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My Routine: Starting My Tretinoin Journey

In a few of my Instagram posts I mentioned some of the issues that I’ve been having with Maskne. I know I’m not the only person that has been going through this too. We all know that after a breakout scarring usually follows it. While looking for a way to revamp my skincare routine I thought it would be a great way to dive further into Retinol and I came to find Tretinoin.

If you’re unsure exactly what Maskne is, it is term that was recently coined to describe skin irritation and breakouts that are associated with wearing a face mask/face covering. The breakouts are usually formed in the area where a face mask would cover (lower half of the half).

I’ve always heard that using Retinol in your routine offers great benefits, but prior to Tretinoin I had only tried a few products from brands that could be found at Sephora or known Beauty retailers. The forms that I had tried were low-medium grade formulas and potencies. Before starting Tret, my routine was heavily centered around AHA’s-preferably Glycolic Acid. I noticed that I was suffering with more underneath the skin acne and scarring, so I figured some type of Retinol would be best suited for my issues. Prior to diving into Tretinoin, I was using Retinal.

If you’re interested in seeing how the two differed for me and were used in my routine, please keep reading!

Advertisement information: this post discusses and includes items that were gifted to me with no obligation to post or review. All opinions express remain my own. Please refer to my Disclosure Page for further detail.


Retinoids are Vitamin A derivates and are known for being beneficial with anti-aging.

Once your skin is accustomed to it, it can increase skin cell turnover, boost collagen production, decrease fine lines and decrease acne and minimize hyperpigmentation.

Retinaldehyde vs. Tretinoin

What is Retinal?

I mentioned I was using Retinaldehyde. It’s known for being the next step down from Retinoic Acid. It works quickly and depending on the formula can be quite irritating to the skin. Retinaldehyde only requires one conversion step, and is going to give you the closest effects of retinoic acid. It’s also less irritating than other Retinols. Tretinoin, or retinoic acid, is the most potent.

The First Retinaldehyde product that I used was gifted to me from Allies of Skin. The 1A Retinal & Peptides Overnight Mask has to be one of the gentlest but still effective forms of retinol products that I’ve used. It’s formulated with 0.05% Retinaldehyde, 13.5% Peptide Complex, 9 Antioxidants, & 5 Brighteners. This is a product that was in my routine for several months. I initially used it for 1-2 days per week- at night. But I noticed as I increased my usage to 3-4x a week it really helped with healing underneath the skin acne and the scarring that I was encountering. My overall skin had a nice glow the morning after using it.

While using this Retinal Overnight Mask I never experienced any irritation or noticeable physical peeling to my skin. I was able to use other Acids like Glycolic, Mandelic and BHA’s without having any issues to my skin. My only issue with this Retinal Overnight Mask was the price. I noticed that I was going through it pretty quickly and the price retails for $110.  After doing some research, I thought it would be a good idea to discuss with my Dermatologist the next steps in my skincare routine for something more potent.

Although this is expensive, this is a great option for someone looking to start Retinol or has very sensitive skin. The Overnight Mask is formulated with great ingredients like peptides that help to strength the skin. My skin is pretty resilient and I thought a prescription-based formula that is more potent would be best suited for my skin in order to see a more noticeable change.


What is Tretinoin?

Tretinoin is a prescription-based product and has to be prescribed by a health care professional. Tretinoin is also known as retinoic acid, all trans-retinonic acid or Tret. It’s available in 3 different strengths. The strength that is prescribed is dependent on a few factors like your age and skin condition. These are factors that are determined by a healthcare professional.

My dermatologist looked at my skin and I gave him an overview of the products that I used in the past and why I was thinking of starting Tret (maskne scarring and anti-aging benefits). He explained to me the difference between the strengths and decided to put me on 0.05%. This is the middle strength and felt that it would be best suited for my skin. I was told that I could use it every night, but to start off try only using it a few times a week. While in the office he made sure to show me exactly how much to use, where to apply it and of course mentioned that sunscreen is a must while using this.

What to Expect While Using Tretinoin

  • Redness

  • Dryness

  • Flaking or peeling skin


How I use Tretinoin in My Routine

Tretinoin under my health insurance is only $10. This is a huge price difference from the price of the Allies of Skin Retinal that I was using and any other product that I had my eyes on. At this time, I’m basically only using this 2-3 night a week to start (basically every third day). On the days that I use this in my night time routine, my routine mirrors something similar below:

  1. Double Cleansing (I just make it a habit to it daily because I wear spf daily and make-up on some days)

  2.  Hydrating Mask (if I have time- preferably a wash off version)

  3.  After rinsing off the Mask I let me skin air dry (being that my skin is on the dehydrated side, this doesn’t take that long)

  4.  Apply a pea size of the tretinoin- which I usually dot all over my face (making sure not to get too close to my eyes, corner of my nose and mouth) I let this fully absorb into my skin for at least 30 mins

  5. I then follow up with eye cream, moisturizer (usually something rich in Ceramides and sometimes a few drops of Rosehip Oil.

How to Buffer…

My method to using tretinoin – sandwich technique- great for those that have sensitive skin or looking to work their way up in potency

  • Sandwich technique- A small amount of tretinoin/retinol can be added to your moisturizer to dilute it

  • Buffering Technique- adding moisturizer before or after tretinoin

On the nights that I’m not using Tret, I’m enjoying using Mandelic Acid, a gentle active. Mandelic Acid is derived from bitter almonds that is fat soluble. It said to be a good choice for those with oilier skin types and can help reduce oil production without over drying the skin. I also love that this can be paired with BHA’s (Beta Hydroxy Acids).

I typically steer clear of using any other active or peeling agents when using Tretinoin in the same night routine (ex. Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur and etc). Being that this is a prescription grade strength that I’m using that is stronger, I do not want to damage the barrier of my skin. I’d rather take it slow. 

  • I also make sure to wash my face in the morning with soap. I typically like to use on that is creamy and mild. 


Current Status…

At this point of using Tretinoin for 2-3 nights per week for a month I’ve noticed a significant difference with my skin. The maskne scars that I had are fading quickly and my skin has a great overall glow to it. Being that my skin is tolerating it well and I’m already seeing great results, I’m pretty sure I’m going to keep this as my Retinol option moving forward. The goal is to use 3x a week-maybe even 4x.

I still plan to keep some actives (AHA, BHA and PHA ) in my routine for 2 nights out of the week when I’m not sure Tretinoin. I do feel like these are the ingredients that help to keep my skin in check, while the Tretinoin helps with the aftermath of any scarring and anti-aging benefits.


I’m planning on checking in again in a few months regarding my experience more.

If you would like to know more about my experience, feel free to ask away with questions.