Tretinoin Peeling: How to Treat Dry and Peeling Skin

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Tretinoin peeling is a side effect many people experience, especially in the first few weeks of using this medication. Tretinoin (Retin-A) can help reduce acne and brighten skin, but it also speeds up the skin's natural exfoliation process, resulting in dry and flaky skin. Fortunately, this side effect tends to improve over time.

This article discusses tretinoin peeling, why it happens, and how you can treat it.

Tips for Treating Dry Skin from Retin-A
Verywell / Emilie Dunphy

Does Tretinoin Make Your Skin Peel?

Our bodies are constantly replacing old skin cells with new ones, a process called cell turnover. This happens about every 30 days.

As a chemical exfoliant, tretinoin speeds up this process. It rapidly pushes new skin cells to the surface, causing the old ones to slough off. This is why you may notice that your skin seems dry and flaky within a couple of weeks of using tretinoin.

How Long Does Tretinoin Peeling Last?

The extent of tretinoin peeling and how long it lasts varies from person to person. Some people may notice that this side effect goes away within a few weeks of use, while others may have flaky skin for up to two months. Regardless of how long it takes to subside, tretinoin peeling is temporary and will go away once your skin gets used to the product.

How to Treat Peeling Skin from Tretinoin

Fortunately, you can take steps to reduce tretinoin peeling while you wait for the side effect to disappear entirely.

Consider Your Face Wash

Look at your face wash. Have you been using one meant for oily or acne-prone skin? If so, switch to a mild cleanser. Choices include:

  • Unscented Dove
  • The basic Neutrogena bar
  • Cetaphil cleanser

Or try cream-based, non-foaming cleansers. These are less drying than foaming face washes.

Ask your healthcare provider or dermatologist what they recommend. You can always skip the cleansing products and use plain water (unless you need to remove makeup).

Stop using shaving lotions, aftershaves, perfumes, and cologne for the time being. They can increase dryness, burning, and stinging while you're using Retin-A.

No OTC Products

Avoid over-the-counter (0TC) acne treatment products. They include astringent toners, medicated pads, or anything containing benzoyl peroxide. Unless your dermatologist says otherwise, your tretinoin medication is the only acne treatment you need.

Dry Your Skin Before Application

After cleansing, make sure your skin is completely dry before applying Retin-A. Moisture increases the chance of skin irritation. Many dermatologists recommend waiting at least 20 minutes after cleansing.

Apply the Moisturizer First

While using any topical retinoid, a moisturizer is a must. If you don't typically use one, start now. Using moisturizer every day can stave off the worst of the dryness. It's also soothing.

Choose a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer made for sensitive skin. These products will be less irritating. Make sure the product is also labeled non-comedogenic. That means it won't clog your pores.

You will also need to choose a product that provides sun protection since topical retinoids can make your skin more susceptible to sun damage. Look for a moisturizer that's SPF 30 or higher.

Apply the moisturizer before using Retin-A. The moisturizer forms a protective barrier and lessens irritation. Let your moisturizer absorb for a few minutes, then apply Retin-A over the top.

Already using a moisturizer but still feeling dry? Your normal product may not be strong enough. Try a heavier one.

Avoid moisturizers with exfoliating ingredients like:

Their labels often say "brightening," "blemish-control," or "anti-aging." Tretinoin already does these things for you.

Gently Exfoliate

No matter what, you'll likely get some dryness and flaking early on. If it bothers you, gently exfoliate. The best way is to massage the skin with a soft, damp washcloth.

Don't scrub too hard—you could make your skin feel worse. Definitely don't use abrasive scrubs. These are too rough for your skin right now.

Don't Overuse Retin-A

You should always use medications as directed by a healthcare provider. Using Retin-A more often than prescribed won't make it work faster. Plus, it's a surefire way to get red, irritated, peeling skin.

You just need a pea-sized drop for your entire face. Even a dime-sized dollop is way too much.

If you're using the product as directed and are still having side effects, let your provider know. You may be able to adjust your medication schedule.

Build Tolerance Slowly

Wearing the medication all day may be too irritating at first. See if you can leave it on for an hour, then wash it off with soap and water.

If your skin is still irritated, cut back to 20 minutes. Then build up your tolerance slowly. That gives your skin a chance to adjust while reducing side effects.

Your skin may never tolerate all-day use. But you can still get significant benefits with a short application time.

Scale Back

Is your skin still dry and peeling? Try using Retin-A for a short time every other day. Once every two to three days may be okay, as well. Again, check with your dermatologist.

Skipping days gives your skin a rest. Once it starts feeling better, slowly work up to using it every day (or as directed by your healthcare provider).

Don't stop using your treatment altogether. As your skin adjusts, dryness and peeling will taper off. 

For All Topical Retinoids

The same process will work for problems from any topical retinoid, including:

Summary

Tretinoin peeling is a common side effect, especially in the first few weeks of using this product. You can help combat this side effect by taking a few steps before applying the medication, such as using a mild cleanser, drying your skin, and moisturizing.

Look for gentle products that won't further irritate your skin. Exfoliate with a soft washcloth, not abrasive products. Protect your skin from sun damage.

Using extra Retin-A won't make your acne go away faster. It will only irritate your skin more. Ask your dermatologist about ways to slowly build up your skin's tolerance to the medicine.

5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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  2. Chularojanamontri L, Tuchinda P, Kulthanan K, Pongparit K. Moisturizers for acne: what are their constituents? J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014;7(5):36–44.

  3. Del Rosso JQ. The role of skin care as an integral component in the management of acne vulgaris: part 1: the importance of cleanser and moisturizer ingredients, design, and product selectionJ Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2013;6(12):19–27.

  4. Canavan TN, Chen E, Elewski BE. Optimizing non-antibiotic treatments for patients with acne: a reviewDermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2016;6(4):555–578. doi:10.1007/s13555-016-0138-1

  5. Latter G, Grice JE, Mohammed Y, Roberts MS, Benson HAE. Targeted topical delivery of retinoids in the management of acne vulgaris: current formulations and novel delivery systemsPharmaceutics. 2019;11(10):490. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics11100490

Additional Reading

By Angela Palmer
Angela Palmer is a licensed esthetician specializing in acne treatment.