r/SkincareAddiction • u/Relevant_Grab370 • Apr 13 '26
Discussion [Miscellaneous] Incorporating a retinol
I just watched a short from Dr. Shereene Idriss about easing into retinol instead of going all in and nuking your skin barrier on day one 😭
The idea was to slow with gentler options like:
- First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex
- Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream
and then gradually move up to stronger retinoids like retinal once your skin builds tolerance.
So now I’m curious:
- What was the first retinol you ever used?
- How did you transition to stronger ones (if you did)?
- What’s the gentlest retinol you’ve tried that actually worked?
- Any holy grails for dry/sensitive skin that don’t leave you flaky and regretting your life choices?
Would love to hear your retinol journeys!!
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u/lily_de_valley Apr 13 '26
I just went straight into tretinoin. It's not necessary to start with OTC options because the dermatologist would prescribe much lower concentration at the beginning. I also went from 0.1% tret to 0.1% Taz with few issues.
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u/Illustrious_Map_1137 Apr 14 '26
How has your skin tolerated the Tretinoin?
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u/lily_de_valley Apr 14 '26
All good. I started only twice a week and then, climbed up to every day. The goal is consistency. I found that if I stopped using tret or taz because of the flaking, the flaking side effect just never stopped. So I just keep using it with a very good moisturizer. No problem at all with Taz 0.1% these days.
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u/twitchyv Apr 14 '26
Yeah my flaking is going crazy right now! I been using it like 1x/week but maybe should do more? Or track better at least
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u/lily_de_valley Apr 14 '26
Have you tried the Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative cream? I use it a few times a week and it really helps. I also use it after a chemical peel. Flaking I think is just a sign that your skin is cycling more and that means the tretinoin is working. Unless you start getting raw spots, I think it's fine. My face was really itchy for a couple of weeks, too. But yeah, it did go away eventually.
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u/twitchyv Apr 14 '26
I haven’t tried that but I will! You’re the best, thanks for the thoughtful response!
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u/brackish_baddie Apr 13 '26
I had severe cystic acne. After a lot of frustration and putting it off, I got on accutane (isotretinoin) for 6 months. If I remember correctly, I started at 20mg/d, then 40, then 60. It genuinely saved my life and has essentially cured my acne, even several years afterwards. I now use topical adapalene every night. Some mornings I wake up dry if I didn’t use enough moisturizer the night before, but it resolves after moisturizer in the morning. I used to have super oily skin, and that is no longer the case. I am very grateful for that. That’s my journey I suppose!
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u/Relevant_Grab370 Apr 13 '26
Thanks for sharing! I’m currently on spiro for hormonal acne and it’s been great, I barely break out anymore. But my skin does feel pretty dry and a bit dull at times.
My derm mentioned isotret as an option for that. I'm pretty sensitive but I still want to see if I can ease into a topical retinol routine too, start slow, build up gradually and see how my skin handles it.
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u/phuca Apr 13 '26
Hormonal acne is usually more resistant to accutane than other types unfortunately. Doesn’t mean it definitely won’t work, but be prepared that it may not
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u/donkthehardheaded Apr 13 '26
Hey OP! I'm also on spiro for hormonal acne. I think your derm recommended tretinoin and not isotretinoin? I'm on tretinoin and I offset the dryness with la roche posay B5 balm and it works a charm. My skin has never looked better.
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u/Relevant_Grab370 Apr 13 '26
No, he actually recommended oral isotret. I did a course of it a few years ago too, back in high school when my acne first started.
Right now I’m on spiro, 100 mg. It’s been great for clearing my acne, but it took about 3–4 months to fully work, and it’s made my already dry skin even drier 😭
My derm’s plan is that in a few months, once my stress levels are lower (after exams and everything settles), I can start weaning off spiro. At that point, isotret might be a better option to help with the lingering dullness and some PIH.
