Tretinoin is a powerhouse prescription retinoid, most often used to treat acne, and improve signs of aging. But here’s the thing: it’s strong. And if you don’t use it the right way, it can lead to retinoid dermatitis which is irritation, redness, and flaking. Many people give up on it too early, when they are SO close to seeing amazing results. In this post, I’m going to walk you through the five most common mistakes I see with Tretinoin use, so you can skip the struggle and start seeing amazing skin improvements.

🎥 Prefer video? Click here to watch my full YouTube breakdown on how to avoid these mistakes and use Tretinoin effectively.

What is Tretinoin?

Tretinoin is one of the most effective topical treatments we have in dermatology. It’s commonly prescribed for acne, but its anti-aging benefits are just as impressive.

Tretinoin can:

• Smooth fine lines
• Boost collagen production
• Fade dark spots
• Refine skin tone and texture

In short, Tretinoin works. If you use it correctly.

That’s where many people run into trouble. Tretinoin is a highly active ingredient. Without the right approach, it can cause irritation, peeling, and sensitivity—making you feel like it’s doing more harm than good. But most of the time, that reaction is avoidable.

As a board-certified dermatologist, I see the same five mistakes over and over again—both in my clinic and across social media. Let’s break them down so you can skip the setbacks and start seeing real results.

Mistake #1: Stopping Tretinoin When You Experience Skin Purging

⚠️ This is one of the most common mistakes!

You start your new Tretinoin routine, and things are going great. Then suddenly… your skin looks worse than before. So, what’s going on? Why is your skin “worse” on Tretinoin?

This is called skin purging, a common side effect of Tretinoin, and yes, it’s actually a good sign.

What is Skin purging?

Skin purging can happen when using Tretinoin because it speeds up skin cell turnover. This means all the acne that was already forming beneath the surface comes up faster and all at once. The result of skin purging is a sudden flare-up that looks like your skin is “getting worse”.

Why is your skin “worse” on Tretinoin? All the sudden, breakouts are happening and you start to think if tretinoin is right for you. It is because Tretinoin increases skin cell turnover. That acne that was already forming under the surface comes to the surface faster and all at once…Creating what looks like a sudden flare-up.

It doesn’t mean the product isn’t working—in fact, it means it is working. But many people stop using Tretinoin right when this happens, thinking it’s causing harm. Don’t quit! You’re actually really close to turning a corner and seeing results.

Important note:
Not everyone will experience purging, and that’s okay. If you don’t purge, it doesn’t mean Tretinoin isn’t working.

But if you do purge, you need to be patient. Purging can last anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks. So don’t start your retinoid right before a big event or photo shoot. Give yourself time to get through this phase.

Purge vs. Irritation: Know the Difference

Let’s make sure what you’re experiencing is truly a purge, not irritation or retinoid dermatitis. You don’t want to “push through” a reaction that actually needs to be adjusted. As always, if you are concerned about your skin changes, you should reach out to your dermatologist for further questions.

• Purging looks like your normal acne, but more of it. It appears in the same areas where you typically break out.
  
• Retinoid dermatitis is different. It shows up as redness, stinging, pain, irritation, or itching—often in places where you don’t normally get acne. If that’s the case, you may need to adjust your treatment plan, and you should speak with your prescriber.

Mistake #2: Using Way Too Much Product

This is another big one. I’ve seen videos of people applying way too much Tretinoin, and I’m shocked! That much product does not work for most people. Dermatologists usually say to use a pea-sized amount. But that’s vague, and people often misjudge it.

Pro tip: Whatever you think a pea-sized amount is, cut it in half. Less is more with Tretinoin. Using too much increases your risk of side effects and won’t give you better results.

And remember: Tretinoin is not a moisturizer.
You’re applying a thin, even layer across your face, not slathering it on like lotion.

Mistake #3: Using It Too Often at First

This one’s important: do not use your Tretinoin every single night when you’re just starting out.

On night one, use a tiny amount and pair it with lots of moisturizer. Then take a break for 2, 3, or even 4 nights before using it again.

Go slow. You can eventually work up to using it every night, but you don’t need to. In fact, most people do just fine using it 4–5 nights a week.

Start slow with Tretinoin:

• Once a week
  
• Then twice a week
  
• Then three times a week, etc.

Starting slowly helps your skin adjust and actually gets you to results faster, because you’re less likely to experience setbacks from side effects.

Mistake #4: Using Tretinoin as a Spot Treatment

⚠️ Tretinoin is not a spot treatment, it is a preventative treatment.

You should not apply it just to individual pimples. Instead, apply an even layer across your entire face. That’s how you improve skin texture, tone, and prevent future breakouts—not just treat existing ones.

We want to prevent acne before it starts, not just put out fires after they happen.

Mistake #5: Layering It with Other Skincare Actives

Please don’t do this. Think of Tretinoin as the star of the show. It should be the only active ingredient on your face when you use it.

Tretinoin is best applied at night. So your nighttime routine should look like this:

1. Cleanse: Here is a collection of my favorite cleansers
   
2. Apply Tretinoin
   
3. Apply moisturizer: This daily moisturizer is my favorite!
   

That’s it!

You can also use the “retinoid sandwich” method:

• Moisturizer → Retinoid → Moisturizer
  This can help reduce dryness and irritation.
  

Use caution mixing Tretinoin with other actives like:

• Hyaluronic acid
  
• Niacinamide
  
• AHAs (Alpha-Hydroxy Acids, like glycolic acid)
  
• BHAs (Beta-Hydroxy Acids, like salicylic acid)

Keep it simple. Let Tretinoin do the work. This reduces your risk of irritation and increases your chances of getting great results.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Give Up Too Soon on Tretinoin!

Tretinoin can transform your skin! But, it takes time, patience, and a gentle approach. If you’ve been feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone, and you’re probably just one or two small tweaks away from better results!

Stick with it. Go slow. Use less. And give your skin the chance to adjust. Once you’re past the learning curve, it’s one of the most effective and affordable tools we have in skincare.

Tretinoin Quick Tips:

• Don’t start Tretinoin right before a big event or vacation
• Give your skin time to adjust, going slow will bring better results
• Stick with it (gently!)—your skin is doing the work
• Not everyone will purge and that’s okay
• Some people won’t go through purging at all
• That doesn’t mean the product isn’t working—it just means your skin is responding differently
• Tretinoin is not a spot treatment
• Do not layer with other skincare actives
• Everyone’s skin is unique

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I’m Dr. Maren Locke, aka The Budget Dermatologist. I keep skincare simple, science-backed, and budget-friendly, so you can get great skin without all the guesswork.

🎥 Watch this video on YouTube if you want a deeper dive on Tretinoin mistakes (plus product tips and layering advice).
📲 And come hang out on Instagram @thebudgetdermatologist for daily skincare advice.