Medications · FAQ
How should I apply topical tretinoin?
Short answer
Apply tretinoin exactly as prescribed, usually as a thin layer at night on clean, fully dry skin. For the whole face, instructions often call for a pea-sized amount. Avoid eyes, lips, and broken skin. Your prescriber may recommend a slower starting schedule based on your product and skin sensitivity.
Follow the directions on your prescription label. Tretinoin is often applied in the evening, but the amount and schedule depend on the product and your skin. Wash with a mild cleanser, pat dry, and allow your skin to dry fully before applying it. Some products advise waiting after washing, so check your instructions.
Spread a thin layer over the area your prescriber told you to treat. A pea-sized amount is commonly used for the whole face. Tretinoin is generally used across acne-prone areas rather than only on individual pimples. Keep it away from your eyes, lips, nostril creases, and any cuts or open sores. Wash your hands afterward.
Do not apply extra tretinoin to make up for slow progress. Results vary. More medicine can cause more irritation without faster benefits. Ask whether you should start on fewer nights each week and how to use moisturizer. If you miss an application, do not double the next one. Follow your product's missed-dose instructions or ask your pharmacist.
Sources
Written by the Verra clinical team · Medical review pending
General information, not medical advice. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.