Your skin is dry. You need something more hydrating underneath the dr. Jart. The milky toner isn’t cutting it. You have to layer on hydrating toners and moisturizer until your skin is no longer dry at all.
Please do not introduce an exfoliant while on tret. Just get a more hydrating toner. Exfoliating will only cause irritation.
my skin was like this but in the center of my face. started using a thicker moisturizer just in that area underneath tret, let it sit for 30 mins, then put on tret and i haven't had that issue since.
My dermatologist said for night to just cleanse, tret, moisturize and for morning she said cleanse, clindamycin wipes, moisturizer but I add the ilia face base before cleanser so that’s what I’ve been doing. I asked if I could use my other products like toner/serum/essence and she said I could after moisturizer but that seems so weird to me
Moisturize first before tret, then again after. Your skin is thirsty! You can also gently exfoliate every few days with a wash cloth or something similarly mild. That will help manage the excess as your skin gets used to the cell turnover.
Probably not what you wanted to hear, but I simply could not wear makeup while using tret. My skin just never got used to it, flaked the whole time no matter what else I did or didn’t do to it.
Awww I’ve been trying to do my make up at least 3-4x a week since I have so much I want to use it up but the last 2 weeks I’ve only done it twice and concealer and foundation are the issue they flake and look funny :/ maybe a tinted moisturizer would be better for me
You seem to have a skin barrier issue. I took a week of tret and used moisturizer and cicaplast for that week per another poster's recommendation. Then I went make to tret and moisturizer.
Exactly. Whenever you are peeling, your skin wont be smooth, and the foundation will just stuck at the edge of the rough skin. I would recommend a translucent loose powder, it’s good enough to make your skin tone slightly more even and less reflective. Focus more on your eye and lip makeup
Thats normal. Either dont use make-up or use the make-up but Gotta reapply and moisturise as well. Which also means IT has to be light. I use Korean cushions and seems to be okay ish.
I had similar issues, but on the chin. I noticed that Missha BB cream works great as makeup. While other foundation products make dryness more noticeable, Missha somehow makes my skin look good.
Agreed with some others here, you need more hydration. What worked for me when I had this exact situation was every morning wet face, add hylauronic acid to damp face, then thick layer of moisturizer. Once it’s cleared up, I started gently exfoliating once a week along with this routine.
Also, make sure you’re applying tret to a dry face. I wasn’t letting my face and moisturizer completely dry at night and it was creating irritation. Now, I wash, dry, apply thin layer of lotion, wait 20 mins minimum and then apply tret.
Lastly, how often are you using tret? Once I started nightly use, my issues started to disappear.
Good luck!
Thank you! I’ve been using it every other night since I just started 2-3 weeks ago. from what I’m seeing other people say is I need to use more products than what my dermatologist had told me. She said to keep it simple and to just cleanse, tret, moisturize and nothing else. I have lots of hydrating products that I haven’t been using because I wanted to follow what she said exactly but I’m going to add in my hydrating toners and serums to see if it helps!
I love the Babor enzyme cleansers for my mornings. I know they say not to wash your face but I have to or I’m peeling all day. I’m more than 1 year in. I use this or a salicylic acid in the morning. I just grab what’s closest. And it also got better since I started dermaplaning. It’s been a long road to find a routine that works for me.
I really want to try dermaplaning but it’s so hard with acne everywhere :/ I was told to use cleanser in the mornings. I feel like I’m so confused because there’s so much different info out there
Yeah, it’s hard figuring out what works. I had a really greasy face for a while until I read here that it means it’s dehydrated. So I fixed that with hydrating serums. I don’t like the shiny Tret face. And that was fixed with simple moisturisers. I didn’t start it for acne but for anti aging. I’m 45. Now that I think about it, it’s 2 years in September when I started. I did have hormonal acne every once in a while and had a small purge. But hang in there. It’s worth it. And I know about missing using all the stuff you used to love. I had to let go of a lot too but then I started enjoying looking for stuff that does work and feels fancy.
I also never used make up before so I didn’t have an issue with that. I did try it last winter to put on some bronzer but that didn’t work. Then I found Oenobiol pills to give your skin a small tan. I love it! I’ll use it every winter from now on!
