Tretinoin is a prescription-strength vitamin A derivative (retinoid) that accelerates skin cell turnover. It is one of the most well-studied and effective treatments available for acne, photoaging, skin texture, and pigment irregularity. With consistent use, tretinoin reshapes how your skin renews itself at a cellular level.

1. Wash your face with a mild, gentle cleanser and pat dry
2. Wait until your skin is completely dry (5–10 minutes after washing)
3. Apply a pea-sized amount to your entire face, avoiding the eyes, lips, and nostrils
4. Gently spread in a thin, even layer — a little goes a long way
5. Follow with a moisturizer to support your skin barrier (we recommend Epionce Intensive Nourishing Crème — see below)
6. Wash your hands after applying

Important tips:

• Apply only at night — tretinoin breaks down in sunlight
• Do not use more than a pea-sized amount; excess product increases irritation without improving results
• Avoid the corners of the nose, lips, and eye area where skin is thinnest
• Do not wax any area being treated with tretinoin

Our goal is to get you using tretinoin every night as quickly as your skin will tolerate. The schedule below is a guide — move to the next step when your skin feels ready, or stay at the current step a bit longer if you're experiencing significant irritation.

Weeks 1–2: 2–3 nights per week. Start slow. Apply on non-consecutive nights to let your skin rest between applications.

Weeks 3–4: Every other night. Increase if you're tolerating well. Reduce back to 2–3 nights if significant peeling or redness persists.

Weeks 5–6: 5–6 nights per week. Almost nightly. Skip a night only if your skin feels raw or overly sensitized.

Week 7 and beyond: Every night. Nightly use is the goal — this is where you'll see the best long-term results.

We strongly recommend Epionce Intensive Nourishing Crème as your moisturizer while acclimating to tretinoin. Applied immediately after tretinoin each night, it helps:

• Dramatically reduce peeling, flaking, and dryness
• Calm redness and irritation so you can increase frequency faster
• Restore and strengthen your skin barrier
• Keep skin comfortable and hydrated throughout acclimation

Patients who use Epionce Intensive Nourishing Crème typically reach nightly tretinoin use significantly faster and with far less discomfort. It is available for purchase at our office.

Tretinoin makes your skin significantly more sensitive to UV damage. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every morning, even on cloudy days. Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors. Wear protective clothing and seek shade when possible.

Sun protection is not optional with tretinoin — it prevents new damage, protects your results, and reduces the risk of irritation and hyperpigmentation.

The adjustment period (weeks 2–6): It is completely normal to experience a "purging" phase where breakouts temporarily increase and skin may look worse before it looks better. This happens because tretinoin accelerates cell turnover, bringing underlying congestion to the surface faster. This is a sign the medication is working.

Timeline for results:

• Weeks 2–6: Adjustment period — possible purging, peeling, redness, and dryness
• Weeks 6–12: Skin begins to clear; texture starts improving; purging resolves
• Months 3–6: Noticeable improvements in tone, texture, fine lines, and pigmentation
• Months 6–12: Full benefits visible — continued improvement with ongoing use

Common side effects (usually temporary):

• Dryness, peeling, and flaking
• Redness and mild irritation
• Temporary increase in breakouts (purging)
• Mild stinging or warmth upon application

These effects are expected and typically resolve within 4–8 weeks. Using Epionce Intensive Nourishing Crème helps minimize these symptoms significantly.

Anti-aging and skin renewal: Stimulates collagen production, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin elasticity and firmness, and reverses visible signs of sun damage.

Clears and prevents acne: Unclogs pores and prevents new comedones, reduces inflammation and breakouts, normalizes oil production over time, and prevents post-acne dark marks from forming.

Brightens and evens skin tone: Fades dark spots and hyperpigmentation, improves melasma with consistent use, and creates a more even, luminous complexion.

Transforms skin texture: Smooths rough, uneven skin, minimizes the appearance of pores, and promotes softer, healthier-looking skin.

• Severe or worsening irritation, blistering, or crusting
• Allergic reaction (swelling, hives, difficulty breathing)
• Persistent redness or peeling that doesn't improve after 6–8 weeks
• Significant skin discoloration
• If you become pregnant — tretinoin must be discontinued

• Be patient — the best results take 3–6 months of consistent nightly use
• Push through the adjustment phase; it gets better
• Use Epionce Intensive Nourishing Crème every night after tretinoin to acclimate faster
• Apply sunscreen every single morning — this is non-negotiable
• Take monthly progress photos so you can see the changes over time
• Don't stop when things start looking good — continued use maintains your results
• Keep all follow-up appointments with your provider
• Store at room temperature away from heat and light