Skincare Stacy

Skincare Stacy
How long should you wait to apply moisturizer after tretinoin cream?

How long should you wait to apply moisturizer after tretinoin cream?

You should wait between 2 and 20 minutes to apply moisturizer after tretinoin treatment.

While tretinoin is a popular ingredient used to treat acne and fine wrinkles, it can also cause peeling skin, dryness, and potential irritation.

Therefore, your skincare routine should always include following up tretinoin use with a good moisturizer.

This article will explain everything you need to know about tretinoin and how to use it with a moisturizer in your skincare routine.

Best Moisturizers To Use with Tretinoin

Naturium Marshmallow Root Barrier Balm

The best moisturizers to use with tretinoin are formulated with soothing ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, and even niacinamide.

Here are some of my top recommended moisturizers for tretinoin:

Remember, the best moisturizer for you will depend on your unique skin type and skincare routine!

What is tretinoin?

.05% Tretinoin and BowTiedFawn branding

Also known as retin-A, tretinoin is the form of vitamin A that your skin actually uses: retinoic acid.

Beyond its use to treat acne, topical tretinoin has benefits to clear up dark spots and boost collagen production. However, using tretinoin treatment can lead to skin irritation and skin dryness if you’re not careful.

Retin A is much stronger than over the counter retinol, so you will need to see a healthcare professional like a dermatologist to prescribe tretinoin.

Is tretinoin suitable for any skin type?

Topical retinoids like tretinoin use may not be suitable for individuals with a very dry skin type as it they can cause excessive dryness.

Do I use moisturizer after tretinoin?

La Roche Posay Cream with BowTiedFawn branding

Without proper use of moisturizer, retinoids like tretinoin cream can cause skin irritation and dryness. These are signs of a compromised skin barrier.

When your skin barrier is disrupted, this can make your acne outbreaks even worse and contribute to premature aging.

To prevent irritation and maximize the anti aging effects of tretinoin products, you should always use moisturizer after applying tretinoin.

Why should I use a moisturizer after tretinoin?

Skin creams and moisturizers are formulated with soothing ingredients to protect your skin barrier.

When a skincare treatment like tretinoin dries your skin out, adding nourishing ingredients like water and oil work wonders for keeping your skin soft and healthy.

When to Apply Moisturizer after Tretinoin

While some people suggest waiting from 10 to 20 minutes to maximize your skin’s absorption of tretinoin, this isn’t necessary.

Personally, I give retinoids a few minutes to absorb before following up with a moisturizer.

Do you put moisturizer on before or after tretinoin?

At the very least, your skincare routine should include applying moisturizer after tretinoin.

Depending on your skin’s sensitivity, you can also apply a thin layer of moisturizer before applying tretinoin. This will reduce the strength of the retin A product as your skin adjusts to it.

Then, apply tretinoin cream and follow up with a moisturizer after.

How to use Tretinoin Cream with a Moisturizer

.05% Tretinoin and BowTiedFawn branding

To incorporate tretinoin into your skincare routine, follow these steps:

  1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser

  2. Apply your toner and wait for it to absorb (optional)

  3. Apply a pea sized amount of tretinoin to your pointer finger

  4. Dot that pea all over your entire face

  5. Gently rub in the tretinoin all over your face

  6. Wait 2 minutes for it to absorb

  7. Apply a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid (optional)

  8. Follow up with a gentle moisturizer

  9. Finish off with a good facial oil (optional)

As a heads up, first time users should apply tretinoin to completely dry skin to reduce your chances of irritation.

That’s it!

Should you moisturize after tretinoin?

Yes, you should absolutely use moisturizer after applying tretinoin.

While tretinoin cream is an effective treatment for acne and premature aging, it is one of the most irritating skincare products.

Using a moisturizer will fight the irritation and redness which are commonly associated with tretinoin.

What should I avoid when using tretinoin?

Avoid using moisturizers with isopropyl alcohol and synthetic fragrances when you’re using tretinoin.

Artificial fragrances can be irritating to your skin and can contribute to even more dryness.

Additionally, you will want to avoid layering exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid and lactic acid with tretinoin.

Similarly, while benzoyl peroxide is another popular topical acne treatment, don’t layer it with tretinoin.

Finally, you can use a vitamin C serum and sun protection in the morning, but you’ll want to avoid layering them with tretinoin.

Taking these precautions will help you avoid potential irritation and skin dryness.

How long after applying tretinoin can I apply moisturizer?

.05% RetinA and BowTiedFawn branding

Tretinoin users should wait between 2 and 20 minutes before applying moisturizer.

Waiting longer will allow tretinoin to soak into your skin more efficiently, but applying moisturizer won’t reduce the efficacy of the treatment.

Summary: tretinoin before or after moisturizer?

Tretinoin creams and BowTiedFawn branding

In summary, tretinoin should be applied before your moisturizer to maximize its efficacy.

However, certain people should apply moisturizer before and after tretinoin:

  • People with dry skin conditions

  • Beginners to tretinoin

  • People with sensitive skin

Either way, always make sure that you’re using the right moisturizer for your skin type and skin goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions with BowTiedFawn branding
Should I put moisturizer on after tretinoin?

At the very least, your skincare routine should include applying moisturizer after tretinoin. Depending on your skin’s sensitivity, you can also apply a thin layer of moisturizer before applying tretinoin. This will reduce the strength of the retin A product as your skin adjusts to it.

Is tretinoin more effective before or after moisturizer?

Tretinoin is more effective before moisturizer. This is because moisturizer is heavier than tretinoin, and moisturizer will slow down the absorption of the treatment. Therefore, apply tretinoin first before moisturizer.

Should I use tretinoin before or after moisturizer at night?

Tretinoin is more effective before moisturizer. This is because moisturizer is heavier than tretinoin, and moisturizer will slow down the absorption of the treatment. Therefore, apply tretinoin first before moisturizer.

How long does it take for tretinoin to absorb?

Tretinoin users should wait between 2 and 20 minutes before applying moisturizer.Waiting longer will allow tretinoin to soak into your skin more efficiently, but applying moisturizer won’t reduce the efficacy of the treatment.

Do I need to wash tretinoin off in the morning?

Yes, you should rinse your face off in the morning. This will allow you to rinse off your retinoid from the night before as well as any sweat, dirt, and oil that have accumulated overnight.

What should I layer with tretinoin?

You can layer anything soothing and hydrating with tretinoin. Try layering a hydrating toner underneath your tretinoin, then following up with a thick moisturizer and facial oil. This combination will reduce irritation and dryness.

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