Starting tretinoin is one of the best long-term investments you can make for your skin. It has decades of scientific research supporting its use for improving acne, pigmentation, skin texture and the visible signs of ageing.

The first few weeks, however, are not always easy.

Many people begin treatment expecting immediate improvements, only to notice their skin becoming drier, more sensitive or even breaking out. It is understandable to wonder whether the product is making your skin worse.

These temporary changes are a normal part of your skin adapting to tretinoin.

What is retinisation?

Retinisation is the adjustment period your skin goes through when you first begin using tretinoin.

Tretinoin increases skin cell turnover and stimulates changes within the deeper layers of the skin. While these long-term changes are beneficial, the skin barrier needs time to adapt.

During this period, it is common to experience:

• Dryness

• Tightness

• Mild redness

• Flaking or peeling

• Increased sensitivity

These effects are usually most noticeable during the first two to six weeks and gradually improve as your skin becomes accustomed to treatment.

This is why introducing tretinoin slowly is so important. Giving your skin time to adapt allows you to continue treatment comfortably while achieving the same long-term results.

Why can breakouts temporarily become worse?

If you are already prone to acne or clogged pores, you may experience what is known as skin purging.

Tretinoin speeds up the skin’s natural renewal process. As a result, blockages that were already forming beneath the surface appear sooner than they otherwise would have.

Although this can be frustrating, it is important to understand that tretinoin is not creating new acne. It is accelerating the appearance of blemishes that were already developing.

Skin purging is temporary and generally improves over the first four to eight weeks, although for some people it may last a little longer.

Not everyone experiences purging, and people who are not prone to breakouts often notice very little change apart from some temporary dryness or sensitivity.

Does irritation mean it isn’t working?

No.

In fact, many people assume they need to push through significant irritation for tretinoin to be effective. That is not the case.

Excessive redness, peeling or discomfort does not mean you will achieve better results.

The goal is consistent, long-term use. Using tretinoin comfortably four or five nights each week for years is far more beneficial than trying to use it every night too soon and needing to stop because your skin becomes too irritated.

How to make the adjustment period easier

There are several simple ways to reduce irritation while your skin adapts.

• Introduce tretinoin gradually.

• Apply only a pea-sized amount.

• Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser.

• Moisturise generously.

• Avoid other active ingredients unless advised otherwise.

• Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen every day.

• If your skin becomes overly sensitive, reduce your frequency for a few days before gradually increasing again.

Remember that consistency is more important than speed.

The results are worth the wait

Unlike many skincare products that provide only temporary cosmetic improvements, tretinoin creates gradual biological changes within the skin.

With regular long-term use, research has shown improvements in:

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Uneven skin tone

• Pigmentation

• Skin texture

• Acne

• Collagen production

These changes happen gradually over months rather than weeks.

The first few weeks of tretinoin are temporary. The improvements that follow can last for many years with consistent use.

If your skin feels a little drier, more sensitive or even breaks out initially, this does not necessarily mean the treatment is failing. More often, it simply means your skin is adapting.

Take it slowly, moisturise well, wear sunscreen every day, and allow your skin the time it needs to adjust.

If you’re one of my clients and you’re ever unsure whether what you’re experiencing is a normal part of the adjustment process, please send me a WhatsApp message. I’m always happy to guide you through the retinisation process and help you decide whether what you’re seeing is expected, or whether your routine needs a small adjustment.

If you’re not under my care, speak to the healthcare professional who prescribed your tretinoin for advice that’s appropriate for your individual skin.