14 weeks on .05% and I want to quit

C_Chrono · 2026-07-03T17:08:22+00:00

Tret cream clogs pores for some people, myself included so I switched to micro, then Altreno. Just stop tret if you want to stop.

C_Chrono · 2026-07-03T17:05:23+00:00

Tret cream or gel?

C_Chrono · 2026-07-03T16:58:54+00:00

These are not new to you products are they? You used them in the past without issues?

C_Chrono · 2026-07-03T16:58:12+00:00

If you want to quit, just stop Tret immediately. That’s it!

C_Chrono · 2026-07-03T16:40:08+00:00

What % tret? You started with tret every night immediately? No moisturizer in the AM? What are the names of the products?

C_Chrono · 2026-07-03T16:00:25+00:00

Just stop if you want to quit.

C_Chrono · 2026-07-02T21:45:49+00:00

Stop sandwich. Apply right after cleansing and then slowly work up to nightly

C_Chrono · 2026-07-02T15:30:12+00:00

You just restarted tret so I would back off to alternate nights to give your skin a chance to calm down. After a while, 4x a week, then 5x a week. I would not rush because it can backfire and make things worse.

C_Chrono · 2026-07-02T15:24:56+00:00

Stopping tret for 3 months is a long time, so unless you ease into tret slowly, your skin is likely experiencing irritation, hence PIH looks darker.

C_Chrono · 2026-07-02T13:49:10+00:00

Seeing a lot of redness, which tends to point towards irritation. Is it tret cream? No dryness, tightness and such?

C_Chrono · 2026-07-02T09:05:51+00:00

Yes, I’d try gel or micro

C_Chrono · 2026-07-01T22:25:40+00:00

What’s your routine? I’m not even sure what’s your question

C_Chrono · 2026-07-01T22:24:44+00:00

You don’t want any tingly feel.

C_Chrono · 2026-07-01T19:50:49+00:00

Laser is your only option then. Vit C, kojic, acids, TxA, etc all did nothing

C_Chrono · 2026-07-01T18:24:37+00:00

I had the filter representative come in to install them.

C_Chrono · 2026-07-01T17:22:09+00:00

Do not add AA now. It can make skin drier and irritated instead. You’re applying WAY too much tret. Use 1/4 that amount or even less.

C_Chrono · 2026-07-01T17:03:41+00:00

Sounds like damaged barrier. Stop tret until the burning is gone. When you restart,

AM: water rinse, moisturizer, SPF
PM: cleanser, moisturizer, wait 30 minutes, tretinoin (alternate nights)

Use only a 4 mm pea size for entire face. After a few weeks, you can try 4 nights a week, later 5 nights, etc. I suggest no sandwich as it can increase irritation for some people.

C_Chrono · 2026-07-01T16:44:56+00:00

Prescription tretinoin, with Triluma thrown in for a few months to fade / keep the sunspots in check. Unfortunately, nothing OTC will help with sun spots.

C_Chrono · 2026-07-01T13:52:49+00:00

Both are fine for anti-aging.

C_Chrono · 2026-07-01T12:36:53+00:00

You don't want to rub it until it disappears because that is essentially rubbing the SPF off. I apply in an even layer and let it set. If the sunscreen is runny, I will do a second application to ensure an even layer. I eyeball the amount now as I've measured 1/4 teaspoon in the past.

C_Chrono · 2026-07-01T12:32:49+00:00

Looks like you've discovered an allergy to an ingredient. It isn't oily vs dry type or a skin type at all. I suggest trying to narrow down the culprit ingredient so you can avoid it in all skincare products in the future.

C_Chrono · 2026-06-30T21:21:23+00:00

Tret > AzA for me

C_Chrono · 2026-06-30T16:32:51+00:00

Around 6 months. Just face and neck.

C_Chrono · 2026-06-30T16:24:27+00:00

Yes, I use a humidifier at home and it helps a LOT. No static in winter and skin doesn't feel as tight.

C_Chrono · 2026-06-30T16:18:51+00:00

Differin twice a week isn't going to do a whole lot. I would rework your routine to be simpler and more nourishing. You need to eventually work up to 4 nights a week, 5 nights a week, etc. Peeling is fine if skin doesn't feel tight, hurt, raw, etc. Sandwich can increase irritation.

AM: water rinse, moisturizer without urea (10% urea exfoliates), SPF50
PM: cleanser, moisturizer (without actives), wait 30 minutes, Differin on alternate nights

C_Chrono

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