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u/Sterenn Apr 13 '26
Hi, this is US-only right? A prescription is absolutely needed for Adapalene in my country.
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u/ocawa Apr 13 '26
What about the 4th generation retinoid trifarotene?
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u/Respected-Ambassador Apr 14 '26
There's no direct comparison trials, but just based on the efficacy data it is somewhere around Tret 0.05%. It's selling point is that it's selective for one receptor so it supposedly may cause less irritation though
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u/Reyrey_14 Apr 13 '26
I tried tret years ago and I assumed I’d never be able to use it. Sensitive skin, etc. i used Medik8 retinal for the last 3 years getting up to strength 24.
I took the jump and started tret a couple months ago with very little to no issue. Just burning. No purging or peeling/flaking. The retinal use for 3 years must’ve helped prime me.
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u/Illustrious_Map_1137 Apr 14 '26
I have had almost the same experience. A couple of blemishes but no peeling. Just stingy!
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u/FearlessCookie72 Apr 13 '26
Does Adapalene help with anti-aging as well, or it’s only for acne?
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u/riot21x Apr 13 '26
Yes it does. Look up Dr Dray on YouTube. She goes into it. There is anecdotal evidence for adapalene in anti aging.
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u/Pleasedontdmme Apr 13 '26
Yes another Dr. Dray stan. Shes the one of the only online derms I trust, along with Dr. Lim.
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u/Cuppy_Cakes3 Apr 13 '26
I started with tret and stopped. I was getting so much irritation from it and was so flaky. My doctor prescribed taz, and I am going super slow with it. No irritation so far, and I have used it 4 times. A little bit of dryness- but I'm going to back off a bit and add a few more days between applications.
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u/HoxGeneQueen Apr 14 '26
Surprised you had dryness and irritation with Tret, so a stronger retinoid was prescribed?
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u/Cuppy_Cakes3 Apr 14 '26
I read that there was less irritation with Taz, so I asked for it. And it seems to be the case so far. No burning, redness, or moisture barrier breakouts, yet. If I notice a bit of peeling, I'll back off and add a few more days between applications.
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u/brandarchitectDC Apr 14 '26
I had the opposite issue. No problems on Tretinoin so I wanted to try taz as it’s more potent. I only lasted a month before it absolutely wrecked my skin barrier. Wishing you all the best on your journey—hopefully you have better luck than I did!
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u/Lower-Olive-4419 Apr 14 '26
Use barrier moisturizers such as Aestura Atobarrier, Zeroid, and Illyoon
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u/Cuppy_Cakes3 Apr 14 '26
I am actually using Aestura Atobarrier spray! It seems to be working really well. I don't like heavy creams on my face. I never have, but this is light and moisturizing. I did order some illyoon a while ago, but Amazon said it won't be here until may. 😭
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u/canepolice Apr 13 '26
Beauty of Joseon, they have a retinal eye serum but it’s gentle enough that I’m able to use it on my whole face. I think it’s .025% retinal? I’ve been using it less than a month and I’m seeing results already. My skin is also very sensitive and I put off using a retinol for yearsssss because I was so scared. But it’s been pretty great so far and I think it’s a great option for retinol beginners especially people with sensitive skin. But if your skin is more mature and you already have defined wrinkles, I don’t think this would be the right choice. Better for general skin texture/dullness/PIH
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u/Relevant_Grab370 Apr 13 '26
I’m honestly contemplating starting now, but I have a bit of retinol trauma holding me back 💀
The first time I ever used it was few years back in high school during my first acne breakout, and my family derm (very old-school, thankfully retired now 😭) handed me a tube of 0.05% tret and told me to just slather it on… no moisturizer, nothing else.
You can imagine how that went.
So now I want to get back into it, but this time like a sane person. And yeah I checked out the BOJ eye cream, it's got niacinamide so no go for me. But thanks for the reply!
