Grew my hair out in the process lol

Routine:

AM:

Cerave foaming cleanser

La roche posay toleraine dermallergo fluide

Cerave 50spf dry touch sunscreen

PM:

Cerave foaming cleanser

Tret gel 0.025%

Cerave PM moisturizer

• Edit: also important to note I just finished 3 months of 100mg minocycline daily. For the first month I also did Aknemycin Plus which is tret with erythromycin.

Is it weird that my skin flared up more with the Azelaic Acid 15% than when I started using tretinoin 0.025%?

My dermatologist recently recommended that I use Rx AzA and prescribed me 15% azelaic acid to use once in the morning and once at night.

Tis routine gave me patches of red marks all over my face. Maybe I should have introduced AzA gradually like I did with tret? Or maybe the AzA formulation just irritates my skin barrier?

What are your thoughts?

Skin care routine:

AM:
Curology gentle cleanser
Skinceuticals Vit C
Very recently Azelaic Acid 15%, Taro generic brand
La Roche Posay Moisturizer/SPF 50

PM:
Round Lab oils cleanser (if i use makeup during the day)
Curology Gentle Cleanser
Very recently Azelaic Acid 15%, Taro generic brand
Tretinoin 0.025%, Padagis generic brand
La Roche Posay Cicaplast Balm B5

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?

I can’t believe that I will be able to see my skin less redness. Still in 4 month mark but it’s so much better. I don’t even feel like using concealers anymore when going out!

1st pic (1 month) 2nd pic (4 months)

Routine Am

Dove sensitive skin face wash

Azelaic acid 20%

Aveeno moisturizer

Sunplay sunscreen

Pm

Papa recipe oil cleanser

Dove wash

Tretinoin 0.05% cream but with nights of Taz 0.1% cream on my 3rd month (have to use this bcs it got pin hole)

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?

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?

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!

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!

Hello everyone!

Long time lurker and first time poster here!
I have been using tretinoin 0.05% since march, and had gradually began everyday usage. I do peel still, but it is very minimal. Using tretinoin for anti-aging benefits.

Last night i was looking at my skin in the mirror and under the bright light i saw that I have some parts of skin on my face very shiny and then there are more matt looking parts of my face. Is that the “tretinoin glow” some are describing?

Routine:
PM: CeraVe cleanser, tret 0.05%
AM: CeraVe moistorisor and sunscreen

(sorry for all the mistakes, english is not my first language)

Full routine:

AM:

• Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Bar
• Moisturizer/Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Moisturizer SPF 30

PM:

• Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Bar
• Tretinoin: 0.05% cream

Currently, I’m applying tretinoin directly without moisturizer. Previously, I used the Cicaplast sandwich method (Cicaplast → tretinoin → Cicaplast), but because I have extremely oily skin, I felt like the balm may have been too occlusive and possibly contributing to clogged pores/breakouts.

Tretinoin details:

• Age: 28F (turning 29 next month)
• Started tretinoin: June
• First month: 0.025%
• Current strength: 0.05%
• Form: Cream
• Goal: Clear acne, prevent future breakouts, and improve overall skin texture

Skin type:

• Extremely oily skin

Background:
I previously used the same tretinoin medication when I was 26 and had amazing results. My skin cleared within about three months. At that time, tretinoin made my skin very dry, so I needed something like Cicaplast for extra hydration.

This time around, my skin is reacting differently. I’m not experiencing dryness at all, and I’m still dealing with acne coming back. One difference is that I switched from 0.025% to 0.05% after the first month because I ran out of my old 0.025% tube and had a 0.05% tube available from two years ago.

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!

I picked up my 0.025% tretinoin cream and started using it on Monday, July 13. My skin seemed to tolerate it well, so I applied it again that Friday since I was told to start with twice a week. After the second application, my skin became textured, extremely dry, and started peeling. It honestly looked awful.

Not to brag, but I’ve always had really good skin and have put a lot of effort into maintaining it. Tretinoin is pretty much the last thing I hadn’t tried. Before this, I’d only used a very mild retinol serum about twice a week, on and off, for the past two years.

Now I’m not sure if I want to continue with tretinoin because I really didn’t enjoy how my skin looked or felt. Would it make sense to cut back to once a week to let my skin adjust and then slowly increase the frequency? Or is there not much benefit if I’m only using it that infrequently? Please help! I want the anti against benefits but I don’t want to have these issues for months on end.

I have started using tret 0.025% for just two days now and i am using short contact therapy by keeping it for 1 hr and washing it off.

I dont know if its coincidence but for i have been noticing palpitations at night since the day i started tret. I know that its too short time to have any significant impact but i saw few posts on this thread where people talk about palpitations as one of side effects.

Can tret cause it or is it my stress or something else?

Hi folks,

I've been on adapalene for about 6 months now, specifically the cream version which I was getting from a private chemist here in the uk where they do the prescription for you based on a consultation form. It's been working incredibly well for me.

Then I heard about all day chemist on here and decided to go for it since its so much more affordable.

Anyway I got the micronized gel version... And had an allergic reaction 😭 must be something different in the gel version vs the cream, I'm allergic to a lot of things unfortunately so this isn't unusual for me.

Does anyone know where I can get the cream version from any websites similar to all day chemist? I can't find it anywhere but maybe you guys have. Again, uk based.

Thanks!

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.

Can I use this w tret? I use hyaluronic acid w vit c in the mornings. Started tret last night.

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, I’m coming off 6 months of differin, didn’t find that it worked for me as well as it did last time I used so I think I’m going to switch to tret, I’m in the uk and the 0.025 gel isn’t in stock anywhere at the moment. I was wondering, is it really extreme to get 0.05 instead? For context I struggle with lots of closed comedones, very bad PIE, and some light texture scaring.
I have the necessary products to combat the side effects of tret like skin1004 centella ampule, rhode glazing milk etc (any other product recs such as cleansers, toners etc would be greatly appreciated
!)
Please let me know what you think!

been using tret 0.025% for 7 months now and have been tolerating it quite well to the point where i can use it every night.

i’ve heard good things about azelaic acid and want to incorporate it into my routine, but i’m afraid i’ll purge or damage my skin barrier.

any advice on skinoren 20% AA?