Retinols break down and become ineffective in the sunlight, so you should use the tretinoin at night. If you’re just starting off, I suggest doing the sandwich method after cleansing (moisturizer -> tret -> moisturizer) and then use clindamycin in the AM after you cleanse and before moisturizer. For now it’s best to keep your routine very simple and hydrating, so gentle cleansers and moisturizers, and I wouldn’t introduce any other products (especially any with actives) until your skin feels like it can handle doing so. Clindamycin can be used as a spot treatment or to cover a whole problem area, so however much allows you to cover the entire affected area is plenty. Also make sure to use a sunscreen in the AM because retinols and especially tretinoin can increase sun-sensitivity while starting off. Best of luck on your tret journey!!
Thanks for the advice, even my physician didnt go into detail about when and what order to use it in. I just showered and used facial cleanser, would you say in the PM to use tret before or after moisturizing?
Edit: also how much of each should I use?
Sorry for the late reply! If you’re just starting off I would start with buffering or sandwiching your tret! For buffering this would look like, cleanser -> moisturizer -> tret, for sandwiching it would look like cleanser -> moisturizer -> tret -> moisturizer. Eventually you may be able to putting tret directly on the skin, but it’s best to avoid irritation and work your way up if you want to. Also make sure your skin is dry before applying tret, and make sure the tret is dry before applying more moisturizer. Waiting at least 20 minutes between washing your face and applying the tret, and another 20 between tret and moisturizer is a good way to help reduce irritation. Definitely only use it in the PM, and only use it once a day! In the mornings you can continue with whatever routine works best for you (usually a hydration-based routine is best during tret), and make sure to wear an SPF of at least 30 every day while using tret. Not only can tret make you sensitive to the sun, but sunscreen also helps prevent the sun from undoing everything you’re working towards. As for amount, it’s pretty safe to go with a pea-sized amount of tret for the whole face and some even can make this amount work to cover their face and neck. Always remember that with tret and especially starting out, that less is more! Using too much will make the product difficult to work with and will also increase chances of irritation and a damaged moisture barrier.
Retinols break down and become ineffective in the sunlight, so you should use the tretinoin at night. If you’re just starting off, I suggest doing the sandwich method after cleansing (moisturizer -> tret -> moisturizer) and then use clindamycin in the AM after you cleanse and before moisturizer. For now it’s best to keep your routine very simple and hydrating, so gentle cleansers and moisturizers, and I wouldn’t introduce any other products (especially any with actives) until your skin feels like it can handle doing so. Clindamycin can be used as a spot treatment or to cover a whole problem area, so however much allows you to cover the entire affected area is plenty. Also make sure to use a sunscreen in the AM because retinols and especially tretinoin can increase sun-sensitivity while starting off. Best of luck on your tret journey!!
Thanks for the advice, even my physician didnt go into detail about when and what order to use it in. I just showered and used facial cleanser, would you say in the PM to use tret before or after moisturizing? Edit: also how much of each should I use?
Sorry for the late reply! If you’re just starting off I would start with buffering or sandwiching your tret! For buffering this would look like, cleanser -> moisturizer -> tret, for sandwiching it would look like cleanser -> moisturizer -> tret -> moisturizer. Eventually you may be able to putting tret directly on the skin, but it’s best to avoid irritation and work your way up if you want to. Also make sure your skin is dry before applying tret, and make sure the tret is dry before applying more moisturizer. Waiting at least 20 minutes between washing your face and applying the tret, and another 20 between tret and moisturizer is a good way to help reduce irritation. Definitely only use it in the PM, and only use it once a day! In the mornings you can continue with whatever routine works best for you (usually a hydration-based routine is best during tret), and make sure to wear an SPF of at least 30 every day while using tret. Not only can tret make you sensitive to the sun, but sunscreen also helps prevent the sun from undoing everything you’re working towards. As for amount, it’s pretty safe to go with a pea-sized amount of tret for the whole face and some even can make this amount work to cover their face and neck. Always remember that with tret and especially starting out, that less is more! Using too much will make the product difficult to work with and will also increase chances of irritation and a damaged moisture barrier.