What’s The Best Way to Apply Retin-A? Plus, 5 More Pharmacist Tips

Retin-A (tretinoin) is a prescription medication used to treat acne in people ages 12 years and older. It’s applied to the skin every day and comes in various forms, including creams, gels, and liquids.

Retinoids, such as Retin-A, are a form of vitamin A. This is a vitamin that’s essential for the maintenance of healthy skin and tissues. One of the ways it does this is by helping replace old skin cells with new, healthy ones.

Why does this matter? Our skin acts as a shield to protect our bodies against bacteria, sun damage, and other environmental factors. Because of this wear and tear, our skin cells are constantly being replaced with new, healthy ones. In fact, the outer layer of skin is renewed thousands of times over the span of a person’s lifetime. By accelerating this renewal process, Retin-A helps prevent the formation of acne and pimples.

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But how long does it take for Retin-A to work? And what’s the best way to apply it? Let’s take a closer look at the answers to these questions and dive into pharmacist-recommended tips for using Retin-A.

1. Retin-A can help manage acne and acne scarring

Topical retinoids, such as Retin-A, are a preferred treatment for all types of acne. They help prevent new breakouts, reduce inflammation, and can even decrease the appearance of acne scarring. You can use Retin-A alone or alongside other topical medications, such as benzoyl peroxide or antibiotics. If your acne is severe, your dermatologist may also prescribe an oral antibiotic.

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see results right away though. It may take 2 to 3 weeks before you start to notice an improvement with Retin-A. Sometimes it can take even longer — 7 weeks or more —– to really notice its acne-fighting benefits. 

What’s more, you may experience an acne flare-up around the 3- to 6-week mark. Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean Retin-A isn’t working. Acne flare-ups are common and usually get better with continued use of the medication.

2. Tretinoin can also prevent fine wrinkles (and more)

Retin-A is only FDA approved to treat acne. But its active ingredient, tretinoin, has more potential benefits. Sometimes your dermatologist may prescribe Retin-A off-label for these other benefits beyond acne treatment. In other cases, a dermatologist may choose other tretinoin products.

For instance, Renova is a different tretinoin cream used to prevent fine wrinkles from forming on the face. Tri-Luma (fluocinolone / hydroquinone / tretinoin) is a combination cream that’s approved to treat skin discoloration, such as melasma. Generic versions of tretinoin are also available for these uses.

Topical tretinoin may also be beneficial to treat:

• Liver spots

• Spider veins

• Stretch marks

• Psoriasis

Researchers are always studying how certain medications, including tretinoin, can help address various skin issues. Your dermatologist can give you the latest information about topical tretinoin and recommend the best options for your skincare needs.

3. The recommended Retin-A dosage is relatively straightforward

Retin-A gels, creams, and liquids come in varying strengths, ranging from a mild 0.01% concentration to a more potent 0.1% version. Typically, you’ll start with a low dosage to allow your skin time to adjust and to minimize any side effects. Depending on how you respond, your dermatologist may slowly increase your Retin-A dosage until you see your desired results.

Retin-A should be applied to affected areas of skin once a day, preferably in the evening. But if you have very sensitive skin, your dermatologist may suggest applying the medication every other night. After your skin gets used to it, you may then be able to increase it to every night. You should never apply Retin-A more than once a day.

How to apply Retin-A

Before applying Retin-A, gently wash your skin with a mild, scentless soap. Then, pat your skin dry with a towel — waiting 20 to 30 minutes for your skin to dry completely. You should only apply Retin-A to clean, dry skin.

If you’re using the liquid form of Retin-A, you can use a fingertip, gauze pad, or cotton swab to apply the medication. If using a gauze or cotton pad, try to avoid oversaturating it to prevent dripping onto unintended areas. Then, gently apply a thin layer of Retin-A onto the affected areas, spreading away from sensitive areas such as the mouth, eyes, and creases of the nose.

To apply the Retin-A cream or gel, squeeze about a half inch or less of medication onto your fingertip. Lightly dab the medication on your forehead, chin, and cheeks, and then smooth out the medication evenly throughout your face.

Keep in mind: No matter which form of Retin-A you use, a thin layer is all you need. And it should look invisible soon after it’s applied. Remember, using more Retin-A won’t help it work better; it’ll likely just lead to more redness and irritation.

4. There isn’t one best moisturizer to use with Retin-A

Retin-A can often cause dry skin as a side effect, especially if you’re in an area that’s cold and windy. To help with this, try applying a non-comedogenic moisturizer after washing your face every morning and then after using the Retin-A each night. Non-comedogenic moisturizers are made to hydrate skin without clogging pores.

At the same time, it’s helpful to apply a daily moisturizer with a SPF of at least 30. This will help your skin stay hydrated while also protecting you from harsh UV rays.

Many moisturizers fit these criteria. If you’re having trouble deciding between products, know that your dermatologist or pharmacist can help you narrow down your options.

5. Retin-A can cause skin redness, irritation, and other side effects

Retin-A side effects are generally mild and easy to manage. And most get better over time. Common side effects of the medication are local to the skin and include:

• Redness

• Irritation

• Dryness

• Sun sensitivity

• Skin discoloration

Managing redness and irritation

When you first start using Retin-A, you may notice your skin become redder and more irritated than usual. This is a normal side effect, and it usually goes away on its own. It’s helpful to avoid products that increase irritation, such as harsh exfoliating cleansers and strong drying products. Try sticking to mild, non-medicated soaps instead.

Managing sun sensitivity

Retin-A can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, especially if you’re also taking other medications that cause sun sensitivity. Here are some tips to protect your skin from the sun while using Retin-A:

• Never use sun lamps or tanning beds.

• Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses.

• Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 (or more) every day.

Managing allergic reactions

It’s uncommon, but allergic reactions with Retin-A can occur. Most of the time, the reactions aren’t caused by Retin-A itself but rather by other ingredients that are mixed in with it. Check out the inactive ingredient list on the medication’s labeling before you start using Retin-A.

What’s more, it’s normal to feel slight warmth or stinging after applying Retin-A. But it shouldn’t be uncomfortable. If you experience severe itching, swelling, or blisters, stop using the medication and let your dermatologist know right away. This could be a sign of an allergic reaction.

6. Don’t use Retin-A if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding

Animal studies have found that Retin-A can cause harm to a fetus. Retin-A can be absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream and breast milk, potentially affecting the fetus or infant. Because of this risk, you should avoid the medication if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you come into contact with Retin-A while pregnant or breastfeeding, wash the area immediately to avoid absorption. And if you become pregnant while using Retin-A, let your dermatologist know. They can recommend a safer alternative.

How to save on Retin-A

There are ways to save on Retin-A, which is available as both a brand-name and generic medication.

• Save with GoodRx. GoodRx may help you save up to 85% off the average retail price of tretinoin. Generic Retin-A cream may be as low as $32.00 with a free GoodRx discount. The brand-name version may be as low as $39.04.

• Save with patient assistance programs. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for Retin-A’s patient assistance program, which offers the medication free of charge.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Vanessa Carranza, PharmD

Vanessa Carranza, PharmD, is a pharmacist who has dedicated her career to the advancement of medical education for healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers, most notably in the oncology space.

Edited by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

Reviewed by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

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