Given my sensitivity after each use of Retin-A 0.05% what moisturizer can I use to prep before the next treatment?

Thank you for your question. I prescribe Retin-A to all of my patients for anti-aging. The key to using it is understanding how it works. 
Retin-a is meant to travel five layers deep and moisture is a barrier to retin-a. After you wash and tone your face, wait at least 15 minutes. This will allow the face to dry fully. Otherwise, the retin-a activates on the surface layer of the face and you will be red, flaky and irritated. Use a pea sized about for the entire face (stay away from the eyes, nose, and mouth) focusing on the forehead and outer face. Retin-A travels so it will get to all of these areas and you will find that its much easier to tolerate this way. Try to use it every night or at least every other night. You should find that waiting the 15 minutes and staying away from your eyes, nose and mouth make it much easier to use. As you become more comfortable with the product you can move closer to the center of the face. 

Hello and thank you for your question. It sounds like the Retin-A (generic:  tretinoin) 0.05% cream is causing your skin to become sensitive and irritated. There is a lower dose of prescription tretinoin cream or adapalene gel available. I also recommend washing your face with a gentle cleanser to prep your skin. A consultation with a board certified dermatologist is recommended for evaluation of your skin and discussion of appropriate treatment. Best of luck.