Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhy Tretinoin Makes Skin PeelTreating Tretinoin Skin Peeling
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Why Tretinoin Makes Skin Peel
Treating Tretinoin Skin Peeling
Tretinoin peeling is a side effect many people experience, especially in the first few weeks of using this medication. Tretinoin (Retin-A) can help reduce acne and brighten skin, but it also speeds up the skin’s natural exfoliation process, resulting in dry and flaky skin. Fortunately, this side effect tends to improve over time.
This article discusses tretinoin peeling, why it happens, and how you can treat it.
Verywell / Emilie Dunphy
Does Tretinoin Make Your Skin Peel?
Our bodies are constantlyreplacing old skin cellswith new ones, a process called cell turnover. This happens about every 30 days.
As a chemical exfoliant, tretinoin speeds up this process. It rapidly pushes new skin cells to the surface, causing the old ones to slough off. This is why you may notice that your skin seems dry and flaky within a couple of weeks of using tretinoin.
How Long Does Tretinoin Peeling Last?
The extent of tretinoin peeling and how long it lasts varies from person to person. Some people may notice that this side effect goes away within a few weeks of use, while others may have flaky skin for up to two months. Regardless of how long it takes to subside, tretinoin peeling is temporary and will go away once your skin gets used to the product.
How to Treat Peeling Skin from Tretinoin
Fortunately, you can take steps to reduce tretinoin peeling while you wait for the side effect to disappear entirely.
Consider Your Face Wash
Look at your face wash. Have you been using one meant for oily or acne-prone skin? If so, switch to a mild cleanser.Choices include:
Or try cream-based, non-foaming cleansers. These are less drying than foaming face washes.
Ask your healthcare provider or dermatologist what they recommend. You can always skip the cleansing products and use plain water (unless you need to remove makeup).
Stop using shaving lotions, aftershaves, perfumes, and cologne for the time being. They can increase dryness, burning, and stinging while you’re using Retin-A.
No OTC ProductsAvoid over-the-counter (0TC) acne treatment products. They include astringent toners, medicated pads, or anything containing benzoyl peroxide. Unless your dermatologist says otherwise, your tretinoin medication is the only acne treatment you need.
No OTC Products
Avoid over-the-counter (0TC) acne treatment products. They include astringent toners, medicated pads, or anything containing benzoyl peroxide. Unless your dermatologist says otherwise, your tretinoin medication is the only acne treatment you need.
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Dry Your Skin Before Application
After cleansing, make sure your skin is completely dry before applying Retin-A. Moisture increases the chance of skin irritation. Manydermatologistsrecommend waiting at least 20 minutes after cleansing.
Apply the Moisturizer First
While using any topical retinoid, a moisturizer is a must. If you don’t typically use one, start now. Using moisturizer every day can stave off the worst of the dryness. It’s also soothing.
Choose a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer made for sensitive skin.These products will be less irritating. Make sure the product is also labelednon-comedogenic. That means it won’t clog your pores.
You will also need to choose a product that provides sun protection since topical retinoids can make your skin more susceptible to sun damage. Look for a moisturizer that’s SPF 30 or higher.
Apply the moisturizer before using Retin-A. The moisturizer forms a protective barrier and lessens irritation. Let your moisturizer absorb for a few minutes, then apply Retin-A over the top.
Already using a moisturizer but still feeling dry? Your normal product may not be strong enough. Try a heavier one.
Avoid moisturizers with exfoliating ingredients like:Alpha-hydroxy acidsSalicylic acidGlycolic acidTheir labels often say “brightening,” “blemish-control,” or “anti-aging.” Tretinoin already does these things for you.
Avoid moisturizers with exfoliating ingredients like:
Their labels often say “brightening,” “blemish-control,” or “anti-aging.” Tretinoin already does these things for you.
Gently Exfoliate
No matter what, you’ll likely get some dryness and flaking early on. If it bothers you, gently exfoliate. The best way is to massage the skin with a soft, damp washcloth.
Don’t scrub too hard—you could make your skin feel worse. Definitely don’t use abrasive scrubs. These are too rough for your skin right now.
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Don’t Overuse Retin-A
You just need a pea-sized drop for your entire face. Even a dime-sized dollop is way too much.
If you’re using the product as directed and are still having side effects, let your provider know. You may be able to adjust your medication schedule.