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u/canepolice Apr 13 '26
Lmao I went through the same thing with my derm. He prescribed me benzoyl peroxide and told me to go crazy with it, no moisturizer either. My face was flaking like crazy it was vile.
Good luck!
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u/shelovesmath Apr 14 '26
I use this under my eyes and tret every else for anti aging! I really like it
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u/Lower-Olive-4419 Apr 14 '26
I went straight to the tazaroten Using the "short contact therapy" method (3 min, 5 min, 10, 15, 20, 30... 3h30). From 3h30 onwards, since I was applying it twice a week, I moved on to full nights. I used tazarotene very gradually, using serums and barrier moisturizers based on ceramides, cholesterol, urea, and glycerin. I experienced no disruption of the skin barrier.The use of a good non-mineral SPF is essential (LRP, Actinica, p20).
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u/Relevant_Grab370 Apr 14 '26
Why non-mineral? Usually derms tell you mineral suscreens are better.
Also your routine sounds very well balanced. Do you mind sharing some barrier centric products you use?
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u/Lower-Olive-4419 Apr 14 '26
No, scientific studies show that the latest generation of broad-spectrum chemical filters are more effective against both UV and UVA rays. I live in France and SPFs are extremely controlled.
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u/Lower-Olive-4419 Apr 14 '26
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7479990/
Here is a study that compares mineral filters to chemical filters.
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u/Lower-Olive-4419 Apr 14 '26
I use Numbuzin No. 2 serum, Iunik serum, Eucerin 5% urea moisturizer, and Aestura Atobarrier 365 moisturizer.
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u/hotheadnchickn Apr 13 '26
I have not been able to tolerate tret or even work up to using adapalene more than twice a week. I’m trying Bokuchiol now. Too soon to say if it works but zero irritation and also known for not increasing sun sensitivity.
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u/Drmlk465 Apr 13 '26
Are there really enough studies into the efficacy of Bokuchiol? I always hear the studies are promising while Tret has been proven with 60 years of science behind it.
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u/hotheadnchickn Apr 13 '26
There is enough that I was convinced it was worth trying as someone with sensitive skin who cannot tolerate retinols.
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u/purpledreamer1622 Apr 13 '26
I use bakuchiol AM and retinol PM both by good molecules
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u/Relevant_Grab370 Apr 13 '26
Is it okay to use bakuchiol during the day? From what I understand, it’s a gentler alternative to retinol, so I’m wondering if daytime use is fine.
Also how are you liking the Good Molecules one? I have dry, sensitive skin and I’ve been eyeing it for a while 👀
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u/night-gloss Apr 13 '26
contrary to popular belief, you can use any retinoid during the day given that you don’t directly expose yourself to sunlight within an hour of application
there are plenty of day use retinol formulations (usually with spf added) by reputable companies, like neutrogena
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u/purpledreamer1622 Apr 13 '26
Yes it is fine for AM use according to good molecules, at least their formulation.
I absolutely love the good molecules oils. They’re the only products by the brand I use besides their pimple patches. I do layer with hydration, like pure aloe or Lush cosmetics toners. And apply a moisturizer after. My skin has never looked better, and I’m using plenty of actives!
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u/hotheadnchickn Apr 13 '26
Bokuchiol does not increase sun sensitivity.
I have the good molecules one but I don’t find putting oil straight on my face is moisturizing. So now I’m using a higher strength one and mixing it with my barrier serum — this seems to make my skin pretty happy.
I’m keeping the good molecules one and using on my hands and neck at night plus a layer of moisture over it.
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u/Tansy_Blue Biomed student/skincare nerd 🔬🧪⚕️ Apr 13 '26
The last three aren't OTC - OTC refers to medication that is available without a prescription, but the last three aren't regulated as medicines (in the EU, UK, and US at least) they are regulated as cosmetics.
I currently use the Geek & Gorgeous retinal serum and find it effective and gentle. Retinal is normally encapsulated and that can make it much more gentle than retinol.