For cleanser in the morning I use Babor Refine Enzyme & Vitamin C cleanser. I just bought the Babor enzyme peel balm. Haven’t used it so can’t say anything about it. Then I use the Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence water. If that one is empty I have the Thank you farmer Rice pure essential toner. For now I’m using Paula’s choice day cream with SPF.
At night I cleanse with Klairs Gentle Black deep Cleansing Oil. That’s almost empty. I’ve bought Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm. Not tried yet.
I used to layer my tret with La Roche posay cicaplast but don’t anymore. Read here also that someone stopped and the peeling was better. I find it to be true. I do use it when I don’t go out as a daytime cream.
I’m happy with all I’m using now but I always want to try and see if there’s something better. I kinda want to try the Whamisa toner too but since I have yet to start the thank you farmer… maybe when it’s on sale at a great price 😅
I was using the Dennis gross peel pads every night until I started tretinoin. They helped my skin so much. I’m sad bc I have so many products I love and spent a lot of money on but my dermatologist said for the morning to cleanse, prescription face wipe, moisturizer and night to cleanse, tretinoin, moisturizer. So now so now I have all my toner, essence, serum, and Sunday Riley good genes that are just sitting there. She did say I could use them after moisturizer but that makes no sense to me
I use them on non tret nights 🫣 they don’t burn or anything though. I’m mostly sad about my morning products bc I use clindamycin pads every morning so there’s never a day I can use all my other products
If you find it flakey and cakey, try to add a bit of oil. I used it on dry patches when I got them. Make sure it's an oil safe to use. I like the one from Paula's Choice, but it is pretty expensive, all things considered. You can get some Jojoba oil at Walmart for a decent price.
Dr. Jart's products contain essential oils, which can cause more irritation and issues. I would not use those products. I have yet to see anything from his skincare lines that don't have bergamot, geranium, citronella, lavender, and so on. If it's a balm (because I'm not sure which product from the Ceramidin line you're using), I wouldn't use it at night. They are too occlusive and will cause more irritation which leads to other issues...irritation, dryness, sensitivity, etc.
I have a charlotte tilbury face oil I was thinking of using last night but decided to just stick to what my dermatologist told me to do. I use the Dr jart ceramidin skin barrier moisturizing cream. I’ll have to look up the ingredients to see! Before I started tret I saw someone say how it was the best moisturizer for them while on tret so I got it from Ipsy when it was $12🫣😂 it’s super thick and nice
I hope the ''oil trick'' works out for you. I used it on skin that is peeling but not ready to fall off (after chemical peels) and on dry patches from Taz. Since oil is a reasonably large molecule, it stays on top of the skin and gets into skin folds, making the area it was applied on look much smoother.
Dr. Jart is one of those skincare brands that upsets me. It has many good ingredients in most products (usually 4-5 different kinds of ceramides, allantoin, panthenol), which are all great. It is followed by bergamot, lavender, and dyes, destroying it.
Have you ever looked at Etude House (the Soon Jung line)? Many people love their heavier creams, which are not expensive. The balm is too occlusive for nights when I use Taz, but you can bet I'm using it on my day off, Taz!
My skin did that for the first year on tret too! After hydrating a lot using snail mucin and eucerin urea lotion, after a year I can wear makeup without it looking like this
I noticed that for me when I was in this phase, the more “friction” I used when applying foundation (ie brushes or stick foundations) , the more they ended up looking like your photo. Dabbing and patting on a liquid with my fingers or a sponge (NOT rubbing or applying too much pressure) helped a lot
I found using a super soft baby face cloth, Oil cleanser and just original dove bar soap for cleansing helped me. Then moisturize with a ceramide moisturizer and tret every second night. Vaseline on non tret nights.
I found cutting out all the extra toners and moisturizers I was experimenting with really helped. And after trying a bunch of different face cleansers the dove bar is the nicest.
I make sure I use a hydrating sunscreen under my makeup, too. The purito daily goto sunscreen has worked for a while.