Build Tolerance Slowly
Retinoids are usually applied once a day before bedtime or in the evening because sunlight can degrade the active ingredients and may also cause photosensitivity.Wearing the medication all night may be too irritating at first. See if you can leave it on for an hour, then wash it off with soap and water.
If your skin is still irritated, cut back to 20 minutes. Then build up your tolerance slowly. That gives your skin a chance to adjust while reducing side effects.
Your skin may never tolerate retinoids for long periods of time. But you can still get significant benefits with a short application time.
Scale Back
Is your skin still dry and peeling? Try using Retin-A for a short time every other day. Once every two to three days may be okay, as well.Again, check with your dermatologist.
Don’t stop using your treatment altogether. As your skin adjusts, dryness and peeling will taper off.
For All Topical RetinoidsThe same process will work for problems from any topical retinoid, including:Retin-A MicroDifferin (adapalene)Tazorac (tazarotene)Anycombination acne medicationcontaining a topical retinoid
For All Topical Retinoids
The same process will work for problems from any topical retinoid, including:Retin-A MicroDifferin (adapalene)Tazorac (tazarotene)Anycombination acne medicationcontaining a topical retinoid
The same process will work for problems from any topical retinoid, including:
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Summary
Look for gentle products that won’t further irritate your skin. Exfoliate with a soft washcloth, not abrasive products. Protect your skin from sun damage.
Using extra Retin-A won’t make your acne go away faster. It will only irritate your skin more. Ask your dermatologist about ways to slowly build up your skin’s tolerance to the medicine.
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6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Leyden J, Stein-Gold L, Weiss J.Why topical retinoids are mainstay of therapy for acne.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2017;7(3):293–304. doi:10.1007/s13555-017-0185-2Chularojanamontri L, Tuchinda P, Kulthanan K, Pongparit K.Moisturizers for acne: what are their constituents?J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014;7(5):36–44.Del Rosso JQ.The role of skin care as an integral component in the management of acne vulgaris: part 1: the importance of cleanser and moisturizer ingredients, design, and product selection.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2013;6(12):19–27.Canavan TN, Chen E, Elewski BE.Optimizing non-antibiotic treatments for patients with acne: a review.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2016;6(4):555–578. doi:10.1007/s13555-016-0138-1Leung AK, Barankin B, Lam JM, Leong KF, Hon KL.Dermatology: how to manage acne vulgaris.Drugs Context. 2021;10:2021-8-6. doi:10.7573/dic.2021-8-6Latter G, Grice JE, Mohammed Y, Roberts MS, Benson HAE.Targeted topical delivery of retinoids in the management of acne vulgaris: current formulations and novel delivery systems.Pharmaceutics. 2019;11(10):490. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics11100490Additional ReadingCulp L, Moradi Tuchayi S, Alinia H, Feldman SR.Tolerability of topical retinoids: Are there clinically meaningful differences among topical retinoids?J Cutan Med Surg. 2015;19(6):530-538. doi:10.1177/1203475415591117National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Tretinoin topical.Veraldi S, Barbareschi M, Benardon S, Schianchi R.Short contact therapy of acne with tretinoin.J Dermatolog Treat. 2013;24(5):374-376. doi:10.3109/09546634.2012.751085Yeh L, Bonati LM, Silverberg NB.Topical retinoids for acne.Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2016;35(2):50-56. doi:10.12788/j.sder.2016.024
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Leyden J, Stein-Gold L, Weiss J.Why topical retinoids are mainstay of therapy for acne.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2017;7(3):293–304. doi:10.1007/s13555-017-0185-2Chularojanamontri L, Tuchinda P, Kulthanan K, Pongparit K.Moisturizers for acne: what are their constituents?J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014;7(5):36–44.Del Rosso JQ.The role of skin care as an integral component in the management of acne vulgaris: part 1: the importance of cleanser and moisturizer ingredients, design, and product selection.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2013;6(12):19–27.Canavan TN, Chen E, Elewski BE.Optimizing non-antibiotic treatments for patients with acne: a review.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2016;6(4):555–578. doi:10.1007/s13555-016-0138-1Leung AK, Barankin B, Lam JM, Leong KF, Hon KL.Dermatology: how to manage acne vulgaris.Drugs Context. 2021;10:2021-8-6. doi:10.7573/dic.2021-8-6Latter G, Grice JE, Mohammed Y, Roberts MS, Benson HAE.Targeted topical delivery of retinoids in the management of acne vulgaris: current formulations and novel delivery systems.Pharmaceutics. 2019;11(10):490. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics11100490Additional ReadingCulp L, Moradi Tuchayi S, Alinia H, Feldman SR.Tolerability of topical retinoids: Are there clinically meaningful differences among topical retinoids?J Cutan Med Surg. 2015;19(6):530-538. doi:10.1177/1203475415591117National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Tretinoin topical.Veraldi S, Barbareschi M, Benardon S, Schianchi R.Short contact therapy of acne with tretinoin.J Dermatolog Treat. 2013;24(5):374-376. doi:10.3109/09546634.2012.751085Yeh L, Bonati LM, Silverberg NB.Topical retinoids for acne.Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2016;35(2):50-56. doi:10.12788/j.sder.2016.024
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Leyden J, Stein-Gold L, Weiss J.Why topical retinoids are mainstay of therapy for acne.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2017;7(3):293–304. doi:10.1007/s13555-017-0185-2Chularojanamontri L, Tuchinda P, Kulthanan K, Pongparit K.Moisturizers for acne: what are their constituents?J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014;7(5):36–44.Del Rosso JQ.The role of skin care as an integral component in the management of acne vulgaris: part 1: the importance of cleanser and moisturizer ingredients, design, and product selection.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2013;6(12):19–27.Canavan TN, Chen E, Elewski BE.Optimizing non-antibiotic treatments for patients with acne: a review.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2016;6(4):555–578. doi:10.1007/s13555-016-0138-1Leung AK, Barankin B, Lam JM, Leong KF, Hon KL.Dermatology: how to manage acne vulgaris.Drugs Context. 2021;10:2021-8-6. doi:10.7573/dic.2021-8-6Latter G, Grice JE, Mohammed Y, Roberts MS, Benson HAE.Targeted topical delivery of retinoids in the management of acne vulgaris: current formulations and novel delivery systems.Pharmaceutics. 2019;11(10):490. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics11100490
Leyden J, Stein-Gold L, Weiss J.Why topical retinoids are mainstay of therapy for acne.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2017;7(3):293–304. doi:10.1007/s13555-017-0185-2
Chularojanamontri L, Tuchinda P, Kulthanan K, Pongparit K.Moisturizers for acne: what are their constituents?J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014;7(5):36–44.
Del Rosso JQ.The role of skin care as an integral component in the management of acne vulgaris: part 1: the importance of cleanser and moisturizer ingredients, design, and product selection.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2013;6(12):19–27.
Canavan TN, Chen E, Elewski BE.Optimizing non-antibiotic treatments for patients with acne: a review.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2016;6(4):555–578. doi:10.1007/s13555-016-0138-1
Leung AK, Barankin B, Lam JM, Leong KF, Hon KL.Dermatology: how to manage acne vulgaris.Drugs Context. 2021;10:2021-8-6. doi:10.7573/dic.2021-8-6
Latter G, Grice JE, Mohammed Y, Roberts MS, Benson HAE.Targeted topical delivery of retinoids in the management of acne vulgaris: current formulations and novel delivery systems.Pharmaceutics. 2019;11(10):490. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics11100490
Culp L, Moradi Tuchayi S, Alinia H, Feldman SR.Tolerability of topical retinoids: Are there clinically meaningful differences among topical retinoids?J Cutan Med Surg. 2015;19(6):530-538. doi:10.1177/1203475415591117National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Tretinoin topical.Veraldi S, Barbareschi M, Benardon S, Schianchi R.Short contact therapy of acne with tretinoin.J Dermatolog Treat. 2013;24(5):374-376. doi:10.3109/09546634.2012.751085Yeh L, Bonati LM, Silverberg NB.Topical retinoids for acne.Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2016;35(2):50-56. doi:10.12788/j.sder.2016.024
Culp L, Moradi Tuchayi S, Alinia H, Feldman SR.Tolerability of topical retinoids: Are there clinically meaningful differences among topical retinoids?J Cutan Med Surg. 2015;19(6):530-538. doi:10.1177/1203475415591117
National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Tretinoin topical.
Veraldi S, Barbareschi M, Benardon S, Schianchi R.Short contact therapy of acne with tretinoin.J Dermatolog Treat. 2013;24(5):374-376. doi:10.3109/09546634.2012.751085
Yeh L, Bonati LM, Silverberg NB.Topical retinoids for acne.Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2016;35(2):50-56. doi:10.12788/j.sder.2016.024
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