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Retinol, Tretinoin, and the Art of Trusting the Process




Why You Need Retinol

(Yes, You. Even If You’re “Scared of It”)

Let’s get this out of the way immediately:

Retinol is not just for wrinkles. It’s for acne, texture, pores, pigmentation, glow, and preventing future skin regret.

If skincare had a main character, retinol would be it. 💅

What Retinol Actually Does (Without the Science Lecture)

Retinol (and its stronger cousin, tretinoin) belongs to the Vitamin A family, aka the overachievers of skincare.

It helps your skin:✨ Speed up cell turnover✨ Make more collagen✨ Unclog pores✨ Smooth texture✨ Fade dark spots✨ Age… slower (politely)

Think of retinoids as training your skin to behave, not punishing it.

Retinol vs Tretinoin (Rx): What’s the Difference?

This is where people spiral — so let’s simplify.

🌿 Over-the-Counter Retinol

Best for beginners

  • Needs to be converted by your skin to work

  • Slower, gentler results

  • Less irritation

Perfect if you’re:

  • New to retinoids

  • Sensitive

  • Just trying to level up skin quality

👉 A great starting point: The Ordinary Retinol 0.2%

A low strength for beginner Retinol users. LINK, I might earn a commission.
A low strength for beginner Retinol users. LINK, I might earn a commission.

💊 Prescription Tretinoin

The gold standard

  • Already active (no conversion needed)

  • Stronger + faster results

  • Clinically proven for acne, aging, and pigmentation

If you can get an Rx — do it. It’s honestly very easy. Just ask your provider.

Pro tips:

  • Get the cream version (more gentle than gel)

  • Start at 0.025%

  • Stronger is NOT better in the beginning

Start Low and Slow — TRUST ME 😌

I cannot stress this enough.

Start:

  • Low strength

  • Low frequency

  • Small amount

Trust me. Do not rush the process or you can cause:

  • Excessive dryness

  • Sensitivity

  • Flaking that no amount of moisturizer can save

Ask me how I know. 😐

Retinoids are powerful. Your skin needs time to adapt. Consistency > intensity. Always.

How to Apply Retinol (The Right Way)

🧴 The Retinol Sandwich Method

This method saves your skin barrier while still getting results.

How to do it:

  1. Cleanse

  2. Apply your hydrating serums

  3. Apply a thin layer of moisturizer

  4. Apply a pea-sized amount of retinol or tretinoin

  5. Apply a thick moisturizer

    What I recommend! Soothing, and helps repair the skin barrier. LINK, I might earn a commission.
    What I recommend! Soothing, and helps repair the skin barrier. LINK, I might earn a commission.

  6. When starting out, seal it all in with La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5

Yes, it sounds extra. Yes, it works.

Apply retinol after all your serums, always on completely dry skin.

This stuff is AMAZING for dry, chapped skin. I use it almost daily in fall, winter. Here is a LINK, I might earn a commission.
This stuff is AMAZING for dry, chapped skin. I use it almost daily in fall, winter. Here is a LINK, I might earn a commission.

“Why Does My Skin Look Worse???” 😭

Ah yes. The part where everyone panics.

Your Skin Might Get Worse Before It Gets Better

Totally normal.

In the first 2–6 weeks, you may notice:

  • Dryness

  • Flaking

  • Redness

  • Small breakouts

This doesn’t mean it’s “not working.”It means your skin is adjusting to faster cell turnover.

Acne Purge Explained (Don’t Freak Out)

A purge happens when retinoids push existing clogged pores to the surface faster.

Purging usually:

  • Happens where you normally break out

  • Looks like whiteheads or small pimples

  • Resolves faster than normal acne

  • Lasts 4–8 weeks

Retinoids are not creating new acne — they’re clearing what was already there.

Sensitivity vs Purging — Know the Difference 👀

If you’re experiencing sensitivity — slow down.

Signs:

  • Burning or stinging

  • Raw or sore skin

  • Intense redness

  • Peeling that won’t calm down

👉 Reduce frequency. Moisturize more. Take a night off. Slowing down does NOT mean failure.

If you’re purging — keep going.

Signs:

  • Breakouts in usual areas

  • Pimples that come and go quickly

  • Texture changing before it improves

👉 Stay consistent. This phase passes.

Rule of thumb:

  • Sensitivity = damage → slow down

  • Purging = adjustment → continue

How Long Until You See Results?

⏳ Weeks 1–4: Adjustment phase (be patient)⏳ Weeks 6–12: Acne calms, texture improves⏳ 3–6 months: Glow. Smoothness. Compliments.

Retinol is a long game — but it pays dividends.

Final Thoughts 💫

You don’t need:❌ The strongest retinoid❌ Daily use right away❌ To suffer for results

You need: ✅ A low strength✅ A good moisturizer✅ Patience✅ Sunscreen (non-negotiable ☀️)

The Takeaway

Retinol isn’t scary. Bad retinol advice is.

Start low. Go slow. Moisturize like it’s your job. Use Sunscreen.

Your future skin will thank you 💋✨


#Tretinoin, Retinol, Skin Purging, Purge, wrinkles, acne, Vitamin A

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