Tretinoin topical and Burning: What Users Say

• ang...
• September 9, 2013

For Acne "This is amazing. I have used it for 2 weeks and I'm shocked at how nice my skin looks. I haven't had to wear any concealer! I have fair, extremely sensitive skin and I think most of the horrible reactions people are getting from this are due to the person not using it correctly. At night after I wash my face, I wait 20 mins so my skin is dry and has calmed down, and then apply a tiny amount of the cream to my problem areas (cheeks, nose, chin, around my mouth, forehead). You do NOT want to slather this stuff like benzoyl peroxide, and you don't want to put it on a wet, inflamed face... then yes, it will sting and burn."

• Ell...
• May 14, 2020

Tretinoin topical for Photoaging of the Skin "If you stick it out and are patient with this - the results are incredible. One piece of advice is moisturize!!! A LOT!! The gel is way better than the cream, imo. The gel burns so bad though, whereas the cream didn't. I've been using Retin-A since February, and it's May now, and I have the worst purge I've ever had, but now my skin is flawless. Stick it out. Amazing for tightening pores, clearing acne, and just gives your skin an overall healthy look to it. 10/10, be patient."

• Ann...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 23, 2020

For Photoaging of the Skin "I have almost a year since I am using Retin-A, and let me tell you that at the beginning, it's rough. When you just begin using it, start with 0.025%, and once in 3 days, after 2-3 weeks, do it once in 2 days, and always watch your skin, how does it feel. If it's okay, after about a month, you can use it every night. If you peel like a snake - YES, if it might feel like burning or sensitive - YES. But don't give up, I promise it is worth it. It's not going to pay off instantly, but in time you will see an improvement in your skin. Remember to use SPF on your face every day, because Retin-A peels off the first layer of your skin, and it's very delicate. Put your moisturizer at night, after applying Retin-A, and in the morning before SPF. After about 7 months, I switched to 0.05. My skin is glowing. And everyone thinks I'm 21, but I'm 31. I swear it's WORTH IT."

• spe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 23, 2013

For Acne "A ton of reviews consisted of people saying this product just dried their skin out and made them break out way worse. In those reviews most of them also stated they started using this cream every other day from the start. Don't! I have not had the same experience. My dermatologist told me to start by using this cream once a week for the first two weeks and then gradually increase up to every other day if needed. I started this cream 3 weeks ago using it once a week for two weeks and now have started using it twice a week. I haven't had peeling, burning, or redness, and I've actually seen my acne improve already! I will use it twice a week for another 2 weeks and then use it 3 times a week. It appears better to think long term, not a quick fix."

• Gin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 22, 2018

For Photoaging of the Skin "I’m 68 and have used Tretinoin for four months. The first 2-3 weeks of use, my skin did peel and burn. After putting this product on at night, I use an oil serum and a night moisturizer. It helps to soothe my skin. I love this product, and I get so many compliments on my smooth and younger-looking skin. If you’re getting your face waxed, don’t use this 1-2 days before. My skin burned. I use daily moisturizer and sunscreen daily over Tretinoin."

• GAa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 18, 2017

For Acne "I had suffered for about 3 years with adult onset acne when I finally decided to see a dermatologist. My acne was gradually getting worse. I was prescribed oral antibiotics, topical antibiotics for the AM, and Tretinoin for the PM. The first few months on this product were horrible. My epidermis literally was sloughing off. I would experience a burning sensation with its application, and when applying moisturizer, but it was not so intense that I could not tolerate it. I was so embarrassed to be in public. I Googled reviews of the product every night for months just for reassurance that this was the right course of action. I totally doubted its capabilities. The encouraging reviews that stated it would be worth it kept me going. They were so right."

• Yas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 30, 2018

For Acne "After having acne almost all my life, as a child and now as an adult. My face has always been super red and low self-esteem, even with makeup on. At first, I discovered lavender oil on pimples will dry them and slowly kill the bacteria. It did work wonders, but pimples kept coming back, and my face was uneven, red, and still not beautiful. I needed more! I then got prescribed tretinoin and started using it 2x a week for a few weeks. The first few weeks, I was peeling, and anything on my face burned, even water. I almost gave up. My face was dry. Eventually, my skin got used to it after a little over a month of light use. Now I use it every night, and my face is smooth, no acne, and barely any scars. I want to cry. Tears of happiness, of course. Acne is the worst for your confidence. Struggling with acne is no fun. Whatever you do, just don’t stop. Keep going. It will get better, and you won’t regret it."

