{"id":2528,"date":"2022-03-10T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-10T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/?p=2528"},"modified":"2024-04-25T11:29:05","modified_gmt":"2024-04-25T10:29:05","slug":"ask-a-dermatologist-mixing-active-ingredients-with-tretinoin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/ask-a-dermatologist-mixing-active-ingredients-with-tretinoin\/","title":{"rendered":"Ask A Dermatologist: Mixing Active Ingredients with Tretinoin"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/202203-10-Copy-of-Ask-a-Dermatologist_-Mixing-active-ingredients-with-Tretinoin-copy-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2537\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Link to share article here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-social-links is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-block-social-links-is-layout-flex\"><li class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-facebook  wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/skinandmehq\/\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12 2C6.5 2 2 6.5 2 12c0 5 3.7 9.1 8.4 9.9v-7H7.9V12h2.5V9.8c0-2.5 1.5-3.9 3.8-3.9 1.1 0 2.2.2 2.2.2v2.5h-1.3c-1.2 0-1.6.8-1.6 1.6V12h2.8l-.4 2.9h-2.3v7C18.3 21.1 22 17 22 12c0-5.5-4.5-10-10-10z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-instagram  wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/skinandmehq\/\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg 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c-0.344,0.094-0.707,0.144-1.081,0.144c-0.264,0-0.521-0.026-0.772-0.074c0.522,1.63,2.038,2.816,3.833,2.85 c-1.404,1.1-3.174,1.756-5.096,1.756c-0.331,0-0.658-0.019-0.979-0.057c1.816,1.164,3.973,1.843,6.29,1.843 c7.547,0,11.675-6.252,11.675-11.675c0-0.178-0.004-0.355-0.012-0.531C20.985,7.47,21.68,6.747,22.23,5.924z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-pinterest  wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.co.uk\/skinandmehq\/\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12.289,2C6.617,2,3.606,5.648,3.606,9.622c0,1.846,1.025,4.146,2.666,4.878c0.25,0.111,0.381,0.063,0.439-0.169 c0.044-0.175,0.267-1.029,0.365-1.428c0.032-0.128,0.017-0.237-0.091-0.362C6.445,11.911,6.01,10.75,6.01,9.668 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class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M21.8,8.001c0,0-0.195-1.378-0.795-1.985c-0.76-0.797-1.613-0.801-2.004-0.847c-2.799-0.202-6.997-0.202-6.997-0.202 h-0.009c0,0-4.198,0-6.997,0.202C4.608,5.216,3.756,5.22,2.995,6.016C2.395,6.623,2.2,8.001,2.2,8.001S2,9.62,2,11.238v1.517 c0,1.618,0.2,3.237,0.2,3.237s0.195,1.378,0.795,1.985c0.761,0.797,1.76,0.771,2.205,0.855c1.6,0.153,6.8,0.201,6.8,0.201 s4.203-0.006,7.001-0.209c0.391-0.047,1.243-0.051,2.004-0.847c0.6-0.607,0.795-1.985,0.795-1.985s0.2-1.618,0.2-3.237v-1.517 C22,9.62,21.8,8.001,21.8,8.001z M9.935,14.594l-0.001-5.62l5.404,2.82L9.935,14.594z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">YouTube<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ask A Dermatologist: Mixing Active Ingredients with Tretinoin<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding which <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\">ingredients<\/a> complement each other for best results (and minimal reaction) is an invaluable learning when it comes to making informed decisions about the products you use. This is especially true when it comes to popular active ingredients such as retinoids \u2013 specifically <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a> \u2013 in skincare.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Skin + Me\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\">Daily Doser<\/a> takes the guesswork out of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/blog-skinandme-com-single-ingredient-vs-combination-skincare\/\">combination skincare<\/a> by delivering prescription-strength ingredients blended by experts. But a little bit of skincare savvy when it comes to <em>why and how<\/em> they do this, goes a long way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We asked Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Malvina Cunningham for more about the retinoid, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a>, and how best to mix tretinoin with other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\">active ingredients<\/a> such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/ingredient-deep-dive-azelaic-acid\/\">azelaic acid<\/a>, niacinamide and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/ingredient-deep-dive-vitamin-c\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4411\">vitamin C<\/a>. Skincare knowledge is skincare power, after all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>Tretinoin and Combination Skincare<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Skin + Me:<\/strong> <em>We know tretinoin is a retinoid. Why would you use tretinoin and what does it treat?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dr Malvina Cunningham:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/blog-skinandme-com-the-difference-between-retinol-and-retinoids\/\">Retinoids<\/a> are by far the most effective ingredient when it comes to treating <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/skin-ageing\">skin ageing<\/a> by targeting <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/skin-ageing\">fine lines<\/a> and wrinkles, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/ask-a-dermatologist-what-is-hyperpigmentation\/\">pigmentation<\/a> and skin texture. Retinoids are a large family of vitamin A-derived compounds with weaker versions available over the counter and stronger versions available on prescription such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">Tretinoin<\/a> works directly on the retinoic acid receptors found on your skin cells. It\u2019s the most powerful retinol available. