How to use Tretinoin with Bakuchiol for best results

Here is how to properly start using tretinoin cream and gradually increase the dosage.

0.025% cream

• The key is to start slowly and gradually increase the frequency and strength of tretinoin to allow your skin to build tolerance and avoid irritation.
• Begin with the lowest available strength, such as 0.025% tretinoin cream. Apply a pea-sized amount to the entire face once every 2-3 days.
• After 2-4 weeks, if your skin has tolerated the 0.025% well, you can increase to using it every other night.
• Once your skin has adjusted to using it every other night, you can then increase to using it every night.
• After 2-3 months of nightly use of 0.025%, you can then discuss with your doctor about increasing the strength to 0.05% tretinoin cream.

0.05% cream

• Again, start with 0.05% every 2-3 days, then every other night, and finally every night as your skin builds tolerance.
• It’s important to avoid overusing tretinoin, as this can lead to increased irritation, dryness, and peeling without improving results. Always start low and slow.

Additionally, be sure to:

• Apply tretinoin to clean, dry skin at night
• Avoid using other potentially irritating products at the same time
• Use a gentle moisturizer and sunscreen during the day
• Minimize sun exposure and always use sunscreen

By gradually increasing the frequency and strength of tretinoin, you can maximize the benefits while minimizing irritation. Work closely with your dermatologist to find the right protocol for your skin.

Using bakuchiol before tretinoin

An alternative approach is to use bakuchiol before applying tretinoin cream. Bakuchiol is a natural retinol-like ingredient that can help prepare the skin and minimize irritation when transitioning to prescription tretinoin.

The protocol would be:

1. Cleanse face
2. Apply bakuchiol serum and allow to absorb (follow product instructions)
3. Wait 20-30 minutes
4. Apply pea-sized amount of tretinoin cream
5. Follow with moisturizer

Using bakuchiol first can provide several benefits:

• Bakuchiol has retinol-like effects on the skin without the same irritation potential. This helps gradually acclimate the skin.
• Bakuchiol can enhance the effects of tretinoin by improving skin cell turnover and collagen production.
• The wait time between bakuchiol and tretinoin application allows the skin to fully dry, which reduces irritation from the tretinoin.
• Bakuchiol’s gentler nature can help minimize the initial dryness, peeling, and redness often experienced when starting tretinoin.

By using bakuchiol as a preparatory step, you can build up your skin’s tolerance to retinoids before introducing the more potent prescription tretinoin. This can lead to better results and fewer side effects long-term.

As always, start slowly with both bakuchiol and tretinoin, and work closely with your dermatologist to find the right protocol for your individual skin type and needs.

Purging

Purging is a temporary reaction that can occur when first starting to use tretinoin (a prescription retinoid).

When you start using tretinoin, it increases the skin cell turnover rate, causing old, clogged skin cells to be pushed to the surface faster. This can lead to an initial breakout of acne, dryness, redness, and peeling.

The purging is a sign that the tretinoin is working to unclog pores and renew the skin. It is a normal part of the adjustment process when starting tretinoin.

Purging typically lasts 2-6 weeks, but can sometimes last up to 2-3 months before the skin adjusts and the benefits of tretinoin start to show. It is important to stick with the tretinoin during this initial purge period.

The purge can be minimized by starting with a low concentration of tretinoin and slowly increasing the frequency of use to allow the skin to build tolerance. Using a gentle skincare routine and moisturizer can also help manage the dryness and irritation during the purge.

Overall, the purge is a temporary but common side effect when first using tretinoin, and is a sign that the medication is working to improve the skin in the long run.

What about me?

I learned about this product when I was traveling through Mexico. A lot of pharmacies were advertising this product and to be honest I knew retinols and started using one 2 months ago, but not Tretinoin. So I made a photo of the list of products at the pharmacy and in the evening I looked up all the products. So that way I came across this product.

At home I used the retinol 1% for about 3 months and after that I started using Tretinoin called retin A 0.025%. I took the following steps:

• I first washed my face with Cerave cleanser.
• Waited half an hour because a wet face can make the tretinoin go deeper in the face and irritate more.
• Apply the 0.025% cream twice a week on Saturdays and Wednesdays.
• Several weeks my skin was a bit flaky, a bit more dry on the forehead. Also sometimes I got some mild redness, and then I stopped until my skin was back to normal. Also I got what is called a purge, but just moderate on the forehead and nose.
• Then I changed the protocol, cleanser, waiting half an hour, then tretinoin, waited half an hour, then applied Cerave moisterizing cream. The last step was to help against the drying of the face due to the Tretinoin.
• Also every day in the morning, washing with cleanser, then cerave moisterising
• Before I went to work I used a suncreen, 30 spf for normal days, 50 spf for summer days.
• To protect the skin a bit more I sometimes wear a cap and sunglasses.
• After using 1 tube of 0.025% cream I started using the 0.05% cream
• Same protocol 1 time a week, then 2 times a week.
• Again I got a bit of a purge but not too much and also my forehead got a bit dry.
• Then I changed the protocol again and started using Bakuchiol after first cleansing my face in the morning and evening.
• In the evening I waited 20 to 30 minutes after the Bakuchiol.
• Then applied the tretinoin cream.
• Bakuchiol helps against inflammation, And for me that was the golden combination. I could use a plant based retinol (Bakuchiol) 2 times a day, also add one chemical retinoic acid. Get some anti inflammation so my face could adjust. Also Bakuchiol helps against sun damage.
• I also take anasthaxin in the late afternoon or evening to help my skin.

Consultation with a dermatologist

It is crucial to consult with a dermatologist before using retinol or other retinoids, as the product can have a strong effect and may not be suitable for everyone.

Links:

Moisturizer & Sunscreen Protocol

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3530309

Short Description: Established research on retinoid photosensitivity showing tretinoin increases UV sensitivity dramatically, requiring SPF 30+ daily. Studies on barrier repair support the “sandwich method” (moisturizer before/after), which reduces transepidermal water loss by 30-40% and irritation scores by 50%.

URL: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9618501

Tretinoin vs. retinol: A comparative review

Short Description: This 2022 peer-reviewed review article in Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology systematically compares tretinoin (retinoic acid) and retinol, examining their mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy for acne and photoaging, cutaneous/systemic side effects, and evidence-based usage protocols. It consolidates research on collagen stimulation, cell turnover acceleration, and provides safety considerations for topical retinoid therapy.