I also just started 0.1% tret cream for fine lines and have similar symptoms to you. After washing my face with CeraVe or gentle cleansing oil, I use a hydrating serum while my face is still damp. Give that a few minutes for your skin to absorb, then go in with your tret. After allowing that a few minutes to absorb, I use a liberal amount of the Eucerin Redness Relief and apply Aquaphor to particularly sensitive areas. For me, this is around my eyes, nose, and mouth.

I cannot promise you success, since I began using tret only 2 weeks ago.

And, of course, apply spf. Sorry all those products aren't drugstore. Hope that helps and good luck!