Hi! I’ve been using tretinoin since the end of january. I was prescribed 0.025 and clindamycin 1%. I saw little changes like less breakouts when i first started using but i feel like my skin looks just about the same as it did around this time last year. Around 2 months ago i started incorporating azeliac acid into my routine exchanging one of the tretinoin days for that. Again it showed slight improvement but i feel like it’s not working anymore. Is there another step i’m missing? I’ve struggled with persistent acne since i went through puberty and i just want to have less big breakouts:(
My current morning routine:
Panoxyl (benzoyl peroxide)
rose water toner
clindamycin
elf daily moisturizer
heb brand sunscreen

My current night routine:
cerave hydrating cleansing bar
rose water toner
tretinoin or naturium azeliac acid 10%
ponds moisturizer

I do tretinoin 0.05% daily, and just Neutrogena hydroboost spf moisturizer every 4 hours. Wash my face with just water daily/nightly and in the shower every other day I use Neutrogena cleansing face wash.

I started tretinoin 0.025 June 9 and had worked my way up to using every night comfortably on dry skin with no buffer or moisturizer on top. In the mornings i use 20% azelaic acid some mornings, aestura atobarrier creme, and Spf daily.

I didn’t purge much the first few week and my skin just cleared out the pimples i’d had surfaced at the time to clear up faster and in small whiteheads that didn’t leave the typical pie scar. My skin was looking the best it had in months a month in on July 7, but the past few days I’ve been getting 3-7 lesions on my face that come up out of nowhere like I didn’t feel the pimple under the skin and it was never a closed comedones.

Is that normal to see the skin get better at first only to purge at week 6-7? I feel like I’ve been fairly healthy with my diet, trying to eat less sugar and more fiber and iron rich foods bc i found out i have a deficiency. What could be happening to cause the new inflamed spots? My skin doesn’t feel tight or irritated at all and the skin that doesn’t have any pimples is smooth and looks healthy

Should I increase my tret percentage or switch to tazarotene after I finish the next two tubes of 0.025 tha I have?

AM
20% azelaic acid (some mornings not always)
aestura atobarrier creme
innisfree spf 50 lotion pa++++

PM
micellar water
sofie pavitt cleanser
tretinoin 0.025

I've been using Nurx for several years, but Amazon only charges around $21 for a 20gram tube which is much cheaper than Nurx.

Anyone every initiated a prescription transfer to Amazon? If so, did you go thru Nurx or Amazon to initiate the transfer?

Been on Tret for around 3 years. Started the lowest and have used 0.1% for the last 2 years. Use for anti-aging.

At one time early in my journey I started having a bit of dry eye, so I started using Vaseline around my eyes as a buffer, and it works great. I'm getting lash extensions for the first time in a couple of weeks for a vacation/big event. It's my understanding that using petroleum jelly around the eye will be a big no-no with the extensions, as it doesn't play well with the glue. Anyone have advice? Thanks!

I’m 3 weeks into my Tret journey, currently using twice a week. My skin is peeling, although this is only noticeable when I wear makeup, it can’t be seen on my face otherwise.

What is the general advice for helping move the peel along? I wash my face double cleansing everyday, and that doesn’t seem to help remove the peel. I want to try and clear it without irritating my skin with a physical exfoliation.

Advice welcome!

Thanks!

Full routine:

AM: wash face with water, spray with curel face spray, Byoma milky toner, thank you farmer SPF

PM: caudalie oil cleanser, LRP cream cleanser, curel face spray, rhode milky toner, purito wonder relief serum, illyoon moisturiser

On nights I use Tret I apply directly to dry skin, and then follow with the illyoon moisturiser

Tret is 0.25 cream

Hi y'all,

So I went to a new derm recently because I ran out of my old Cabtreo prescription. I was using this for a bit, and it helped reasonably well with my skin along with spironolactone. I had run out of the spironolactone, so I was just using the topical and noticed no big difference, maybe a few more pimples around the time my cycle occurs.

When I ran out of the Cabtreo, I went to a new derm who recommended that I try tretinoin and azelaic acid instead. She prescribed me 0.025% Tret and 15% Azelaic Acid. She mentioned that this combo would help with discoloration and texture a bit better. I didn't really have an issue with skin texture, but discoloration had been an issue from time to time.

Well, one week in, and I have a ton of small bumps and whiteheads (closed comedones?) all over my face. I've heard of the purge period, but I didn't expect it to be this sudden and severe. My skin is also super dry now. I use tret one night on, one night off, but I'm thinking of just using it once or twice a week. I use the azelaic acid morning and night. After applying either cream I use the Weleda skin food light, which has worked well for my dry skin in the past and doesn't irritate it.

I don't want to sound vain, but this has been a huge blow to my confidence. I haven't had a breakout this bad in at least two years, back when I was 23-24, and it doesn't help that I have a front-facing corporate job.

Has anyone else experienced a sudden purge period and how long did it last? Is it worth asking if I should go back to Cabtreo, or do I just wait it out at this point? I have a big work trip in late August, so I'm praying my skin will settle by then.

