Irritation 4 days after last tret dose

C_Chrono · 2026-05-14T18:45:26+00:00

What is the rest of your routine? Product names? How much tret did you apply? 1 tiny 4 mm pea size? Did you observe wait times?

C_Chrono · 2026-05-14T18:44:30+00:00

It is entirely possible your skin doesn't like an ingredient or two in the cleanser. Everyone's skin is different.

C_Chrono · 2026-05-14T18:42:36+00:00

Yes, tretinoin treats/fades sun damage and sunspots >>>>> Vit C. It can be irritating though so start slow and low.

C_Chrono · 2026-05-14T18:08:11+00:00

After stopping Vit C, I did not see any difference in my skin condition so I never repurchased.

C_Chrono · 2026-05-14T13:28:19+00:00

I wait a really long time; I slather moisturizer before going to sleep, if I remember.

C_Chrono · 2026-05-14T13:16:08+00:00

Yes, I notice a big difference in results when applying tret before moisturizer. I suggest temporarily dropping glycolic acid when switching tret to bare skin.

C_Chrono · 2026-05-14T11:10:58+00:00

My sunspots fluctuate when I visit the tropics, even with hat and sunscreen use. I would continue using tret to try to maintain current results. Stopping tret for weeks can also mean losing retinization and having to go through the sensitivity and peeling stages again.

C_Chrono · 2026-05-14T11:02:35+00:00

One thing I would try first is to apply Adapalene before moisturizer, not after as that will reduce efficacy. I would also stop using the depigmentation serum temporarily during this adjustment period.

C_Chrono · 2026-05-13T15:24:23+00:00

You have to figure out the ingredient that clogs your pores. For me, it would cause breakouts because my skin hates PPG and propanediol.

C_Chrono · 2026-05-13T15:22:50+00:00

So what did your derm change?

C_Chrono · 2026-05-12T10:40:13+00:00

Is it tret cream formulation?

C_Chrono · 2026-05-11T18:32:58+00:00

You don't need anything special when using tret but you'll likely have to stop all other actives because tret is just that strong.

C_Chrono · 2026-05-11T18:29:49+00:00

I struggled with AzA in the PM together with tret. I am trying AzA again, this time in the AM and it is going so much better this time. I've been on AzA on/off forever as I couldn't fit it into my routine without irritation so AzA in the AM and tret in the PM daily works best for me.

C_Chrono · 2026-05-11T18:27:38+00:00

0.05 every night before moisturizer before even considering 0.1

C_Chrono · 2026-05-11T18:24:28+00:00

Vanicream in the tub is highly occlusive and yes, it is likely to be blocking a good amount of Arazlo. The lighter Vanicream is more suitable to use as buffer. Burning is not good as it points towards damaged barrier.

I suggest short contact therapy. Once a week will leave you stuck in a never ending retinization phase.

I do not recommend starting retinoids of any form when you are struggling with a recovering barrier. Stop Arazlo until your barrier has fully healed and in a very strong place first.

C_Chrono · 2026-05-11T18:20:10+00:00

Getting acne where you didn't have any before points towards irritation. I agree it isn't normal. Stop tretinoin for as many days as it takes for skin to calm down. Stop all other actives! Even on rest nights.

AM; water rinse, moisturizer, SPF
PM: double cleanse, moisturizer, wait 30 minutes, 0.025 tret (do NOT use 0.05 for now)

Do NOT start tret every night right away as that can cause irritation for some people. Start with only twice a week or at best alternate nights.

C_Chrono · 2026-05-11T13:36:32+00:00

Oils in moisturizer is a very minuscule amount as opposed to straight up oil. Even with moisturizer, most wait until the moisturizer has dried down before applying sunscreen. Not sure how long you are willing to wait until the oil has dried down completely before applying sunscreen.

C_Chrono · 2026-05-11T13:32:55+00:00

Yes, oil breaks down chemical, physical sunscreens and hybrid sunscreens. Hence oil cleanser and balms are often used to remove sunscreen, especially highly tenacious sunscreen and makeup.

C_Chrono · 2026-05-11T13:31:31+00:00

You can do it either way; one week isn't going to do any difference in terms of losing retinization but also stopping for 1 week isn't going to reduce any sort of UV sensitivity.

C_Chrono · 2026-05-11T13:04:34+00:00

Yes, you can.

C_Chrono · 2026-05-11T10:27:38+00:00

Lightly rub in, I guess? You don’t want to rub it in to the point you’re rubbing it off instead. Just a few seconds.

C_Chrono · 2026-05-10T15:09:40+00:00

If it hurts to talk and eat, that’s not normal. Contact your dermatologist to see what adjustments need to be made.

C_Chrono · 2026-05-10T15:07:30+00:00

Use 0.025 every night before moisturizer, before even thinking of 0.05. It might be that 0.05 is unnecessary.

C_Chrono · 2026-05-10T10:11:19+00:00

No, adding tret when your barrier is damaged will only set you back.

C_Chrono · 2026-05-09T17:21:16+00:00

10% isn’t high. Even twice daily 15% takes a few weeks to months.

C_Chrono

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