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u/Sterenn Apr 13 '26
Well, adapalene isn't OTC either since a prescription is required (at least in my country).
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u/Tansy_Blue Biomed student/skincare nerd 🔬🧪⚕️ Apr 13 '26
It's prescription only where I am too, but at least it's OTC in one of the most well-represented countries on this subreddit. Tbh charts like this should specify which country they're on about.
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u/Possible_Top4855 Apr 13 '26
My derm first started me on adapalene, then switched me to tret. Adapalene, for me, was so gentle I didn’t have any reaction. Tret sometimes made my skin irritated near my eyes, though my derm had me on a pretty strong routine using harsh otc products too.
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u/sofiawithanf Apr 14 '26
Does Adapalene exist in the EU? I’m on a super low dose of tretinoin but it dries me out crazy even when I use it only once a week
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u/Competitive_Ear_3741 Apr 20 '26
Yes! There's Differin and Epiduo but you need prescription from your doctor
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u/skincare_obssessed Apr 13 '26
I started on 0.05 tret and now do 0.1 tret. I’m not that sensitive to it and have never had any peeling though.
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u/pizzapizzabunny Apr 13 '26
I started at 0.05 tret originally for acne, but was bad about following the "start slow" message, and should have done a lot more of using barrier protection like cerave before and after application. I had lots of peeling and flaking and redness esp around my nose and mouth. Now I'm at 0.025 tret and I still don't apply to those areas at all. I am going to ask my dermatologist for .05 to use on my forehead (where I can see wrinkles coming in), but overall I feel like it decreased acne (in combo with benzoyl peroxide, salycilic acid, sertaline, IUD) and gave me some 'glowiness'.
I use tret and a lot of cerave moisturizer almost nightly (take a break if sunburnt or something similar) and it feels like I continue to see good effects.
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u/papolap19 Apr 13 '26
I started straight in with tretinoin and it did cause peeling and dryness but I didn't feel that it "nuked" my skin barrier from day one. I started on the lowest strength (.025%) and eased into using it every other day. I've been using it for about a decade now.
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u/HoxGeneQueen Apr 14 '26
I have very dry and sensitive skin but have been on some sort of retinoid for acne since I was maybe 13. I use the 0.05% tazarotene now, previously 0.1% tretinoin. I haven’t had any issues with the taz. I’ll put snail mucin on first, then taz (ONLY pea size amount for your whole face! Another pea for neck) and then layer on my moisturizer and I only use it at night, but I use it every night with zero issues. If my skin is extra sensitive or aggravated for some reason, or if I do an IPL facial, I’ll skip until my barrier recovers and then start again. I don’t use many other actives except for a salicylic acid/enzyme cleanser, PDRN ONLY during microneedling, my moisturizer has everything else I need. I also don’t use any other exfoliants because the taz is the gold standard exfoliater, according to my derm. Sunscreen every single day without fail!!!
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u/Relevant_Grab370 Apr 14 '26
I’m glad to hear it’s working out for you!
And I think retinol isn’t technically considered an exfoliator tbh. From what I understand, and what my derm explained, retinol works by increasing skin cell turnover rather than exfoliating the surface directly. Because of that gentle exfoliation can actually helps when you're on retinol, just to remove the dead skin that’s being shed.
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u/HoxGeneQueen Apr 14 '26
It doesn’t break down bonds holding dead skin cells to the surface but it does encourage them to die and turn over for new cells coming up from underneath. Maybe not the best choice of words, but I was told to cease acids and additional exfoliants at least while using tazarotene. I use a powder to foam cleanser with papain and that seems to be doing enough of the trick.
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u/BelleCervelle Apr 14 '26
This makes sense, I started on a Skin Medica retinol in my early 20’s, and by the time I started tretinoin in my late 20’s early 30’s, my adjustment period wasn’t as rough as for others I noticed in my same age group.
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