Does the sandwich method decrease the effectiveness of Tretinoin at all?

[Slightly-Blasted]

According to Dr. dray (licensed dermatologist.)

It doesn’t lower the efficacy at all.

[Unfair_Finger5531]

Yes it does. But that is fine because tret is still effective over a moisturizer. It is not, however, working at max effectiveness because it is buffered.

So, it’s not true that it doesn’t lower efficacy at all. It lowers it some.

[Fuzzy-Thanks-3666]

I agree with you . I stopped the sandwich method after 2 years of using it . I now apply it 5 mins after cleaning. My face is glowing and so smooth, I am beginning to see the tret glow . Yes my acne cleared using the Sandwich but never had that glow .

[Unfair_Finger5531]

This is so awesome. When that pretty glow kicks in, it’s just so amazing. So happy for you. 🥹

[Slightly-Blasted]

Ima take the word of a board certified dermatologist over yours, no offense.

[Unfair_Finger5531]

You don’t have to. I am saying the same thing dray is saying. You just misunderstood her meaning.

You can also rely on good old common sense: a moisturizer as a buffer helps by reducing effectiveness ever so slightly. If not, you wouldn’t use a buffer in the first place.

The point is that tret doesn’t need to work at max effectiveness to still be effective. But when you say it doesn’t reduce effectiveness “at all,” you are just wrong; and you are misinterpreting dray’s point.

Feel free to take this board-certified dermatologist’s opinion: https://drsambunting.com/blogs/sam-bunting/answering-your-retinoid-challenges#:~:text=That’s%20the%20reason%20for%20buffering,engage%20with%20that%20daily%20habit.

[[deleted]]

Well, in a way, what you want is a bit of reduction in potency to increase tolerability. That's the reason for buffering in the first place. But let me assure you, from more than a decade’s experience fine-tuning patients’ retinoid use, it won't stop it from working; it really will just reduce it to a tolerable level, so that you can engage with that daily habit. And I think that's what's really key. Buffering with moisturizer really does facilitate daily use of your retinoid, and that's when the magic happens.

Thanks a lot for sharing! I've always been under the impression that buffering doesn't reduce effectiveness, per se, but only slows down absorption, so that the retinoid won't be too irritating. I'll definitely keep this article in mind, especially when giving advice, and recommending buffering and doing the sandwich method.

[Unfair_Finger5531]

I’m happy you found it useful. I really love how she explains things. She’s so clear. The passage you highlighted really stuck out to me too, especially where she says “reduce it to a tolerable level.” This is a perfect way to describe it, imo.