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Tretinoin and I? We’ve had a journey. I went into my tretinoin skin-care routine thinking I was about to emerge as a glazed-donut goddess—what I got instead was flaking, redness, and skin so mad it practically filed an HR complaint. Lesson learned after using this potent formula for three months: This stuff is powerful, and going hard right out the gate is not the move.
That’s when I found my groove with a three-days-a-week routine and strategic products, like a dedicated moisturizer to use with tretinoin. It’s just enough to get that smooth, glowy payoff without putting my skin into a meltdown. No overachieving, no stress—just strategy. Let me break down the schedule that finally made tretinoin work for me, not against me.
What’s my skin like?
A better question would be, what is my skin not like? It has its moments, but the gist would be that when it’s that time of the month, it’s angry and acne-prone; during the other 23 days, it’s healing from any scarring or hyperpigmentation caused during my menstrual cycle. This is why I started using tretinoin in the first place—to help stop pimples before they even form—but even if they do, it speeds up the healing process. In addition to acne, my skin is pretty dry, which is tough when you’re on tretinoin, which can leave skin even rougher and duller (in addition to irritated) if not used properly or with the right products.
What even is tretinoin?
To keep it simple, tretinoin is a prescription retinoid. “Tretinoin is the gold standard for improving skin texture and fine lines,” says board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD. It works by speeding up your skin’s cell turnover, helping to unclog pores, prevent breakouts, and smooth skin texture over time. That’s why it’s often prescribed not just for fine lines but also for acne.
You’ve probably also heard of retinol, and maybe you’re wondering how it’s different. Retinoids are actually a whole category that includes both prescription versions (like tretinoin) and over-the-counter ones (like retinol and retinal). The difference? Retinol has to be converted by your skin into retonic acid before it does its thing, so it’s generally less potent—and a bit gentler—than tretinoin.
You’re probably thinking of the word prescription and the way healthcare (unfortunately) works in our country. Between costs and bandwidth at dermatology offices, it could be nearly impossible to obtain. Luckily, tretinoin is more accessible and customizable than ever; you just need to be careful when purchasing and using.
Where to buy tretinoin through telemedicine without a prescription
- Agency by Curology Future Formula, $40
- Ro Custom Rx Treatment, $58
- Nurx Tretinoin Cream, $30
- Musely The Eye Serum, $39 and up
- Hers Prescription Acne Cream, $29 and up
- Wisp Firm Up! Wrinkle Cream, $75 and up
Speaking of which, tretinoin usually comes in strengths between 0.02% and 0.1%. The higher the percentage, the faster it might work, but also the more irritating it can be. I use 0.05%, and I’ve stuck with that since I started using it in early 2024. Honestly, I’m too scared to go stronger, and I don’t want to go lower now that I’m finally in a good groove with my skin-cycling routine. What’s that, you ask? Let me explain.
My Tretinoin Skin-Care Routine
These three days of the week are when I use tretinoin in my routine, but never alone and always in great company. Here’s how my routine goes: oil cleanser, gentle water-based cleanser, hyaluronic-acid serum, tretinoin (not linked since it’s a prescription!), and a thick moisturizer. Specifically, the following brands and products:
The goal of this routine: Use tretinoin effectively while minimizing irritation and dryness. Adding these layers of hydrating and soothing products before and after the tretinoin helps buffer and support my skin.
My Skin-Care Routine When Not Using Tretinoin
For the days I’m not using tretinoin, I still want to make sure my skin is getting some sort of exfoliation and additional actives to brighten my skin, so my routine is as follows: oil cleanser, gentle cleanser, face exfoliant, dark-spot corrector, and a thick moisturizer.
The goal of this routine: To maintain my glow and progress without overwhelming my skin by using tretinoin every night.
Let me be clear—everyone's skin is different, and what works for me may not work for you. So, if you want to get on the TT (tretinoin train) and don’t want to wait for a dermatology appointment, consider a virtual consultation with a doctor so you get the right dosage for your skin type. Then, just wait for your prescription-strength retinoid to be delivered straight to your door. Once you've discovered your tretinoin skin-care routine, you'll never look back.
Read more about retinoids:
- 14 Best Retinol Serums of 2025 to Treat Fine Lines & Uneven Texture
- 14 Best Retinol Creams That Smooth Fine Lines Without Sensitivity
- 9 Best Retinal Serums and Creams to Level Up Your Retinoid Routine
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