3 Mistakes You’re Making with Tretinoin—and How to Fix Them

If you’ve ever used Tretinoin (or any retinol product), you know it can be a game-changer for your skin. But if your face is feeling dry, flaky, or irritated, you might be making one (or more) of these common mistakes. Don’t worry—we’ve got the fix!

1. Using Too Much Product

When it comes to Tretinoin, more is definitely not better. You only need a chocolate chip-sized amount to cover your entire face. Applying more than that doesn’t give you extra benefits; it just increases your risk of irritation. So, remember: a little goes a long way!

2. Choosing the Wrong Formula

Not all retinol products are created equal—especially when it comes to the vehicle (or formulation) they come in. If you have dry skin, using a gel-based retinol can make things worse since gels tend to be more drying. Instead, look for a cream-based formula to keep your skin more balanced and comfortable.

3. Neglecting Sensitive Areas

Tretinoin can be harsh on delicate spots, especially around the nose and mouth. To protect these areas, apply a thin layer of petrolatum (like Vaseline or Aquaphor) before using your retinol. This barrier helps prevent the product from pooling and causing unnecessary irritation.

The Bottom Line

Tretinoin can transform your skin when used correctly. By using the right amount, choosing the appropriate formula, and protecting sensitive areas, you can maximize the benefits without dealing with unnecessary dryness.

Have more questions about using retinol? Drop them in the comments!

Want the transript for this video instead?  Is your skin getting dry and irritated from using Tretinoin? I'm Dr. Schneider. I'm a board certified dermatologist. Let's talk about the three things that you are doing wrong using your retinol product. Number one, are you putting on too much of it? You should just be using a chocolate chip sized amount to cover your entire face.

More is definitely not more with this product. You are just putting yourself at higher risk of side effects, using more product without getting extra benefit. Number two, the vehicle does matter when you're talking about your retinol products. So if you are somebody who is dry using a vehicle like a gel, and certain prescription products only come as a gel, it's gonna dry you out.

More gels are drying, so using something like a cream. Will be a much better option. Number three, for these sensitive areas like around the nose, you should use a petrol latum, Vaseline, Aquaphor, something like that to protect those areas with a little bit of ointment so that you don't get extra product pooling there leading to more irritation.

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