Can you apply Tretinoin over Vaseline or an occlusive cream?

Thanks for your question.  It is an interesting one that I have not ever heard before, and I get a lot of good questions in both my medical dermatology office and aesthetic dermatology offices!  We love retin-a for skin turnover and reducing fine lines and wrinkles and brown spots.  I think the ointment under the retin-a will probably block some of the effectiveness of the cream, so you might consider mixing a tiny bit of moisturizer with the retin-a if you are finding it too drying. Most of my patients would break out in acne if they applied vaseline to the face every night, so I would be careful doing that.  You might try a less occlusive moisturizer over the retin-a if you find the vaseline or oil pilling.  Avene Tolerance Cream is a favorite of our patients, and I have also personally mixed retin-a with NeoCutis Biocream.  Hope this helps, you may need to play with some different combinations, but I would not the be the biggest fan of vaseline or mineral oil under retin-a.  Good luck!

Applying tretinoin over an occlusive cream will be a waste of your time and money.  Apply the tretinoin in the evenings after cleaning your face.  If you have dry skin, a light moisture cream can be applied over it to help prevent irritation and dryness.  

Thank you for your question.Applying a thick occlusive cream prior to applying tretinoin can minimize its efficacy because the skin will be unable to absorb the medication. A light moisturizer prior to tretinoin can help minimize the dryness but still allow the medication to be absorbed. I highly recommend you consult with a board certified dermatologist regarding any further questions and concerns. Take care and good luck.