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">Tretinoin<\/a> can cause irritation when used initially so it is best to start low and slowly (known as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/ask-a-dermatologist-what-is-microdosing\/\">microdosing<\/a>) but the effects on the skin are worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Skin + Me: <\/strong><em>What ingredients work best mixed with retinoids like tretinoin?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dr Malvina Cunningham:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/blog-skinandme-com-the-difference-between-retinol-and-retinoids\/\">Retinoids<\/a> like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/ingredient-deep-dive-vitamin-c\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4411\">vitamin C <\/a>work well together as they both promote collagen production and enhance each other&#8217;s effect. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/ingredient-deep-dive-vitamin-c\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4411\">Vitamin C<\/a> is generally less of an irritant so these can often be applied in combination.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Retinoids like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a> and niacinamide work well too. Niacinamide is a B vitamin that helps repair DNA and controls inflammation, nurtures the skin barrier and increases college production. This counteracts some of the irritant effects of retinoids on the skin \u2013 the two are perfect partners when it comes to tackling <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/five-things-to-know-about-blackheads-and-influencers-who-understand-acne\/\">acne<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/skin-ageing\">signs of ageing<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Niacinamide also works as an antioxidant and helps to fight harmful compounds caused by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/skincare-and-the-sun-guide-freckles-sun-spots-spf-and-makeup-know-how\/\">sun damage<\/a>. It also increases the production of ceramides, which moisturise the skin. This is especially useful in minimising some of the possible side effects of other active ingredients.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that no active ingredient should be used without incorporating <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/skincare-and-the-sun-guide-freckles-sun-spots-spf-and-makeup-know-how\/\">sunscreen<\/a> into your skincare routine. Sunscreen is an absolute must for anyone concerned and addressing skin ageing and should be worn all year round. Ensure you use a broad-spectrum <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/skincare-and-the-sun-guide-freckles-sun-spots-spf-and-makeup-know-how\/\">SPF<\/a> with a filter of at least 30.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p><strong>\u201c<\/strong>Remember that no active ingredient should be used without incorporating sunscreen into your skincare routine.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>Tretinoin and Azelaic Acid<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A combination of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/ingredient-deep-dive-azelaic-acid\/\">azelaic acid<\/a> is often used to treat skin concerns including acne and hyperpigmentation, improving texture and brightening skin in general.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Azelaic acid acts as a chemical exfoliator <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/five-things-to-know-about-blackheads-and-influencers-who-understand-acne\/\">unblocking pores<\/a>, facilitating cellular turnover and targeting and eliminating <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/five-things-to-know-about-blackheads-and-influencers-who-understand-acne\/\">acne-causing bacteria<\/a>. While they have some similar properties, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a> is a more important ingredient for increasing cell renewal and repair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">Tretinoin<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/ingredient-deep-dive-azelaic-acid\/\">azelaic acid<\/a> make a great combination, because azelaic acid can enhance the effects of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a> when used to treat acne, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/ask-a-dermatologist-what-is-hyperpigmentation\/\">pigmentation<\/a> and brighten skin in general.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The effects of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a> can be drying until your skin builds tolerance. Azelaic acid is generally better tolerated but everyone\u2019s skin is different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>Other ingredients that combine with Tretinoin<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px;text-transform:uppercase\"><strong>Tretinoin and Hydroquinone<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Combining <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/ingredient-deep-dive-hydroquinone\/\">hydroquinone<\/a> with a retinoid like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a> protects it from oxidation which keeps it effective. Hydroquinone is commonly used as a primary ingredient for inhibiting melanin production. In reducing the skin\u2019s production of melanin, it can reduce <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/ask-a-dermatologist-what-is-hyperpigmentation\/\">hyperpigmentation<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">Tretinoin<\/a> facilitates cell turnover and helps hydroquinone penetrate deeper into the skin to work more effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px;text-transform:uppercase\"><strong>Tretinoin and Clindamycin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Clindamycin is a topical antibiotic that\u2019s useful for the treatment of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/five-things-to-know-about-blackheads-and-influencers-who-understand-acne\/\">acne<\/a> and inflammation in the skin. Clindamycin shouldn&#8217;t be used alone without a combination of ingredients to help with antibiotic resistance \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/can-i-use-tretinoin-on-sensitive-skin\/https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tr<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">etinoin<\/a> makes a good partner here. The combination works by killing the bacteria that cause acne and by keeping the skin pores clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px;text-transform:uppercase\"><strong>Tretinoin and Salicylic Acid<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">Tretinoin<\/a> reduces visible skin ageing and salicylic acid<strong> <\/strong>is a BHA that exfoliates the skin, clears pores and fights breakouts. They work well in combination to treat <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/five-things-to-know-about-blackheads-and-influencers-who-understand-acne\/\">acne-prone<\/a> skin. Although many dermatologists recommend that you use your retinoid at night and your BHA for the daytime to protect your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/blog-skinandme-com-ask-a-dermatologist-microbiome-skincare-for-healthy-skin\/\">skin barrier<\/a>. Separating usage reduces skin becoming <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/dry-skin-101-dry-skin-causes-symptoms-and-treatment\/\">too dry<\/a> and irritated.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ingredient combinations to avoid<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Everyone\u2019s level of tolerance to active ingredients is different but more <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/can-i-use-tretinoin-on-sensitive-skin\/\">sensitive skin types<\/a> should be mindful when it comes to combining <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a> with AHAs and BHAs. As a general rule, exfoliating acids can trigger extreme <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/dry-skin-101-dry-skin-causes-symptoms-and-treatment\/\">dryness<\/a> when combined with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to use them together try alternating ingredients day and night (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/our-ingredients\/tretinoin\">tretinoin<\/a> as part of your evening routine). Remember to layer up with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/community-wisdom-the-best-cleansers-and-moisturisers\/\">rich moisturisers<\/a> containing barrier protecting ingredients like glycerin and ceramides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f0f6fb\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#edf5f8\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f0f6fb\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>New to Skin + Me? <\/strong>Get your first month of personalised skincare for \u00a34.99 with promo code DOSE \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/consultation\/sign-up\/create-account\">complete our quick consultation here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Looking for a routine refresh? <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/login?back=%2Faccount-summary%2Fmanage-upcoming-orders\">Add the Dream Routine to your Skin + Me subscription<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In need of a restock? <\/strong>Head to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/shop\">The Skincare Shop<\/a> for one-off purchases of your Routine Essentials.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Did you know that using ingredients like tretinoin in combination with other actives like azelaic acid can enhance its benefits? See how here.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":179265348,"featured_media":2537,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1394,1367],"tags":[1411,1885,1686,1679,1498,1389,1362,1377,1423,1883,1886,1884,1887,1888],"class_list":["post-2528","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ask-a-dermatologist","category-treatments","tag-dermatologist","tag-ingredient-combinations","tag-ingredients","tag-retinoids","tag-retinol","tag-skin-and-me","tag-skincare","tag-spf","tag-tretinoin","tag-tretinoin-and-azelaic-acid","tag-tretinoin-and-clindamycin","tag-tretinoin-and-hydroquinone","tag-tretinoin-and-salicylic-acid","tag-tretinoin-and-vitamin-c"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2528","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/179265348"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2528"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2528\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6115,"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2528\/revisions\/6115"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2537"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2528"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2528"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skinandme.com\/the-dose\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2528"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}