Thanks for your question. All products are not made the same. Where did you buy it? Was it over the counter or an internet special? Your product may have had the described amount of tretoinin, but didn't have a delivery system and it just stayed on the surface instead of soaking into you...
There should not be a problem with shaving your face the morning after using Retin-A the evening prior. Retin-A can cause some dryness to the skin, so you may want to use a moisturizer during the day.
Thanks for your question and posting pictures. Tretinoin, retinols and Retin-A can be irritating to your skin. We tell our patients to reduce how often they apply it nightly. If you take a break for a couple of days, your face should clear up. When you restart, apply every other night for...