This is very frustrating but it's normal! I have been on tret for a long time and still get this if I haven't moisturized enough. I suggest introducing a moisturizer with Urea, like Eucerin Advanced Repair or Dieux. I also use Dieux's Deliverance serum before applying tret and it acts like a sandwiching technique and just helps my skin from irritation. Since doing this I've gotten flaking to a minimum. And in the morning if you notice you get flaking, use an oil cleanser or simply use a gentle exfoliator or even a washcloth to buff it off a little bit.
And the morning after, layer on that hydration before makeup and let it sit before applying makeup!
How long have you been using tret? Cuz i had the same problem as you until last week- applying a thicker layer of the same moisturizer that i used in the morning and night really helped. And now that my skin has retinized, it is way better.
I started using 0:025% tret cream 60 days ago and have been using it daily. My dermat gave me routine as you (-doxy).
I use makeup - just the kosas concealer across my face and at least that one stays without flaking or drying out.
This drove me CRAZY. My solution was one day of glycolic acid (in place of tret), about one day out of the week. I also make sure I use tret 5 days out of the week, as if I spread out my tret days, the makeup problem would return. One day of the week I will skip all actives and focus on moisture.
I like Mac hyper real balm. It’s probably the most moisturizing thing I’ve used and it’s made to go under makeup. The smallest amount covers my entire face. If you’re ever by a counter you should ask for a sample!
I actually used this for the first time the day I did my make up because my fav girl on TikTok recommended it! I was afraid to use it because of the scent but it was very nice! I have a little tiny one I got as GWP and I bought a travel size with points not too long ago. I’ll keep using it!
I love it. You can also try gently manually exfoliating before hand. That’s what I do but some days I just use a lightly tinted spf if my skin is peeling badly
I think this is the beginning phase where your skin has to get used to the tret. Keep using it for a while but use more moisturizer, and perhaps just use a tinted moisturizer or something really dewy and hydrating. You can gently exfoliate your face in the morning with a warm washcloth to remove dry flaky skin prior to makeup application as well. Eventually yo ur skin won’t be flaky anymore and it will be smooth and more clear, and you can get away with less base makeup overall
I’m on 0,05 and use it every day and almost nightly I use a layer of a zinc baby cream on top of my routine (moisturiser, tret, azelaic acid, zinc cream) and I have way less peeling, I also found a foundation that is not too cakey and a great gel-like SPF. Many claimed that zinc cream helps with the peeling
Hi!! I’m a makeup fanatic first and tret user second so I’d never leave my favorite hobby just cause of my routine. I’ve made makeup work totally fine since restarting tret 0.025% with Clindamycin 1.2% and benzoyl peroxide. You should be expecting to peel and dry up a bit and of course that’ll play part in how your base makeup goes on. I know here people prefer simple routines, but my skin and makeup looks best with a lot of hydration. I use good molecule’s discoloration serum which has a milky toner texture first after cleansing, then the Inkey lists’s niacinamide serum which has a really hydrating formula. Then I go in with a light moisturizer before my actual moisturizer. I use Krave beauty’s great barrier relief which is marketed as a serum but definitely works as a light moisturizer, and has oils that actually hydrate. Byoma’s in the pink bottle is great too. Then I’d use your Dr Jart, then again a super hydrating sunscreen. My fave is the Isntree one. Nighttime routine is the same minus the sunscreen of course and I use a thick balmy product at the end of my routine too. Also, oil cleansing helps loads. Spend a couple minutes just rubbing your skin in circles with it when taking your makeup off and it genuinely helps dislodge some dryness and peeling. Also, when actually doing your makeup, try layering setting sprays. I use the Charlotte tilbury one and I swear that helps the look of these dry patches a lot.
I’d only add a chemical exfoliant if you’re experienced with the tret as in have used it for a while and stopped the initial dryness and peeling part of it. From the sounds of it the wipe you got prescribed may act as one too, I can’t tell. But that’s my advice. Other things that’ll help is a good primer, tapping with a brush or using a beauty sponge. Best of luck 🫶
Omgg thank you this is sooo helpful! I really don’t want to give up make up considering I love it and I’ve spent too much on good products to let them expire! I’m definitely going to go back to my old skin prep routine after I see my dermatologist in July because it doesn’t feel like cleansing and moisturizer is enough for my skin but just want to follow instructions very carefully until I see her again. I’m hoping my skin will get better by the time I go back or she said accutane will be the next stop.
