Can you apply Tretinoin over Vaseline or an occlusive cream?

Question

I’ve been using 0.025% for a month now and typically use it every night. If I apply tretinoin over an occlusive cream, such as one with mineral oil will the cream affect its efficacy? Will the occlusive prevent the tretinoin from penetrating the skin? I’ve tried applying the tretinoin first and cream after but it causes a lot of pilling even if I wait an hour!

Amy Y. Paul, DO, FAAD · Answer

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!

Sybile Val, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

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.

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

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.

Can you apply Tretinoin over Vaseline or an occlusive cream?

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Can you apply Tretinoin over Vaseline or an occlusive cream?

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Everything you need to know about Retin-A

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