Tretinoin photoageing guide
How to use prescribed tretinoin 0.05% cream at night for chronic photoageing, with gradual adaptation and daily SPF 50.
How to use
- 01
Step 1
What it is and how it works
Tretinoin is a topical retinoid that increases epidermal cell turnover. The prescribed Retirides 0.5 mg/g cream is intended for fine lines, mottled pigmentation and facial roughness linked to chronic sun exposure after a consistent basic skin-care routine has not been enough.
- 02
Step 2
Apply it as prescribed
Use only at night. Cleanse gently, dry completely and wait about 20 minutes. Spread a pea-sized amount in a thin layer over the prescribed facial area, starting at the jawline, then forehead, cheeks and chin, with the nose last. Avoid eyelids, the eye contour, lip corners, nose folds, mucosa, wounds, eczema and sunburn.
- 03
Step 3
Skin care and interactions
Apply broad-spectrum SPF 50 every morning, including cloudy days, and avoid intense sun and UVA. Do not use glycolic or salicylic acid, AHA/BHA, scrubs, alcohol toners, other retinoids, waxing or other irritating procedures in the same routine. Tell the prescriber about photosensitising medicines such as thiazides, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, phenothiazines or sulfonamides.
Dose schedule
- 01
Step 1
Timing and review
The target schedule is once nightly. If the prescriber advises adaptation, use on alternate nights for the first 2 weeks, then increase only if tolerated; for irritation, reduce to twice weekly or every third night until the skin recovers. Improvement may begin at 3–4 months and take up to 6 months. Daily use beyond 48 weeks is not established; maintenance of 1–3 nights per week requires supervision.
- 02
Step 2
If you miss an application
Apply it when you remember unless the next scheduled application is near. In that case, skip it and continue as usual. Do not apply extra product to make up for it.
Side effects
Local irritation
Mild redness, dryness, stinging or peeling can occur, especially at the start. Use a gentle moisturiser and follow the prescribed adjustment plan. Stop and seek advice if the reaction is marked or persistent.
Sun sensitivity and pigment change
Treated skin is more vulnerable to sunlight and may show temporary lighter or darker areas. Pause treatment after sunburn and resume only after recovery and clinical advice. Daily sunscreen is essential.
04 · Do not use if
Do not use this treatment if
- You are allergic to tretinoin or an ingredient in the cream
- You are pregnant or trying to conceive; breastfeeding also requires an individual decision before starting
- You have a personal or family history of skin cancer, or take a photosensitising medicine, without specialist review
- The skin has active eczema, dermatitis, a wound, marked irritation or sunburn, or the verified age is outside the protocol range
05 · When to contact your doctor
Contact your doctor if
- Facial swelling, breathing difficulty, widespread blistering, eye pain, light sensitivity or altered vision — seek urgent medical care
- You become pregnant or think pregnancy is possible — stop tretinoin and contact your clinician
- Severe burning, swelling, blisters, cracks, crusts or persistent irritation, or a lesion that changes, bleeds or does not heal
Storage
Keep the tube tightly closed in its original package, out of children's reach. Follow the temperature and expiry instructions on the label and do not use the product after it expires.
What to expect
Texture, mottled pigmentation and fine lines change slowly. Improvement may begin after 3–4 months and take up to 6 months. Tretinoin has not been shown to correct deep wrinkles, yellowing, lentigines, telangiectasia or loss of elasticity, and peeling is not required for benefit.