Can I use glycolic acid cleanser with tretinoin cream at the same time?

Question

Is the glycolic acid cleanser will minimize the effectiveness of my tretinoin? And in the morning, can i use the glycolic acid cleanser and toner if i'm using tretinoin cream in the evening? Thank you!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Retinoids and Retin A can cause exfoliation, dryness, and skin sensitivity; especially when using other exfoliants such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid. If you are using retinoids around the face, you may want to use a ceramide moisturizer such as Elevase Moisture Booster to help strengthen the skin's natural moisture barrier function.
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Emil A. Tanghetti, MD · Answer

The glycolic cleanser will not diminish the efficacy of your tretinoin. The only point of caution I will tell my patients is that for some with sensitive skin using a glycolic cleanser with topical retinoids may sometimes cause irritation, particularly if you are just starting out on a topical retinoid. If you are tolerating the cleanser and the tretinoin together well, then there is no cause for concern. Good luck!

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