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!

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

Answers (2)

More Retin-A Questions

Itchy rash on neck from Differin Gel (Adapalene 0.1%) - what can I do if I still want to keep using it?

Retin-A, Clarisonic and over-exfoliation: should I scale it back?

I am 57 and was recently prescribed Tretinoin .025. Will this make my skin too thin? How long do I wait before moisturizing?

Face getting darker than neck with exfoliation (tretinoin) in Indian skin. Please help

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS