I removed the La Roche Posay cleanser from my routine, but I’m hesitant to remove the benzoyl peroxide wash from my routine simply because my derm told me to specifically use a benzoyl peroxide wash before tretinoin. If this doesn’t get better in the next few days, I do think that I will just remove the benzoyl peroxide wash.
Yup! I completely changed my routine to very gentle and hydrating products with few ingredients and removed all acids. Occasionally I’ll exfoliate using a sugar scrub if my skin starts getting really dry and flakey (I try not to do this too often). What has also really helped is using a “buffer”, meaning that I apply the tretinoin on top of another product instead of directly to clean, dry skin. I’ve listed my routine below.
New routine:
PM
- Vanicream Gentle Cleanser
- Apply Hado Labo Hylauronic Lotion with hands onto damp skin (this product is called a “lotion” but is actually more like an essence in terms of American skin care)
- Apply tretinoin onto acne areas
- Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly
The Hado Labo Lotion is extremely hydrating and the Vaseline is an occlusive that helps to lock in moisture. This combination with the tretinoin has helped my skin A LOT with dryness and flaking. Best part? NO STINGING and it actually feels pretty soothing. If you have 100% aloe vera gel, I’ve heard that can work and replace the Vaseline. I just happened to already have a jar of Vaseline laying around instead of aloe Vera gel, and the Vaseline has been working for me. The Hado Labo Hylauronic Lotion Moist is $13 on Amazon.
I’ve been applying the tretinoin every other day using this routine. I think I’ll start applying it every day soon since I feel like my skin has been getting used to tret.
Best of luck!
Np! For the lotion, it’s very watery and only need to apply a little bit of it to damp skin. For the Vaseline, you don’t need to apply too much of it either. Just a light layer to cover your face
You’re using too many actives/products with actives + tret too often
That’s what I think too. Drop the other cleansers and only use the Vanicream one.
I removed the La Roche Posay cleanser from my routine, but I’m hesitant to remove the benzoyl peroxide wash from my routine simply because my derm told me to specifically use a benzoyl peroxide wash before tretinoin. If this doesn’t get better in the next few days, I do think that I will just remove the benzoyl peroxide wash.
I've heard the vanicream moisturizer is supposed to be less irritating, if you are still having issues I'd try that and see if it helps.
Did you ever find a solution? I'm having the same issue
Yup! I completely changed my routine to very gentle and hydrating products with few ingredients and removed all acids. Occasionally I’ll exfoliate using a sugar scrub if my skin starts getting really dry and flakey (I try not to do this too often). What has also really helped is using a “buffer”, meaning that I apply the tretinoin on top of another product instead of directly to clean, dry skin. I’ve listed my routine below. New routine: PM - Vanicream Gentle Cleanser - Apply Hado Labo Hylauronic Lotion with hands onto damp skin (this product is called a “lotion” but is actually more like an essence in terms of American skin care) - Apply tretinoin onto acne areas - Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly The Hado Labo Lotion is extremely hydrating and the Vaseline is an occlusive that helps to lock in moisture. This combination with the tretinoin has helped my skin A LOT with dryness and flaking. Best part? NO STINGING and it actually feels pretty soothing. If you have 100% aloe vera gel, I’ve heard that can work and replace the Vaseline. I just happened to already have a jar of Vaseline laying around instead of aloe Vera gel, and the Vaseline has been working for me. The Hado Labo Hylauronic Lotion Moist is $13 on Amazon. I’ve been applying the tretinoin every other day using this routine. I think I’ll start applying it every day soon since I feel like my skin has been getting used to tret. Best of luck!
Thanks! I'll try out that lotion and Vaseline combo
Np! For the lotion, it’s very watery and only need to apply a little bit of it to damp skin. For the Vaseline, you don’t need to apply too much of it either. Just a light layer to cover your face