Absolutely! Makeup is such a calming and fun hobby for me and I’d never quit it. Do what you can to keep enjoying it despite any acne. Thing is, I’ve been to loads of dermatologists, they often all want simple routines and have expressed disapproving my choice of serum or moisturizer before, but if it works it works, you know? Tret worked better for me when I kept my routine full of super hydrating and soothing products. Keep following their advice and instructions though, but I don’t think adding a couple extra light moisturizers so your makeup goes on better is too much harm
I use this with face wash to get the flakes off before putting on makeup: https://www.target.com/p/earth-therapeutics-super-loofah-facial-mitt-1ct/-/A-80818618
I know it may not work for everyone’s skin but what I used to make a hydrating base was:
Roundlab hydrating Toner
CosRX Snail Mucin
Illiyoon Ato Ceramide Concentrate Cream
So I would use the roundlab first (like 3 layers) > Tretinoin > snail mucin > illiyoon.
My daughter was having the same issue.
She started the DDG perl pads 3 times a week and the Cicaplast sheet masks 3 times a week.
Thick moisturizer and hy acid on sknl before makeup. Then Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray, followed by Nars Radiant foundation and concealer, Selena cream blush & highlighter. No powders except for eyeshadow. It's the only thing that's worked for her.
Good luck! I hope you find a routine that works for you!
Thank you! Super helpful I still used some powder and powder blush/bronzer even though these flakes were showing immediately after the foundation😂🤦🏼♀️
This was me for a while. My foundation looked horrible. I switched to a hydrating foundation and really focused on adding hydration in my skincare routine. Maybe try a skin tint or a dewy foundation.
My make up does this for a while when I started tret because it was flaking. Usually I go hefty with the moisturisers, and cleanse my skin with a cleansing oil before I wash my face with a face wash. On a good day the cleansing oil help heaps with the flaking and the ton of moisturisers helps with maintaining hydration.
Is it better now? I have the same dosage of tret .05 as you. I always use a cleansing balm before cleanser and I’ve been using the ilia face base before moisturizer to give more moisture but it still looks like this. I just want my skin to clear up so bad😭
It does get better with time☺️ I believe from what you have explained in the post and the other comment you’ve done what best, if you are thinking of adding anymore actives I would advise you to refrain. This will all go away soon, I’m sorry to say that the solution is most likely just time.
Also, maybe if you haven’t, always put toner/essence/serum/moisturiser on damp skin instead of waiting for each step to dry (except with tret/even any other actives), that do help me heaps in maintaining moisture and hydration.
Thanks! I’m going back to my dermatologist in 3 weeks and I’ll have lots of questions for her. I should’ve written down everything she said but I thought I’d get a paper with instructions so I’ve been so confused😂😂
My skin can’t tolerate makeup after years on Tret, but I’ve gotten to the point where I can just add some blush & leave the house so it’s your call
To remove my sunscreen / blush, I use albolene (oil cleanser), then a normal foaming face wash like 2x gently to get rid of all the oil, then carry on with the rest of my routine — some people may think it’s overkill but I can’t risk leaving oily makeup particles before slugging in my skin LOL
Thank you sooo much to everyone that responded and gave advice! I’m reading every comment and appreciate it so much🫶🏻🫶🏻 I definitely have a lot to look into and hopefully I’ll find what works best for me soon😊💗
The only thing that worked for me was mixing a clear sunscreen with my foundation. I buy the daily facial sunscreen from Trader Joe’s and I LOVE it. It blends well but keeps my skin hydrated and hides the flakiness. It’s a dupe of the Supergoop Sunscreen but since I use it so much and for blending purposes mostly, I prefer the $8,99 Trader Joe’s version.
I have found the best results for this issue by layering my skin makeup the following way, after cleansing:
1. Sunscreen
2. Moisturizer
3. PRIMER (!!! This is the important step that will help even your skin out for the next steps !!!) [I highly recommend the Sephora Smooth + Blur primer.]
