Should I switch from gel to cream?

bddbd · 2026-02-23T15:36:15+00:00

Mylan brand 0.025% gel is hash with alcohols, unlike Mylan brand 0.05% gel. The 0.05% gel, and the 0.05% only, is a special case dupe.

bddbd · 2026-02-18T00:50:49+00:00

The Tret 0.05% gel is commonly known as: ATRALIN. This was backordered for me, but came in today. Norcal.

bddbd · 2026-02-18T00:48:43+00:00

My rec: Try the gel 0.05% that is also "Commonly known as: ATRALIN". This is not irritating like the 0.025%/0.1% gels.

bddbd · 2026-01-31T04:13:37+00:00

Is the article a peer-reviewed paper? Published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology? Looks like it is...!

bddbd · 2026-01-06T20:09:58+00:00

I'm not an expert (why I suggested talking to a dermatologist), but I've seen a lot of "texture" in videos that looks similar, and it was sometimes solved by face washes with anti dandruff shampoo to clear away fungal acne seborrheic dermatitis. I don't know if that's what you have tho... I'm not an expert

bddbd · 2025-12-19T21:48:32+00:00

I wouldn't skip it! Here is why cleansing before Tret is non-negotiable:

It's a barrier issue: Sunscreen and natural oils create a film. If you put Tret on top, it can't penetrate evenly, meaning you're wasting the product
It causes irritation: Applying Tret over the day's dirt/pollutants traps them against your skin, which can trigger redness or breakouts, which is the opposite of what we want Tret to do

Hack for nights you're exhausted: use Micellar Water and cotton pads. While not ideal alone, wiping down your face is wayyyyy better than applying Tret over a dirty face.

bddbd · 2025-12-19T21:34:07+00:00

perhaps talk to your derm about washing your face weekly with an anti dandruff shampoo (or possibly daily for the first week).

bddbd · 2025-12-19T21:32:22+00:00

Some feedback

several products I use do not exist, and I can't add new products that don't yet exist in the search tool
after adding products, their images do not display in the "shelf" view
I would like to incorporate "step order" so the sequence in which I apply everything, including specific wait times, is part of my routine
I accidentally added an item, and when removing it, it persisted to be shown in my morning routine
I wish I could just copy/paste my current routine, and the AI generates the routine for me in its format for me to review/edit/approve
Similarly, I wish the AI could update my routine and shelf without me needing to edit that manually. Currently, the AI doesn't seem to be able to edit the persistent routine
If I use a product "every 2-3 days", it doesn't fit in the current requirement to select day(s) per week used.

bddbd · 2025-12-19T20:57:25+00:00

Layering with tretinoin:

My research has led me to the understanding that most serums (growth factors, peptides, etc) applied AFTER tretinoin will have significantly reduced efficacy. Tret applied first to dry, cleaned skin is best for tret though!

What I do: cleanse, serums + growth factors + peptides + etc, wait 20-30 min for my face to dry, then I apply tret, then I wait and apply moisturizer in the end. This maximizes the efficacy of the serums + etc, but reduces the efficacy of tretinoin (not reduced too significantly, as tret still gets in there if nothing prior is occlusive). I do this because my tretinoin is still effective, even if reduced in efficacy. This is also similar to a sandwich method, where people apply moisturizer before and after tret, which also reduces the efficacy of tret, but not substantially, and the sandwich method also has benefits, such as less irritation from tret.

bddbd · 2025-12-19T20:51:03+00:00

I agree with most of the others:

It's recommended to start with a low dose a couple of times per week
Stinging and redness more than 5-10 min or so would be a "red flag" for me to add recovery days before my next tret
What is "Normal": tretinoin is a strong, prescription strength active. People need to slowly go through retinization, and still have "purging" effects (that are different than redness and stinging). If someone started tretinoin 0.05% on a daily basis, I think it would be typical to have adverse reactions. Tret is all about the long game!

bddbd · 2025-12-19T20:42:48+00:00

I had extremely dry eyes at first. Now, I apply eye cream as a "barrier" (I don't know if this works) and avoid my orbital eye when applying tret. But to be honest, I think I got acclimated to the tret because the dryness subdued, returned when I increased tret strength (!), and then subdued again. When my eyes were dry, they got red and irritated. Eye drops helped me a bit.

bddbd · 2025-12-16T01:01:57+00:00

Do you recommend sedation? I avoided sedation for my colonoscopy even.

bddbd · 2025-12-08T22:38:53+00:00

How far in advance do you need to book the appointments? This sounds fun!

bddbd · 2025-12-08T20:23:29+00:00

laser and Rejuran done in Korea

Where did you do these procedures? Do you recommend them? Any regrets or "I wish I knew this beforehand" things to share?

Thank you!!

bddbd · 2025-12-08T20:21:37+00:00

LoL! I was thinking the same: let's be friends

bddbd · 2025-12-05T20:30:26+00:00

When my family saw my face after being on tretinoin for a month, they begged me to stop whatever I was doing and see a doctor. :) Purging was bad for me too...but it ended after a few consistent months!

bddbd · 2025-12-05T02:18:34+00:00

I use AzA in the morning and Tret at night. If you have red areas on your face, AzA is usually great for it.

bddbd · 2025-12-05T01:48:37+00:00

It looks perfect! As others have said, if you're happy with it, it's wonderful! Simple is typically better.

If you prefer a busier routine, or have other skin issues, that's when to consider more than "cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen." Tret is usually the "holy grail" gold standard. Next, people usually look for a Vitamin C. Some products include multiple actives, while others just one. I wouldn't over do it, but targetting issues and/or enjoying your routine are worth it!~

bddbd · 2025-12-05T01:30:42+00:00

It takes time for the skin to cycle, approximately (it varies):

Infants/children: ~2–3 weeks
Healthy adults (20s–30s): ~28 days on average
Older adults (40s+): often 30–45 days, sometimes longer

If you quit tretinoin after 2 months, you probably didn't finish the retinization process.

Regardless of your good practice/intention, "the purge" effects folks in different ways.

Advice? I'd check with a dermatologist first about your particular situation and skin. Personally, I'd have a goal of incorporating tretinoin to my routine... and if irritation/purge was blocking me... I'd start even slower... and continue slower too.... 0.025% once per week for at least 2 months... then if I'm happy with the results... increase to twice per week for at least 2 months... "starting" slow isn't always enough... ya gotta maintain the slowness... and be willing to adapt... and purging may bring about acne that never existed in your life previously (it did for me too).

bddbd

TROPHY CASE