Tretinoin and Retinol: Can You Use Perfec-Tone With Tretinoin?
By Perfec-Tone Skin Team ·
Since you're using prescription tretinoin, discuss your skin goals and the Perfec-Tone products you're considering with your prescribing clinician before starting them. They can advise whether any change to your prescription or routine is appropriate. We don't recommend pairing our treatment actives with tretinoin or planning alternate nights. Please don't stop or change your prescription to start our products. We can share ingredient information for your clinician to review.
Key takeaways
- Talk to your prescribing clinician before starting any Perfec-Tone product while you use tretinoin.
- We don't recommend pairing our treatment actives, Resurfacing Crème, Refining Crème and Spot Treatment, with tretinoin or planning alternate nights.
- Please don't stop or change your prescription to start our products.
- Tretinoin makes skin more sun-sensitive, so daily broad-spectrum SPF matters even more.
What tretinoin is doing
Tretinoin is a prescription retinoid (retinoic acid). Our Resurfacing Crème, Refining Crème and Spot Treatment contain retinol (vitamin A), a different ingredient, and they are not a substitute for your prescription. Both can speed up skin cell turnover, so adding a second active on top can overload the skin, and irritated skin produces the pigment you are treating. Your prescribing clinician knows your prescription and your skin, so they are the right person to advise on anything you add.
Questions to take to your clinician
- Which Perfec-Tone products, if any, fit with my current prescription?
- How should I cleanse and moisturize while I use tretinoin?
- Which SPF routine should I follow?
We can share full ingredient information for any Perfec-Tone product for your clinician to review. Email hello@perfec-tone.com with the product names.
What not to do
- Pairing our treatment actives with tretinoin. We don't recommend using Resurfacing Crème, Refining Crème or Spot Treatment with tretinoin, on the same day or on alternate nights.
- Changing your prescription on your own. Please don't stop or change your prescription to start our products.
- Extra acids. An acid toner over tretinoin plus an exfoliating cleanser is a damaged barrier waiting to happen.
- Skipping SPF. Tretinoin-treated skin burns faster and pigments faster.
If you are considering Resurfacing Crème instead
Some people look at our products because of irritation, cost, or because they want something they can cycle. If that is you, talk to your prescribing clinician first. They can advise whether any change to your prescription or routine is appropriate. Please don't stop or change your prescription to start our products. See the full retinol rules.
Mild tingling, dryness and flaking can happen as skin adjusts; they are not proof that a product is working. Burning, raw skin, swelling or other significant symptoms need prompt medical advice. Get that advice right away; you do not need to wait or ask our permission first. See what's normal and what's not. Building a routine? Read what your first 30 days look like.
Frequently asked questions
Can I alternate nights between tretinoin and Resurfacing Crème?
No. We don't recommend pairing our treatment actives with tretinoin or planning alternate nights. Talk to your prescribing clinician before starting any Perfec-Tone product.
Is Clarifying Gel safe with tretinoin?
Ask your prescribing clinician before adding it. Tretinoin increases sensitivity, and your clinician can advise whether it fits your routine. We can share ingredient information for your clinician to review.
Can I use Spot Eraser with tretinoin?
Ask your prescribing clinician before adding it. We can share its ingredient information for your clinician to review.
My skin is peeling badly on tretinoin. Should I add more products?
No. Adding actives to peeling skin makes it worse. Speak to your prescribing clinician about your routine, and seek medical advice for burning, raw skin or swelling.
Using tretinoin? Talk to your prescribing clinician first.
Talk to a Glow Agent →
