Tretinoin
Tretinoin is the direct retinoic acid form — no conversion step needed, which makes it the fastest and strongest topical retinoid available, and also the one most likely to cause real irritation if the introduction is rushed. It's available in India only by prescription. Skinzy surfaces it for education only: using it correctly, and safely alongside anything else in a routine, is something to work out with a dermatologist.
How it works
The direct retinoic acid form that binds RAR/RXR receptors without requiring conversion, making it the most potent and fastest-acting topical retinoid; available in India only by prescription due to its irritation and teratogenicity profile.
In practice, this is the retinoid a dermatologist typically prescribes once an over-the-counter option like retinol has already been tried and tolerated.
How to introduce it
Wait about 20 minutes before the next step. Judging Tretinoin before week 12 means judging it before it's had time to actually work — most of what reads as "this isn't doing anything" in the first couple of weeks is just too early to tell.
Possible purging window: weeks 2–6 — temporary increased breakouts as turnover speeds up, not a sign to stop. A purge shows up as small whiteheads in areas you already tend to break out, and settles down on its own within that window. That's different from a bad reaction, which shows up as redness, burning, or swelling in places you don't normally break out, doesn't improve with time, and is a reason to stop — see below.
- 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.
- — Stinging or redness lasting more than 60 seconds after 3+ uses.
- — Visible peeling beyond light, dry flaking.
Who should be careful
Tretinoin is rated higher potency — that's exactly why it has a real ramp-up schedule above rather than a "just start using it" recommendation.
Don't combine with
Same-night use can irritate skin or cancel out the active — alternate nights instead of layering them together.
Questions people ask
The strongest, most direct prescription retinoid — real results, real irritation risk if rushed, prescription-only in India.
Most people see a fair result around 12 weeks of consistent use — judging earlier usually means judging too soon.
At night. Tretinoin is intended for PM use.
Tretinoin shouldn't share a routine step with: Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide.