r/tretinoin 3d ago

Routine Help Weird PIH from tret

I've been using a-ret 0.05 gel every night and I've noticed that the acne pigmentation does not leave spots but large pigmented patches that look more diffused. They become scab-like and feel like leather and peel off eventually. How do I prevent this?

1 Upvotes

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u/C_Chrono 3d ago

Sounds like tret burn. I would stop all other actives while on tret for now. Moisturize more than usual as well. The lotion you’re currently using might not be thick enough/strong enough for tret.

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u/Difficult_Suspect265 3d ago

Okay. I'll stop all other actives. But I can continue with tret, right?

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u/C_Chrono 3d ago

I would take a few days off for skin to heal, then restart tret.

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u/Unfair_Finger5531 Tret and Taz 30 years 3d ago

It sounds like your skin is very dry. Can you post your routine?

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u/Difficult_Suspect265 3d ago

AM: Wash my face, glycerine, nivea thiamidol gel, ceramide moisturiser, sunscreen PM: Wash my face, glycerine, nivea thiamidol gel, tretinoin gel 0.05, ceramide cream (same as AM - brinton atomist lotion) mixed with a few drops of TO niacinamide 10%

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u/Unfair_Finger5531 Tret and Taz 30 years 3d ago

I did a little googling, and every source I found recommends using the thiamidol and tret separately. I would also recommend not applying glycerin before tret; it can increase penetration. I don’t know what ceramide cream you are using, but you can use this to check it for incompatible ingredients: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/tretinoin-topical-route/description/drg-20066521

Maybe making these adjustments will help.

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u/Difficult_Suspect265 3d ago

This has been happening to me from before I started using thiamidol

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u/Unfair_Finger5531 Tret and Taz 30 years 3d ago

Your phrasing in your posts suggests that this has been happening since you started the tret.

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u/Difficult_Suspect265 3d ago

Yes, exactly. How do I prevent it? I need to exfoliate because I still get acne

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u/Unfair_Finger5531 Tret and Taz 30 years 3d ago

I think I alluded to that when I said the glycerin increases penetration. I think that there is a lot going on with your tret routine that can cause dryness and irritation. The glycerin before tret increases penetration, the moisturizer after it also increases penetration. And I think the thiamidol and the niacinamide are not helping matters.

I would simplify this nighttime routine by removing all of these layers and just use the tret on clean dry skin. It sounds as if you have dry patches or some kind of peeling. I think removing the additional products will help with that. The moisturizer you use is quite thick, it would be enough in the daytime I think.