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Do you apply a Niacinamide based "serum" before Retin-A gel at night or after?

lmolinaroJun 11, 2020
I have a Niacinamide serum that has avocado oil and hyaluronic acid in it. I've researched conflicting information about when to apply this when it comes to using Retin-A gel. Do I apply this serum before or after Retin-A gel?

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Dr. Ramandeep Sidhu, MD
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Answered on Jun 29, 2020
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Susan Fox, DO, RPVI

Hello, retin-a is an exfoliating agent and although can help exfoliate some of the pigmentation you would be better off using a hydroquinone cream.  Hydroquinone is a lightening agent.  Good luck!

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Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended

Thank you for your question and photograph. It's difficult to evaluate your skin through this type of forum, but from what I can see, it looks like you have enlarged pores and atrophic scarring (indentation). Topical retinoids can help minimize pore size over time but is not guaranteed. For the...

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Amy Y. Paul, DO, FAAD

Thanks for your question.  You will probably do fine using both the benzoyl peroxide/glycolic acid serum in the mornings in addition to your nightly tretinoin.  If you are very tolerant of the tretinoin and you don't get peeling or redness or sensitivity, you can go ahead and start the morning s...

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