How to use:

1. Apply a pea-sized amount for the entire face 20 minutes after

washing and patting dry, before bedtime
a. Pea-sized: More is not better
b. Apply 20 minutes after: Topical retinoic acid should be
applied to dry skin only
c. Take the pea-sized amount from the tube and put on the tip
of your finger
d. Gently dab it on different areas of your face avoiding
contact with the corners of the nose, eyes, and mouth.
e. Slowly rub it into the skin
2. You may use a moisturizer 20 minutes after applying topical
tretinoin or you may not use at all
3. If your skin is getting too (erythematous) red or irritated (e.g.
peeling), stop for a few days and continue.
4. Start 2 times a week gradually working your way to every night
Daytime:
1. Your skin is going to be more sensitive to the sun (causing more
photoaging) so avoid or minimize sun exposure
2. Use protective sunscreen generously and re-apply throughout
the day (every 3-4 hours)
Contradindications:
1. Doing any waxing or peels
2. Pregnancy
Mechanism of action:
1. Retinoic acid works at the level of gene transcription so it will
take weeks before results are visible.
2. Decreases cohesion between epidermal cells to increase
epidermal cell turnover expulsion of open comedones and
transforming closed to open comedones
3. Promotes dermal collagen synthesis, new blood vessel formation,
and thickens epidermis reduces fine lines and wrinkles