• man...
• October 31, 2008

Tretinoin topical for Acne "This medication is extremely effective when used properly. I developed whiteheads on my cheeks and had rather large pores on my nose with blackheads. I have been using the medication for a total of six months now. Initially, I had some redness, moderate peeling, and some slight burning right after applying the medication. After about three weeks, the side effects subsided, and I started to notice my skin clearing, pore size minimizing, and an overall evening of complexion. I used Phisoderm Deep Cleansing face wash morning and night and then used Neutrogena Oil-free moisturizer with SPF 15 in the morning. My face is very oily, so I did not experience much dryness."

• Sea...
• September 8, 2015

Tretinoin topical for Acne "My skin was at its worst in my prime adulthood age, so I decided to try Retin-A. I've been using the 0.025% Retin-A gel for 2 months now. I didn't have the initial 'purge' that most talk about, however, I believe it's because I was prescribed the gel vs. cream. Anyways, I overdid it the first week by not following doctor's orders and applying daily right off the bat. Don't, haha. My skin got so dry and flaky that I even burned my chin on my bed while sleeping from my skin being so thin. After that initial scare, I followed my doctor's instructions and gradually worked up to every night use. Best skin in years. Try it, it works! Just don't forget to moisturize a lot. Sunscreen when you go out! Don't overdo it like I did."

• Tre...
• November 7, 2014

For Acne "I've been using tretinoin cream 0.05% for one month now. I've had a lot of itching, burning, peeling, and yes, a whole lot more breaking out. I bear the pain and suffering from this medicine, and I'm very happy I did because my face is looking so much better, and my acne is clearing up. I use it only at night, 20 minutes after washing my face with CeraVe face wash, along with CeraVe SA lotion in the morning as my moisturizer, and I have to say it's working very well. If you are using tretinoin and you're getting more breakouts, do not discontinue this medication, keep on using it, you will get great results."

• Wes...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 20, 2018

For Photoaging of the Skin "I've been using this on and off for a few years. I started off with the middle dose, which is 0.5. It does peel your skin (THAT’S WHAT YOU WANT!). I want it to peel the dead, scarred, wrinkled layer off. It looks kinda bad peeling, but it lessens in a few weeks. I never had bad wrinkles and look way younger than I am. I would have to say this does the job of peeling away fine lines, giving a smoother and more glowing complexion. It will peel, sting, and burn, but that means it’s working. I have gotten those big cystic pimples too under my skin, but that’s good - it means it’s pushing hidden acne out. I’m glad I got this and will use it as long as they make it. Also, I use Night of Olay as a moisturizer."

• Col...
• January 26, 2016

For Acne "This worked fantastically for me. I had really bad acne. I put it on every day at bedtime, and now my face is like brand new-no more acne or scars, my skin is like baby skin now. But you have to stick it out, it takes time for it to start working. You have to use it every day, and after about 3 months, you will start to see a big difference, and after 6 months to a year, you will not believe your eyes. You will go through the burning, redness, and a lot of peeling in the first few months, but that's the signs of showing that it's working. After a few months, your skin will adapt, it did for me. I also used a skin moisturizer in the mornings to give my skin some relief before I went to work. I can't stress it enough that you have to STICK IT OUT."

• Con...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 27, 2018

For Acne "So I never write reviews unless I absolutely love or hate a product. Now Tretinoin .025 is my lifesaver. I went to the dermatologist because my skin was so bad I didn't want to go anywhere, and I was at a point where I didn't want my own husband to look at me. But I started Retin A (tretinoin .025), and for the first 3 months, my skin got worse, and these reviews are what got me through it. JUST KEEP GOING! I never thought I'd be the one saying this, but I have CLEAR skin now. In the beginning, it burned to put it on, but I stuck with it and used a fan as I put it on. Here is the regimen in order so you can achieve moisturized skin: 1. Deep cleanse (wash makeup off) (night), 2. Cleanse (fragrance-free, oil-free), 3. TONER (don't skip) (witch hazel), 4. Tretinoin (night only), 5. The Ordinary hyaluronic acid serum (pat on, don't rub), 6. Clinique serum moisture surge, 7. Moisturizer (fragrance-free, oil-free). I know it's a lot, but it's worth it."

