Tretinoin. For the longest time I felt like there was something missing in my skincare routine. I’m convinced that it is the Tretinoin 0.025 Cream. If you’re like me and you’ve always wondered whether this product will transform your skin, then I hope that you follow along with my skin care journey.
What is Tretinoin?
Tretinoin is classified as a retinoid used for the treatment of mild to severe stages of acne. It aids with the treatment of skin photoaging such as wrinkles, roughness, and hyperpigmentation.
It is applied once daily at night. The dosage prescribed varies.
Tretinoin is only available through prescription.
Retinol vs Tretinoin
Retinol
- Milder version
- Available over the counter
- Gentler on skin
- Easily accessible
Tretinoin
- Stronger version
- Available with a prescription
- Faster results
- Not as easily accessible
Both over the counter Retinol and Prescription Tretinoin should be used with caution especially for individuals who have sensitive skin. Individuals using these products should use sunscreen on a daily basis in order to experience continued skincare benefits.
Tretinoin 0.025 Cream
The process for getting a Tretinoin prescription is actually painless. I have been debating with getting a prescription for months. I haven’t had much luck with over the counter Retinol.
I’ve tried the Cerave Skin Renewing Retinol Serum, which is available at Ulta for $22.99. I tried that Retinol at the recommendation of multiple Tiktok dermatologists. Out of all of the over the counter Retinols, this would be the one that I also recommend.
I actually gave this retinol to my brother because I felt like he needed it more than me. I also get multiple products to test, so I never minded sharing with him. I didn’t repurchase it, but I did move on to another OTC Retinol.
Before I started my Tretinoin 0.025 Cream, I was using the No7 Advanced Retinol 1.5 Complex, which is available at Ulta for $41.99.
The No7 Retinol actually has pretty good reviews on Ulta, but I haven’t really found any positive benefits from using it. I like that they formulated it to be soothing especially for sensitive skin individuals.
Retinol does take months for any significant changes to show. Sometimes it can take up to 6 months to notice any improvement.
Unfortunately, I just knew that it wasn’t working for me. I contacted my primary care physician and she prescribed me my Tretinoin 0.025 Cream. I wasn’t sure if I would have to see a dermatologist to get a prescription, but I was pretty happy that I was able to receive the prescription without having to go to several specialists.
I do still want to go to a dermatologist but I knew that I wanted to get started with Tretinoin as soon as possible.
I was waiting on this package like it was an Aliexpress package that I was waiting months for. I was happy when I finally received it in the mail. One thing my provider stressed was that I needed to wear sunscreen consistently. If you needed any sunscreen recommendations, I just published my blog on the best sunscreens.
Tretinoin 0.025 Cream Price
My prescription was actually covered through my insurance. I would double check to see if it covered through your insurance provider. There are several websites that also provide the prescription for you if you didn’t want to go through your provider.
Tretinoin Before Shot
My Current Night Skincare Routine
Since I’ve been using my Tretinoin, I’ve been trying to focus on moisture. Tretinoin can potentially cause negative side-effects. At times, it can even cause skin purging. I’ve been trying my best to avoid the purging phase by using products that are great at hydration without using additional actives on my roster.
- Dermalogica Precleanse
- Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser
- 107 Micro Drizzle
- Tretinoin 0.025 Cream
- Coxir Black Snail Collagen Serum
- Lendava Good Night
In the morning, I haven’t been using my Vitamin C serum, but have been using hyaluronic acid to have additional moisture in the mix.
I haven’t had issues with purging as of yet. I haven’t had dry skin either. Some mornings, I experience tingling in my cheeks but otherwise no other side effects. I’m hoping to continually document my journey.
