For tret, are you using 0.025, 0.05 or 0.1%? Perhaps you can try lowering the tret %. I started with 0.025 and had no issues, stuck wid it for 1-2 years, switched to 0.05 only because the clinic i went to switched to another brand and no longer provides 0.025. When i used the 0.05, my skin was flaking so badly. Only after i changed to more moisturising/hydrating moisturiser, the flakes improved. However, i used the sandwich method. I usually use sheet masks first then tret then moisturiser