with a lower-level strength (within the 0.025% to 0.05% range) will lower your risk of developing skin irritation.<\/p>

Related: Retinol vs. Vitamin C for Skincare: Know the Difference and What’s Right for You<\/a><\/em><\/p>

2. How often to use Retin-A<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>

Dermatologists agree that this is one of the most important rules when it comes to using Retin-A: don’t overdo it. When you are first starting to use a topical retinoid, Seattle dermatologist Dr. Sonia Lamel<\/a> says, you should apply it just a few times a week. “Start by using it twice a week and add one day a week, every other week, until you can apply it nightly with no side effects,” she explains. “Then increase the strength and repeat the process.” This step is so important because it allows your skin to get accustomed to the ingredient, resulting in a complexion that reaps only the benefits of Retin-A rather than developing inflammation. <\/p>

Additionally, Dr. King adds that if you do see a slight reaction (even after your skin seems to have adjusted to the ingredient), it’s okay to periodically take a night or two off—this won’t ruin the tolerance you’ve already built up. <\/p>

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