The Retinol Rules. One Page. Non-Negotiable.
Retinoids fade dark marks and smooth texture. Paired wrong, they can irritate the skin and leave new marks. Here is what goes in the morning, what goes at night, and what never goes together.
The 4 Core Rules
Refining Crème is for mornings only.
Resurfacing Crème and Spot Treatment are for nights only, and never on the same day. Pick one per treatment course.
After every 14 nights of Resurfacing Crème, take 3 recovery nights. Miracle Moisturizer only at night, no retinoids.
Using prescription tretinoin? Talk to your prescribing clinician first. We don't recommend pairing our treatment actives with tretinoin or planning alternate nights.
What Pairs With What
This chart explains how to use retinol within the Perfec-Tone routine. Follow each product's directions. For prescription products or an existing skin condition, ask your clinician before adding active skincare.
| Product | When | Can share a day with | Never with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refining Crème | Morning only | Resurfacing Crème or Spot Treatment at night | Prescription tretinoin |
| Resurfacing Crème | Night only. 14 nights on, 3 recovery nights | Refining Crème (morning), Revitalizing Serum as a buffer | Spot Treatment, Purifying Toner during the course, prescription tretinoin |
| Spot Treatment | Night only, on the mark only | Refining Crème (morning), Revitalizing Serum as a buffer | Resurfacing Crème, Purifying Toner during the course, prescription tretinoin |
| Revitalizing Serum | Not a retinoid. Under your night treatment | Resurfacing Crème or Spot Treatment, one at a time | Using it to combine both |
| Miracle Moisturizer | Not a retinoid. Recovery nights, or any time skin needs comfort | All products in this chart, when tolerated | No listed pairing conflicts in this routine |
| Purifying Toner | Before or after a treatment course | Products outside a Resurfacing Crème or Spot Treatment course | Resurfacing Crème or Spot Treatment courses |
| Spot Eraser | Any time, following its directions | All products in this chart | No listed pairing conflicts in this routine |
How a Resurfacing Crème cycle runs
| Days | Morning | Night |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 14 | Refining Crème, then SPF | Resurfacing Crème (Revitalizing Serum underneath if you need a buffer) |
| 15 to 17 (recovery) | Refining Crème, then SPF | Miracle Moisturizer only |
| 18 (next cycle) | Refining Crème, then SPF | Start the next 14-night run of Resurfacing Crème, if your skin is comfortable |
First time? Do the one-week ease-in below before Day 1. Planned recovery nights are different from a reaction: if irritation develops, stop and follow the recovery guidance before restarting.
First Time Using A Retinoid
Start slow. It lowers the chance of irritation. These ease-in steps lead into a Resurfacing Crème cycle; follow Spot Treatment's directions when that is your chosen treatment.
Patch test first. Apply a small amount to your inner arm and wait one day. A patch test cannot rule out every reaction.
Ease in for one week. Every other night, in a thin layer.
Start the full Resurfacing Crème cycle if your skin is comfortable. 14 nights on, then 3 recovery nights. Repeat as directed.
If your skin reacts, stop and follow the steps on What's Normal. Seek medical advice for burning, rash, swelling, or persistent irritation before restarting.
If You Use Prescription Tretinoin
If you use 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.
When Not To Use Retinoids
SPF Is Part Of The Rule
Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning and reapply as the label says. Refining Crème does not replace it.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I use Spot Treatment and Resurfacing Crème together?
No. Never on the same day. Pick one per treatment course, and keep the 3 recovery nights free of both.
Can I use Refining Crème and Resurfacing Crème on the same day?
Yes. Refining Crème in the morning, Resurfacing Crème at night.
Can I use Revitalizing Serum with my night treatment?
Yes. It is not a retinoid and can buffer Resurfacing Crème or Spot Treatment, whichever one you are using. Never use it to combine both.
Can I use Perfec-Tone retinoids with tretinoin?
Talk to your prescribing clinician before starting any Perfec-Tone product. 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.
Does Refining Crème replace sunscreen?
No. Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning.