How to Adjust to Tretinoin and Avoid the ‘Retinoid Uglies’
retinoid uglies

2022-04-15T22:18:09.198Z

Apostrophe

Slather - How to Adjust to Tretinoin and Avoid the ‘Retinoid Uglies’

A blog article written for Slather, Apostrophe's blog, entitled How to Adjust to Tretinoin and Avoid the ‘Retinoid Uglies’

Aimee PaikDoctorateDegreeAmerican Board of DermatologyBoard Certified DermatologistChief Medical OfficerDermatologist100A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in conditions involving the skin, hair, and nails. A dermatologist can identify and treat more than 3,000 conditions. These conditions include eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer, among many others.
California

Apostrophe

Dermatology

2022-04-15T22:18:09.198Z
Group CopyCreated with Sketch.
Slather Blog LogoBlack words on clear background depicting the word `"`Slather`"`.
search-512Created with Sketch.

Apostrophe's Products

How to Adjust to Tretinoin and Avoid the ‘Retinoid Uglies’

Slather post photo
Slather post photo

Apostrophe's Products

How to Adjust to Tretinoin and Avoid the ‘Retinoid Uglies’

Medically reviewed by Aimee Paik, MD

Written by Lisa Guerrera

Last updated 4/5/2022

Tretinoin (a class of retinoids) is the gold standard in dermatology to treat all kinds of concerns from breakouts to wrinkles. But using it often involves an initial phase retinoid devotees call the “retinoid uglies,” or the “tretinoin purge.”

While “uglies” seems a bit harsh, (motion to rename this the retinoid “pretties”?) the name describes an adjustment period after first starting a retinoid. This period can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Your skin may look dry, flaky, and red. Gentle products that used to work with your face suddenly sting when you apply them. This initial phase can come as a shock to folks that have never used a retinoid like tretinoin before. Thankfully, the “retinoid uglies” typically resolve on their own as your skin gets used to tretinoin and your dry, flaky skin is replaced with smooth, glowing skin.

But like most hard things in life, we have the urge to avoid them. 👀 We asked our dermatologists how you might be able to dodge this phase: 

Switch up your application method 

Pro tip: apply your moisturizer before tretinoin. This allows the moisturizer to act as a buffer and mitigate some of the more irritating effects of the medication. Dr. Lauren Kyle says, “You could also try mixing the moisturizer and tretinoin together. You may need to invest in a thicker moisturizer like a Dermal Repair Cream for more moisture.” Tretinoin can be very drying, so even those with oily skin shouldn’t shy away from a little extra hydration!

Listen to your skin

Dr. George Skandamis has a whole routine worked out when it comes to avoiding the worst of tretinoin’s peeling. He recommends starting with a gentle skin cleanser like Cetaphil, CeraVe, or Neutrogena and waiting five minutes to ensure your face is completely dry before applying tretinoin. He goes on, “Next, use a small amount of retinoid for the entire face. Follow with a light lotion or a heavier cream, or both if the skin is still too dry.” Even when you think you have oily skin, sometimes you may need a heavier cream than you think when using Tretinoin or other retinoids. So go slow and listen to your skin, it will thank you later. 

Slow and steady wins the race

Seriously, go slow. Dr. Maggie Kober agrees that applying moisturizer before tretinoin can be beneficial and adds, “If tretinoin causes too much dryness, use it every other night until your skin builds up a tolerance.” Tretinoin (and retinoids in general) are a long term commitment to see the benefits. So no pressure, you can let your skin adjust at its own pace. 


CUSTOM PRESCRIPTION TREATMENT

Get expert treatment customized to your unique skin.


Ultimately, the retinoid “uglies” are temporary. Plus, depending on the strength your dermatologist starts you with, side effects may not be an issue. Hopefully these tips help ease this phase. However, if you’re experiencing irritation that’s not tolerable, contact your dermatologist! They can adjust your medication so you get back on track to glowy skin. ✨

Shop this post

Like what you just read? Sign up for our email list to get the scoop on skincare science delivered straight to your inbox.
Email IconBlack outline of an evnvelope at a 45 degree angle.
Group 9Created with Sketch.

General

Face mask for acne


Read More

General

Severe acne


Read More

General

How to get clear skin and stop breakouts


Read More

General

Face mask for acne

Face masks are extremely popular and can be found all over social media and in drug stores. But are they worth the hype? We talk about what are face masks and if they work for acne.

Read More

General

Severe acne

Thinking you have severe acne? In this article, we break down what exactly is severe acne and the causes and treatments for severe acne.

Read More

General

How to get clear skin and stop breakouts

It seems like everyone on social media has the ideal "clear" skin. Here's how to treat and stop breakouts to achieve healthy, glowing skin.

Read More

sign up for our newsletter here

Group 9Created with Sketch.
Email Icon LightTan outline of an evnvelope at a 45 degree angle.

Apostrophe's Products

Apostrophe's Service

Education

Deep Dives

Apostrophe LogoLarge black A with the bottom left point turned into an apostrophe.