Adapalene
Adapalene is a prescription-strength retinoid — chemically a retinoid, clinically closer to a mild topical medication than a cosmetic ingredient. Skinzy surfaces it for education only: it requires a prescription, and using it correctly (and safely alongside anything else in a routine) is something to work out with a dermatologist, not from a schedule on a website.
How to introduce it
2x
Starting / week
7x
Target / week
6w
Ramp period
12w
Fair to judge by
Possible purging window: weeks 2–6 — temporary increased breakouts as turnover speeds up. Don't stop or judge the ingredient during this window.
Rules that don't bend
- Patch test on the inner forearm 48 hours before first facial use.
- PM only — never apply under sunscreen or in daylight.
- Sunscreen is mandatory every morning after any retinoid night, no exceptions.
- Never combine with AHA, BHA, or benzoyl peroxide in the same session.
- Do not apply to broken, sunburned, or actively irritated skin.
- Buffer with moisturizer underneath if stinging occurs — do not stop the ramp on the first uncomfortable night.
Stop and back off if
- — Stinging or redness lasting more than 60 seconds after 3+ uses.
- — Visible peeling beyond light, dry flaking.
Don't combine with
Same-night use can irritate skin or cancel out the active — alternate nights instead of layering them together.