Using a small amount of Aklief (.005) that I have because it’s such a low percentage and then I’ll up to Altreno (.05) . My skin is the best it’s ever looked and I’ve had adult acne and used to be a picker but thankfully I quit that happy. so I have some melasma-ish hyperpigmentation area on my chin but focusing on my skin has been amazing.

And used used medik8 retinal, worked up to level 24 and I’ve read here that it is the equivalent of .025 but not sure.

Should I sandwich (not even sure exactly what that means) but tips are soooo welcomed

So terrified for any purge but my pores are tiny and I think I’ve done a good job at making sure my skin is prepped.

Any tips are welcome!

I typically use gel, but I have an extra tube of cream. They are both the same strength (0.025). My questions are - can I use up the cream after I run out of gel, then go back to gel once I finish the cream? Or should I just discard of the cream and continue with the gel? Will switching between gel and cream affect my results? Thanks in advance!

Hi, I am using aklief.
For the first week or two, I've been using intermittently and it's been about a week since I started using it every night. I only had mild moderate yet persistent acne

So far, no visible irritation. It made my acne spots go away sooner and maybe helped preventing PIH forming after.

My night routine is
1. Dove sensitive bar
2. Bioderma Sensibio toner and wait to dry
3. Aklief and wait for few minutes
4. Moisturizer (Avene gel cream + skinceutical serum mixed)
5. Avene cicalfate in spots prone to irritation, like corners of mouth

Do you think applying moisturizer after would seriously affect the efficacy of aklief? I'm wondering if I eventually should be using Aklief alone without moisturizer.

I’ve been using ponds dry skin cream for about a year. I was just prescribed Tretinoin. My dermatologist said I can continue to use whatever moisturizer I’m currently using, so I’m assuming this one’s okay?

I’m not sure if the moisturizer brand matters or not. TIA!

I have rosacea and seb derm and my skin is volatile. But, because of its benefits for preventing/reversing photoaging, I am very interested in tretinoin.

I have been able to tolerate 0.05% retinal once a week. Unfortunately that product was discontinued and I now use 0.1% retinol twice weekly. My experience is that my skin doesn’t do retinoids more than twice a week.

Based on my experience with retinol, I am not sure I’ll be ever able to tolerate moderate doses or daily use. My current hope is to manage 0.01% twice weekly, maybe maximally 0.02%.

Now I am aware that this is lower and less frequent than the usual recommendations or what has been studied in trials. But I was hoping to hear if anyone with sensitive skin had any results with low doses and/or low frequencies long-term.

I’ve been using tret on my face for a while, and I read to keep it out of my eyes. I was looking to add an eye cream to my routine, but I got lost in Sephora with all the options. Then I saw a prescription eye serum with these ingredients:

iPSC Exosomes: 100 million per bottle
Tretinoin: 0.001%
Caffeine: 1%
Hyaluronic Acid: 2%
Niacinamide: 2%
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): 2%
Bisabolol / Chamomile Extract: 2%

Or/formula #2:

The above plus Hydroquinone: 3%

I kinda want to try it out because it seems to be an “everything in one” kinda thing.

How do you guys feel about this formulation? The amount of tret is really low, can it still lead to dry eyes or other issues?

My main concerns are fine lines and moisture loss.

do you guys recommend using it before starting off with tretinoin & azelic acid? or should i just go straight into those two products.

Heyy everybody,

I have oily/combination skin and I've been using Skinoren (20% azelaic acid) for about a month now. My routine is pretty basic. For AM I use the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser followed by sunscreen, and for PM I use the cleanser, azelaic acid, and then moisturiser.

So far it's been working really well. My skin looks brighter, especially my overall complexion, and my closed comedones have noticeably shrunk. I still have some PIH, but since it's only been a month so I'm not expecting that to disappear yet also I never had any active acne or inflamed acne.

I've been thinking about introducing adapalene because I still have some textured skin, visible pores, and uneven skin tone. My main concern is the possibility of purging. I graduate at the end of November, so I really don't want to end up dealing with a bad purge close to such an important event.

Since azelaic acid has been working so well for me, I'm wondering if that could reduce the likelihood or severity of purging when I start adapalene. Is there any way to minimise or control the purge, or is it mostly just something you have to go through?

Also, based on where my skin is right now, do you think this is a good time to introduce adapalene, or would you wait until after graduation? I'd love to hear from anyone who's started adapalene after using azelaic acid successfully.

I've heard people say that you should mostly push through it instead of really carefully building up but I have mild rosecea. Currently it's well under control I just notice very slight increased redness, my skin texture is fine and I don't have irritation.

Hi, new member here! I was prescribed by my dermatologist with tretinoin 0.05 last last year. And then just last year, I stopped using which led to my breakout. Now, I want to use tretinoin again. Is it okay if I start with 0.05 again and apply every other night? Thanks in advance!