• zay...
• March 4, 2015

For Acne "I have been taking tretinoin for a month and couldn't be happier with the results I've seen in just a month. I would recommend it to anybody. Went to the doctor on 3-2-15 for a check-up, and I got five refills on it, so I can't wait to see the six-month results. Very pleased with it, besides the flaking and burning I get on my face. I also got a face buffer to take off all the dead flaky skin every morning."

• Rin...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 4, 2019

For Acne "I was prescribed this for hormonal (non-cystic) acne on my face when I was 23. I've been using it for 1 1/2 years, and it's worked well when used every other night in conjunction with a moisturizer. But the most exciting effect it's had is that it's literally rid my arms of the KP (Keratosis Pilaris) I've had since I was a teenager. I found out that it works by increasing cell turnover rate so that pores don't get clogged, so I applied that logic to the condition of KP (pores clogged by keratin plugs). After 2 weeks, my KP was gone! I've spent so much time and energy trying to get rid of those little nasty bumps, and I used to be so embarrassed of them when people touched my arm or asked me why I had bumps all over my arms. This cream has been truly amazing. With insurance, this is $10 - a $10 cure for what used to be an endless pit of worry and money spent on false products. Just apply it lightly, a little really goes a long way. Too much, and your skin on your face will become raw and burn."

• che...
• September 26, 2019

For Photoaging of the Skin "My doctor prescribed me the Stieva-A cream for my melasma. The first 3 days I used it like a normal cream, and the result was an allergic reaction, burning, and rashes around my mouth. After that, I refused to use it until I looked further into it and realized I've been using it wrong. My tips: - Start off with using it every 3 days or so and increase use slowly - Put the smallest amount on the affected areas before going to bed - Wash your hands after! - Wash it off in the morning and use plenty of gentle moisturizer (I've been using shea butter, later Suskin Sensitive Moisturizer) - Stay out of the sun and avoid using any makeup, harsh products (even sunscreen). Using it for 6 weeks now, the results are fantastic :) My skin tone is more even, and I don't get ANY breakouts. My only concern is the long-term effect. It can cause birth defects if used during pregnancy, and I don't see myself continuing to use this cream after my sun marks are gone."

• Gcn...
• February 13, 2018

For Acne "I have suffered from acne since I was 12 years old. Now a junior in college, I still had bad breakouts from my period and acne scars from over the years. I decided to visit a dermatologist, and she recommended Retin-A. At first, my skin peeled from use every other night, but I decided to use it 3 times a week instead, and it helped my skin from the burning/peeling and was still able to get my skin cleared up. I use Cetaphil cleanser every day in the morning and night, then tone my face with witch hazel (super good on the skin and does not burn) and finish off with Shea Moisture problem skin moisturizer. Vitamin E oil also helps with the minor peeling if you are experiencing from Retin-A. It has been 4 months, and my acne scars have cleared up, I do not have any pimples, and it made my skin a more even texture. However, I have noticed that it has lightened my face a bit since none of my foundations no longer match my current skin tone."

• NHg...
• April 3, 2017

For Acne "I read all of the reviews - I don't have acne and never had. What I do have is an immune problem that creates cysts. I have been using this cream 0.1% for almost a week. All the bumps under my left breast are gone. I am hoping with time the burning/peeling/redness will go away too, but I am extremely happy with my results in the week I have been using it."

• Anonymous
• September 16, 2016

For Acne "I've struggled with acne for about 4 years, and I've been using Retin-A for about 4 months now. At first, I was unsure about it because I have such sensitive skin, and it would burn my face and my skin would peel. But my advice to people that have acne and scars is to start with the 0.05%, you may not see the results at first, but don't give up! I promise it works. I recently asked my doctor to give me a stronger dose, 0.1%, and although it burns my face a little, I wake up in the morning and my scars look lighter and my face feels smoother. I look back at my before pictures and already see a really big difference. Highly recommend!"

• lor...
• April 25, 2017

For Photoaging of the Skin "I began using this cream a few weeks ago, as my dermatologist prescribed it due to my photodamaged skin. I use it 2 or 3 times a week and find it fabulous. I don't like the smell, though, at all. While I have had no dryness or flaking, I find my skin extremely sensitive, and applying moisturizer often results in a mild stinging sensation. I did find that using an Omorovicza oil was good and did not burn, then I used a moisturizer. Wondering if others have this issue. On the whole, I like the Retin-A and its results. I only use a cream cleanser, as they are the most gentle. I did try a foam one, but it also caused my skin to be aggravated with Retin-A."

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2018

For Acne "I know very little about skin care and have tried a few products to treat what I thought was scarring, but nothing worked. Instead of shopping around (because skin care products can be expensive, especially when you don’t know what you’re doing), I decided to go to a dermatologist. Turns out I have acne-mostly near my chin. I was prescribed tretinoin and was told to start off using it 3x a week until I got used to it. It started off rough, with the burning/peeling/flaking of my skin, but after reading these reviews and applying oil-free moisturizer after the tretinoin, it only lasted about a week or two. I am now past that phase of the medication and worked my way up to daily use. Thankfully, I stuck with it because after 6 weeks, I am starting to feel confident, even after just washing my face. Do not feel discouraged when it gets rough in the beginning-it is so worth it!"

• Lan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 11, 2018

For Acne "Please do not use 2x a day! An incompetent pharmacist told me to use it 2x a day, and it peeled my skin and bleached me by the second day. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, use fresh aloe vera gel on the skin 2x daily to soothe the burning sensation and help the peeling process move along. I'm saying fresh because packaged, processed ones usually have unwanted additives that will do more damage than good. Instructions for tretinoin: use every other night, so that's once, ONLY. Use ONLY A LITTLE at a time, especially if you have darker skin, or it'll peel your skin and make you red. Apply ONLY on dry skin, so wait till your skin is no longer damp after your shower. To T-Rex-- hopefully, your skin has healed greatly now, and you're getting over the trauma. But I'd highly recommend trying it again, and this time very carefully, maybe start using just every second or third day and slowly build up."

• Kay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 14, 2020

For Acne "So I read the reviews, and most were bad, but I also read good ones. I decided to give tretinoin a chance, and I can honestly say that this tretinoin cream is not for me. I had a severe allergic reaction around my lips and nose. And I have been purging like crazy. When I started this, I only had like three pimples and smaller ones and hyperpigmentation. I thought maybe the allergic reaction would go away, and it has not, it burns a lot, and I'm seeing my dermatologist on Tuesday, and hopefully, I get something better. But this is just my personal experience, it may have not worked for me, but it can work for you."

• Jam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 1, 2017

Tretinoin topical for Acne "I have always had acne from my early teens, but just a few pimples now and again. I am now 23. I have relocated to the north coast, where I started experiencing terrible breakouts. It started with a rash, then small pimples, then a disaster. In 2016, I went to my dermatologist, who prescribed Retin-A 0.05%. Two days after using the product, I started having unbearable burning when using anything on my face, be it water, cleanser, or moisturizer. It just burned like crazy, and my acne got worse to the point where people were asking me what was wrong with my face. So about two weeks in, I stopped using the product. Five days ago, which is almost one year later, I decided to give it another try, and so far, there is no burning and no new breakouts."

• Jas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 4, 2018

For Acne "I decided to give this treatment an 8/10 because I have only been using it for about 3 weeks and have not yet seen the full results. However, so far this cream has been amazing! I can really see the difference in my skin. The first couple of weeks, your face will become extremely dry, begin to flake, and even burn a bit, but after, your skin will get used to it. I apply the cream every other night and usually try to moisturize with CeraVe SA cream (although meant for the body). This has helped tremendously with the dry skin. I broke out a little the first week, but after that, I have had no issues. I also see my blackheads going away as well."