Key components: ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide | Perfume-free: sure | Who it’s for: folks with dry pores and skin
Steadily Requested Questions
What do you have to search for in a moisturizer to pair with tretinoin?
When utilizing tretinoin, it’s necessary to pair it with a moisturizer that hydrates, soothes, and supports your skin barrier. “The perfect moisturizer ought to replenish hydration, help the pores and skin barrier, and decrease irritation,” says Dr. Sung, who recommends on the lookout for components like hyaluronic acid to draw moisture, ceramides and glycerin to lock it in, and niacinamide to assist cut back redness and irritation. “Squalane is one other nice possibility for light-weight moisture that received’t clog pores,” she says. For particularly dry or compromised pores and skin, fatty acids and ldl cholesterol may also assist maintain the barrier sturdy and balanced.
What is the sandwich methodology?
The “sandwich method” in skincare includes making use of a layer of moisturizer earlier than and after an lively ingredient like tretinoin to assist decrease irritation. “The primary layer of moisturizer buffers tretinoin’s efficiency, lowering irritation, whereas the second seals in hydration,” says Dr. Sung.
This method is particularly useful for these with dry or delicate pores and skin who want a gentler technique to incorporate tretinoin into their routine, permitting the lively to work successfully whereas defending the pores and skin barrier.
Is there something to keep away from in moisturizer once you’re utilizing tretinoin?
When utilizing tretinoin, it’s supreme to keep away from moisturizers with potential irritants like fragrances, alcohols, and important oils, since tretinoin could make pores and skin extra delicate. “AHAs (like glycolic or lactic acid), BHAs (like salicylic acid), and vitamin C can enhance irritation when utilized in the identical routine as tretinoin,” says Dr. Sung. “If a affected person desires to include these, I like to recommend ready a couple of weeks after beginning tretinoin to make sure it’s nicely tolerated.”
She additionally suggests introducing exfoliants solely as soon as every week at first to keep away from over-exfoliating. Occlusives like petrolatum and lanolin are nice for dry pores and skin however might be too heavy for acne-prone people and should set off breakouts.
Meet the specialists
- Martha Viera, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist in personal apply in Coral Gables, FL
- Alexandra Bowles, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology in Cincinnati, OH
- Sarah Sung, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist of The Perq primarily based in Seattle
How we check and assessment merchandise
When Attract exams a product, our editors take a look at it from each angle in an effort to greatest serve you. We assessment components, scrutinize model claims, and, when essential, study peer-reviewed scientific and medical research. Along with testing each product that is included in each assessment, we depend on specialists who form their fields, together with dermatology, beauty chemistry, and drugs, to assist us vet the components and formulation.