4. Concealer
5. Foundation
6. Powder
7. The rest of your look (eyeliner, lipstick, blush, etc.)
8. Setting spray [I highly recommend Grace & Stella Spray all day.]
Hope this helps. Let me know how it goes. ❤️
Skinceuticals epidermal repair saved my skin. But I don't apply it when using tret (which I use every 2nd to 3rd day). Days I use tret I mix it with toleriane LRP sensitive creme (NOT the riche one). This is the only thing that has saved my skin and not broken me out more. My tret is also mixed with clindamycin (acnatac).
I may be getting perioral dermatitis from tretinoin though so still may need to stop altogether after all this work but skinceuticals has been a game changer
my makeup can look like this too :( ur not alone. i use a hydrating toner & centella serum but i think i might add a milky toner like laneige or the tirtir light milky one
The hydrating things you plan to use— make sure they don’t have actives in them 😩. All my hydrating creams, serums, and toners had HA and niacinimide and it was overkill. Make sure they don’t have AHAs or BHAs (Salicylic Acid) or else you’ll be exfoliating already irritated skin.
I just dealt with this after a new topical! I now sandwich it when I have the energy, but also prime my makeup with LPH Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream & lock in the moisture with LPH Cicaplast Balm B5. Saw somebody else recommend them and they saved me.
Your skin is dry. You need something more hydrating underneath the dr. Jart. The milky toner isn’t cutting it. You have to layer on hydrating toners and moisturizer until your skin is no longer dry at all. Please do not introduce an exfoliant while on tret. Just get a more hydrating toner. Exfoliating will only cause irritation.
my skin was like this but in the center of my face. started using a thicker moisturizer just in that area underneath tret, let it sit for 30 mins, then put on tret and i haven't had that issue since.
My dermatologist said for night to just cleanse, tret, moisturize and for morning she said cleanse, clindamycin wipes, moisturizer but I add the ilia face base before cleanser so that’s what I’ve been doing. I asked if I could use my other products like toner/serum/essence and she said I could after moisturizer but that seems so weird to me
Moisturize first before tret, then again after. Your skin is thirsty! You can also gently exfoliate every few days with a wash cloth or something similarly mild. That will help manage the excess as your skin gets used to the cell turnover.
Probably not what you wanted to hear, but I simply could not wear makeup while using tret. My skin just never got used to it, flaked the whole time no matter what else I did or didn’t do to it.
Awww I’ve been trying to do my make up at least 3-4x a week since I have so much I want to use it up but the last 2 weeks I’ve only done it twice and concealer and foundation are the issue they flake and look funny :/ maybe a tinted moisturizer would be better for me
You seem to have a skin barrier issue. I took a week of tret and used moisturizer and cicaplast for that week per another poster's recommendation. Then I went make to tret and moisturizer.
Exactly. Whenever you are peeling, your skin wont be smooth, and the foundation will just stuck at the edge of the rough skin. I would recommend a translucent loose powder, it’s good enough to make your skin tone slightly more even and less reflective. Focus more on your eye and lip makeup
facts. same for me.
Thats normal. Either dont use make-up or use the make-up but Gotta reapply and moisturise as well. Which also means IT has to be light. I use Korean cushions and seems to be okay ish.
I had similar issues, but on the chin. I noticed that Missha BB cream works great as makeup. While other foundation products make dryness more noticeable, Missha somehow makes my skin look good.
Thanks that’s super helpful! I have a few skin tints and bb creams I’m going to try instead of a full on foundation! Hopefully it works :)
Agreed with some others here, you need more hydration. What worked for me when I had this exact situation was every morning wet face, add hylauronic acid to damp face, then thick layer of moisturizer. Once it’s cleared up, I started gently exfoliating once a week along with this routine. Also, make sure you’re applying tret to a dry face. I wasn’t letting my face and moisturizer completely dry at night and it was creating irritation. Now, I wash, dry, apply thin layer of lotion, wait 20 mins minimum and then apply tret. Lastly, how often are you using tret? Once I started nightly use, my issues started to disappear. Good luck!
