| Beauty
✨ Let’s get into it ✨
💡 TLDR
I’m literally obsessed with tretinoin—no, really. It’s the actual secret sauce for glowing skin, and yes, it’s totally worth the drama. If you’ve ever stared into the mirror wondering how to turn your…
I’m literally obsessed with tretinoin—no, really. It’s the actual secret sauce for glowing skin, and yes, it’s totally worth the drama. If you’ve ever stared into the mirror wondering how to turn your face into a smooth, acne-free masterpiece, this is your cheat code. Dermatologists swear by it, but let’s be real: it’s not a magic wand. It’s a process, and you’ve got to play it smart.
First rule: start low and slow. Your dermatologist probably handed you a pea-sized dollop, and that’s all you need. Apply it to clean, dry skin (no makeup, no moisturizer—yet). Dr. Obayomi says to dot it around your face like you’re painting a watercolor, then rub it in until it’s gone. Don’t overdo it. Your skin’s a delicate beast, and tretinoin is a VIP guest. If you slather it on like a spa day, you’ll be screaming into your pillow by midnight.
Now, here’s the sandwich method—because your skin is basically a PB&J. Apply a thin layer of moisturizer or petroleum jelly first, then tretinoin, then another layer of moisturizer. It’s like giving your skin a cozy blanket to cushion the burn. This hack cuts down on redness and dryness, which are totally normal at first. Think of it as your skin’s first date with a retinoid—nervous, a little awkward, but hey, it’s worth it.
But here’s the kicker: sunscreen is non-negotiable. Tretinoin makes your skin a sun-sensitive snow globe, so slap on SPF 30 every morning. Dr. Nazarian says the two-finger rule is your new best friend—half a teaspoon, or a nickel-sized dollop. Skip this, and you’re basically giving your skin a sunburn spa day.
💫 Most people see real results in 8–12 weeks.
Key takeaway? Tretinoin isn’t a quick fix. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Your skin will purge, break out, and maybe even look worse for the first few weeks. But trust the process. Most people see real results in 8–12 weeks.
So, what’s your tretinoin story? Did you survive the purge phase or are you still in the “why is my face on fire” phase? Drop your hack below!
❓ People Also Ask
How long does it take for tretinoin to work?
Tretinoin typically shows results in 4–8 weeks. Skin may become dry or sensitive at first, but improvements in texture and acne often appear gradually with consistent use.
Can I use tretinoin every day?
Yes, but start with every other day to avoid irritation. Once skin tolerates it, you can use it daily. Always follow your dermatologist’s instructions for best results.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