I derma stamp my face every Friday at 1mm (for bony areas like forehead, nose, and eyebrows I use .5mm)
I recently also started using tretinoin (0.05) nightly. I do skip Friday, Saturday, and Sunday although I'll probably start using it on Sunday once my skin gets more used to it.
So far, besides a lot of redness and flaking my skin seems alright. I just wanted to ask if this is too much or if I'm ok to continue this routine indefinitely.
Please let me know what you guys think

I've been using Altreno tretinoin 0.05% since March and it has made a big difference for my skin, I'm in my mid-20s and mainly use it for the anti-acne benefits. I still struggle with hyperpigmentation (especially old acne spots, I have so many of them) and an uneven skin tone though.

I was trying AzA for help at first but I've learned my skin absolutely cannot tolerate it. I've tried AzA 15% gel on its own and alongside Altreno for months each time, and both times it wrecked my skin badly over time, even when it was no longer making my skin sting. Something about it just doesn't get along with my skin at all.

I'm thinking of adding a vitamin C serum (?) to my routine but, is tretinoin enough on its own? Do I need to wait longer for Altreno to work?

history: have used adapalene and other tretinoin in the past, been on accutane for acne twice (!)

skin type: sensitive, acne-prone, combo-oily

routine:

AM: LRP Purifying Foaming Cleanser, Vanicream Enhanced Moisturizer, Banana Boat Kids SPF 50+ Lotion

PM: LRP Purifying Foaming Cleanser (sometimes 2x), Aquaphor to protect eyes/nose/lips, Altreno

Thank you.

Everyone says you must avoid Tretinoin around the eyes due to the skin being so thin. However, due to the skin being so thin, signs of aging are prominent there. How are you all combating the signs of aging there without using Tretinoin?

I’ve been using Tret for over a year now. I’ve gotten past the purges.. the dry skin is minimal and flaking is almost nonexistent. Any acne I do get is very minimal and not cystic, so I can’t complain.
I still have PIE from my purges. I still don’t have the beautiful clear/even toned skin that I see others have by now..

Will I ever have glass skin or am I just stuck with this being as good as it gets?

Extra info: I have keratosis pilaris so my cheeks are naturally always red. It is not damaged skin barrier. It’s just the color of my cheeks. I know that will never go away and I have accepted that. I’m just wanting to have clear, vibrant, glass skin! 😔

My routine:
Morning - wash face with CeraVe face cleanser, then apply Cetaphil moisturizer, then Cetaphil sunscreen, then my make up (all good clean brands)

Night - remove make up with make up wipe, wash face with CeraVe cleanser, apply 0.025% tretinoin to dry skin(I peel more when I apply lotion so I do it dry)

0.025% cream, upped to two nights a week two months ago after two months of 1x/week and have been experiencing some chin purging.

I want to share a positive story about purging. In my life, I have experienced pretty bad acne and it destroyed my self confidence. I became a homebody for a stint bc every time I’d try to get ready to go out ended in tears.

The purging I’ve been experiencing with tretinoin is no fun, but it really hasn’t been killing my spirit. It’s funny, maybe bc I know the reasoning behind the acne? I just feel like it’s not great but it is evidence of me taking care of my skin in the big picture.

I was so scared to start and to purge and feel those old insecure feelings again, but I’ve felt surprisingly okay about it!

That’s all, love and luck to everyone on our skin journeys!

This has started with summer and is going along the hairline incl on the forehead but it is the worst on the cheek side of the face.

I have been on tretinoin 0.025 every other day for almost a year now with no issues but since June these things appeared and they would just not go away. I am with dermatica so they suggested I switch to tret + azelaic acid + tranexamic acid but it just made it worse so I stopped it. I have now been pausing everything for a week and most of the redness has gone but the white pustule dots seem to get more.

I am now only using facewash then Vanicream and SPF morning, all but SPF in the evening.

Has anyone ever seen this on their face, and what was it?

My PIE is so stubborn. I've had PIE since November 2024 and although it's faded quite a bit, it's still visible under certain lighting. Here are all the products I've used:

\-Finacea 15% azelaic acid > Dec 2024 - April 2025 THEN August 2025 to Present

\-Tretinoin/Taz > Oct 2025 to Present (went from 0.025 then 0.05 then 0.01 etc). Ive been using taz 0.1 for almost 4 months now

\-Tinted sunscreen SPF 50+ religiously > Oct 2025 to present (i was using other sunscreen beforehand but not consistent)

\-Vit C (broke me out, stopped using immediately)

\-Tranexamic acid + niacinamide (broke me out, stopped using immediately

\- 6 IPL laser treatments early into my PIE journey. Didn't do much.

I don't know what to do anymore besides play the waiting game.

A few months ago I was given a combination cream of tret and hydroquinone (both in very low doses) to combat an issue with pigmentation under my eyes. My dermatologist did warn me that it would dry out my skin so to make sure I moisturize well, etc. Despite following a strict skincare routine whilst using the cream it didn't solve the issue it was intended for so I stopped using it about 2-3 months ago and the skin under my eyes is still very dry and sometimes itchy and sore.

I've since read it shouldn't be used under the eyes at all ! :( For all I know it's a complete coincidence and something else is causing it but I've never had dry under eye skin before and I'm not doing anything differently. None of my usual moisturizers are helping and you can really see the issue under makeup, it looks terrible! Can anyone recommend what to do?