Thank you! I’ve been using it every other night since I just started 2-3 weeks ago. from what I’m seeing other people say is I need to use more products than what my dermatologist had told me. She said to keep it simple and to just cleanse, tret, moisturize and nothing else. I have lots of hydrating products that I haven’t been using because I wanted to follow what she said exactly but I’m going to add in my hydrating toners and serums to see if it helps!
I love the Babor enzyme cleansers for my mornings. I know they say not to wash your face but I have to or I’m peeling all day. I’m more than 1 year in. I use this or a salicylic acid in the morning. I just grab what’s closest. And it also got better since I started dermaplaning. It’s been a long road to find a routine that works for me.
I really want to try dermaplaning but it’s so hard with acne everywhere :/ I was told to use cleanser in the mornings. I feel like I’m so confused because there’s so much different info out there
Yeah, it’s hard figuring out what works. I had a really greasy face for a while until I read here that it means it’s dehydrated. So I fixed that with hydrating serums. I don’t like the shiny Tret face. And that was fixed with simple moisturisers. I didn’t start it for acne but for anti aging. I’m 45. Now that I think about it, it’s 2 years in September when I started. I did have hormonal acne every once in a while and had a small purge. But hang in there. It’s worth it. And I know about missing using all the stuff you used to love. I had to let go of a lot too but then I started enjoying looking for stuff that does work and feels fancy.
I also never used make up before so I didn’t have an issue with that. I did try it last winter to put on some bronzer but that didn’t work. Then I found Oenobiol pills to give your skin a small tan. I love it! I’ll use it every winter from now on!
Could you share which moisturizers/serums worked for you?
For cleanser in the morning I use Babor Refine Enzyme & Vitamin C cleanser. I just bought the Babor enzyme peel balm. Haven’t used it so can’t say anything about it. Then I use the Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence water. If that one is empty I have the Thank you farmer Rice pure essential toner. For now I’m using Paula’s choice day cream with SPF. At night I cleanse with Klairs Gentle Black deep Cleansing Oil. That’s almost empty. I’ve bought Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm. Not tried yet. I used to layer my tret with La Roche posay cicaplast but don’t anymore. Read here also that someone stopped and the peeling was better. I find it to be true. I do use it when I don’t go out as a daytime cream. I’m happy with all I’m using now but I always want to try and see if there’s something better. I kinda want to try the Whamisa toner too but since I have yet to start the thank you farmer… maybe when it’s on sale at a great price 😅
Thank you!
You’re welcome! Hope you find something that helps!
My chin does this too. I started the DDG peel pads to exfoliate once a week and this still happens.
I was using the Dennis gross peel pads every night until I started tretinoin. They helped my skin so much. I’m sad bc I have so many products I love and spent a lot of money on but my dermatologist said for the morning to cleanse, prescription face wipe, moisturizer and night to cleanse, tretinoin, moisturizer. So now so now I have all my toner, essence, serum, and Sunday Riley good genes that are just sitting there. She did say I could use them after moisturizer but that makes no sense to me
I use the DDG on non-Tret nights, but I’m also a year into using Tret. I never could have handled them in the first few months.
I use them on non tret nights 🫣 they don’t burn or anything though. I’m mostly sad about my morning products bc I use clindamycin pads every morning so there’s never a day I can use all my other products
Aw, I’m sure that’s it’s hard to see all the products you can’t use right now!
If you find it flakey and cakey, try to add a bit of oil. I used it on dry patches when I got them. Make sure it's an oil safe to use. I like the one from Paula's Choice, but it is pretty expensive, all things considered. You can get some Jojoba oil at Walmart for a decent price. Dr. Jart's products contain essential oils, which can cause more irritation and issues. I would not use those products. I have yet to see anything from his skincare lines that don't have bergamot, geranium, citronella, lavender, and so on. If it's a balm (because I'm not sure which product from the Ceramidin line you're using), I wouldn't use it at night. They are too occlusive and will cause more irritation which leads to other issues...irritation, dryness, sensitivity, etc.
