Yes we all know Tretinoin is the holy grail right now and that is what is trending everywhere on social media. The hypes about tretinoin treating acne issues, enlarged pores, fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and helping with anti-aging.
Well yes the hype is truly worth it. I have also included this skincare product into my routine and it has definitely been worth it. But before jumping straight into the using tretinoin to achieve that dream skin, this article will cover 5 important things to take note of.
1) START SLOW
It is very important to start with a low concentration as a beginner. Now tretinoin has 3 major concentrations: 0.025, 0.5 and 0.1. Except prescribed a higher concentration to begin with, it is best to start with the lowest concentration, 0.25 and gradually increase frequency as your skin adapts
In the first few days of usage, it is quite normal to experience a tretinoin purge which is a common skin reaction that occurs when using tretinoin for the first time. However, the process is temporary and will improve with time.
2) USE AT NIGHTS ONLY
Tretioin should be applied at night to avoid sunlight exposure, which can cause skin damage. Tretinoin is a form of retinoids which when exposed to sunlight can create harmful substances and excite retinoids molecules, these reactions can cause immediate and long-term damage in your skin.
So before using Tretinoin ensure to include it in your night time skincare routine using the sandwich method of application.
3) ALWAYS USE SPF
Include SPF is a key requirement when using tretinoin because it makes skin more sensitive to sunlight which can cause dryness, redness, tenderness, swelling of the skin, and burning sensation. A sunscreen of SPF 50 is advised and must be re-applied every 2 hours for maximum protection from sunlight and ultra-violet light.
4) USE CONSISTENTLY
To see visible effects, tretinoin must be used consistently, however as a beginner it is advised to introduce tretinoin into your skincare routine in this order.
· 2 TIMES A WEEK : This will be for the first 2 weeks of using tretinoin
· 3 TIMES A WEEK: Gradually increase the application time for the next 2-4 weeks of use.
· 4 TIMES A WEEK: If your skin tolerates the product well, again you can increase to 4 times a week for the next 6-8 weeks.
· 5 TIMES A WEEK: You can then further increase usage to 5 times a week.
After 12 weeks of using tretinoin, you may be able to increase the strength to 0.1% or 0.5%. However, it can take as long as 10-12 weeks to see a major difference but there will be observable differences as early as 3-4 weeks.
5) THE SANDWICH METHOD
The sandwich method of application is one of the best and most common way to use tretinoin.
· Firstly begin by using a mild, gentle cleanser and patting dry with a towel and allow face to dry for 10-15 minutes. (Do not use a cleanser that contains an active ingredient e.g salicylic acid, lactic acid or benzoyl peroxide)
· Then apply a moisturizer and wait 5-10 minutes.
· Apply a pea-sized amount of tretinoin and distribute on your face and allow that to sit for 5-10 minutes.
· Then lastly, apply a second layer of moisturizer or hyaluronic acid and gently pat into the skin.
KEY NOTES
· Always use a daily sunscreen SPF 50 and reapply every 2 hours.
· Should not be used alongside other active ingredient in the same routine.
· Not to be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
· Only a pea-sized amount is amount is enough to cover your entire face.
· Approved for people 12 years of age or older.
· Avoid dermaplaning, waxing, or sun exposure while using tretinoin