When you use prescription-strength retinoids like tretinoin, your skin may need time to adjust. We know you’re anxious to see results—like, yesterday! But unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. Bombarding your skin with too much too soon can result in skin that’s dry, itchy, flaky, or red. That said, a little bit of irritation when first starting out is common. Your skin is actively working to adapt and your tretinoin is doing its job, which is to increase cell turnover and boost collagen production.

Here we’ll share the acne and anti-aging benefits of tretinoin, explain how it works, and provide tips on how to incorporate it into your skincare routine.

Tretinoin—aka Retin-A— is a popular retinoid. It’s used to treat acne outbreaks and reduce signs of aging, including unwanted texture changes, dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and firmness. In some cases, medical providers prescribe tretinoin and other retinoids to treat other skin conditions like skin cancer and psoriasis.

Tretinoin is one of the best topical treatments for acne and anti-aging, but it takes time before you see results. For acne, it can take about two months to see noticeable results. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a year to notice its anti-aging effects. Of course, these timelines can vary, so patience is key!

Keep in mind that no treatment works overnight, and topical tretinoin is no exception. It’s also important to remember that everyone’s skin is unique and what works for one person won’t work for another—and that’s okay!

How does tretinoin work on your skin?
Here’s what’s happening under the surface of the skin when you use tretinoin: Tretinoin binds to retinoic acid receptors (think of receptors as a lock and tretinoin as the key). When this happens, tretinoin is able to exert a variety of positive effects (e.g. increased cell turnover, decreased clogged pores, shedding of dead skin cells, etc.). More recently, tretinoin has been used in combination with antibacterials like benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin to create topical treatments with antibacterial, comedolytic, and anti-inflammatory properties. These combination therapies are proven to effectively treat acne.

As an added bonus, having fewer dead skin cells helps improve the appearance of dry, rough, and aging skin. Tretinoin also promotes collagen production, which gives the skin a smoother, more even texture.

To put it simply, tretinoin treats and helps prevent blocked pores because it works deep into the follicles to clear dead skin cells and “normalize” cell turnover. This also improves hyperpigmentation, i.e., sunspots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

8 tips for incorporating tretinoin into your skincare routine
Here are eight of our top tips for easing tretinoin into your skincare routine. These can helpgive you the results you want, so be patient.

Before using tretinoin cream—or any other topical leave-on cream, lotion, or gel—wash your face with a gentle cleanser (ideally one for your skin type).

Only use tretinoin at night before bed and start slowly. Use a small amount two to three times a week to start and increase the frequency as tolerated.

Up the usage as your skin gets used to tretinoin. Over time, your skin should get accustomed to the treatment, and you can begin using it more often. Gradually increase the number of days you use tretinoin during the week.

Apply moisturizer before tretinoin use (instead of after) if you notice dryness/irritation from tretinoin.

Use a pea-sized amount that covers the face and neck in a thin layer. To minimize skin irritation, remember, less is more.

Dry skin or peeling may be a tretinoin side effect. That said, if you experience facial swelling or hives, discontinue use and talk to your dermatology provider.

Compliment your routine by layering skincare products with tretinoin to help you reach your skincare goals. Examples include a vitamin C serum for its anti-aging benefits or hyaluronic acid for its hydrating superpowers. If you’re a Curology member, your Curology dermatology provider may also design a cream tretinoin with other active ingredients.

As always, apply sunscreen each day. Your skin may be temporarily drier, and you may also experience more sensitivity to the sun. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or more—and remember, the best sunscreen is one you’ll use daily!

Be patient with the treatment, and remember that everyone’s results are different. While acne often improves in six to eight weeks, it can take many months to notice any significant anti-aging changes from creams with tretinoin. In the meantime, don’t downplay celebrating the small victories, like fewer breakouts and improved texture.