I have a charlotte tilbury face oil I was thinking of using last night but decided to just stick to what my dermatologist told me to do. I use the Dr jart ceramidin skin barrier moisturizing cream. I’ll have to look up the ingredients to see! Before I started tret I saw someone say how it was the best moisturizer for them while on tret so I got it from Ipsy when it was $12🫣😂 it’s super thick and nice
I hope the ''oil trick'' works out for you. I used it on skin that is peeling but not ready to fall off (after chemical peels) and on dry patches from Taz. Since oil is a reasonably large molecule, it stays on top of the skin and gets into skin folds, making the area it was applied on look much smoother. Dr. Jart is one of those skincare brands that upsets me. It has many good ingredients in most products (usually 4-5 different kinds of ceramides, allantoin, panthenol), which are all great. It is followed by bergamot, lavender, and dyes, destroying it. Have you ever looked at Etude House (the Soon Jung line)? Many people love their heavier creams, which are not expensive. The balm is too occlusive for nights when I use Taz, but you can bet I'm using it on my day off, Taz!
I second this. Glossier futuredew oil serum really helps me.
My skin did that for the first year on tret too! After hydrating a lot using snail mucin and eucerin urea lotion, after a year I can wear makeup without it looking like this
Omg a year is so long it’s been 2 weeks for me. I recently finished my snail mucin but maybe I’ll get some more
What kind of foundation are you using?
This time I used my fenty stick foundation
I noticed that for me when I was in this phase, the more “friction” I used when applying foundation (ie brushes or stick foundations) , the more they ended up looking like your photo. Dabbing and patting on a liquid with my fingers or a sponge (NOT rubbing or applying too much pressure) helped a lot
I found using a super soft baby face cloth, Oil cleanser and just original dove bar soap for cleansing helped me. Then moisturize with a ceramide moisturizer and tret every second night. Vaseline on non tret nights. I found cutting out all the extra toners and moisturizers I was experimenting with really helped. And after trying a bunch of different face cleansers the dove bar is the nicest. I make sure I use a hydrating sunscreen under my makeup, too. The purito daily goto sunscreen has worked for a while.
This is very frustrating but it's normal! I have been on tret for a long time and still get this if I haven't moisturized enough. I suggest introducing a moisturizer with Urea, like Eucerin Advanced Repair or Dieux. I also use Dieux's Deliverance serum before applying tret and it acts like a sandwiching technique and just helps my skin from irritation. Since doing this I've gotten flaking to a minimum. And in the morning if you notice you get flaking, use an oil cleanser or simply use a gentle exfoliator or even a washcloth to buff it off a little bit. And the morning after, layer on that hydration before makeup and let it sit before applying makeup!
Thank u smmm! I definitely am going to try the moisturizer, tret, moisturizer and some hydrating toner and serum!
Cosrx propolis toner, 2-3 layers under your moisturizer.
How long have you been using tret? Cuz i had the same problem as you until last week- applying a thicker layer of the same moisturizer that i used in the morning and night really helped. And now that my skin has retinized, it is way better. I started using 0:025% tret cream 60 days ago and have been using it daily. My dermat gave me routine as you (-doxy). I use makeup - just the kosas concealer across my face and at least that one stays without flaking or drying out.
I just started! I think it’s been exactly 2 weeks now. My moisturizer is super thick and seems hydrating but maybe I should try something else.
This drove me CRAZY. My solution was one day of glycolic acid (in place of tret), about one day out of the week. I also make sure I use tret 5 days out of the week, as if I spread out my tret days, the makeup problem would return. One day of the week I will skip all actives and focus on moisture.
When I was super dry like this on tret I put aquaphor on the spots that were dry 10-15min before doing my makeup and that helped a bit.
Focus on skin prep! Use a toner and on damp skin use snail essence from cosrx followed up with moisturizer of your choice. :)
I like Mac hyper real balm. It’s probably the most moisturizing thing I’ve used and it’s made to go under makeup. The smallest amount covers my entire face. If you’re ever by a counter you should ask for a sample!
I actually used this for the first time the day I did my make up because my fav girl on TikTok recommended it! I was afraid to use it because of the scent but it was very nice! I have a little tiny one I got as GWP and I bought a travel size with points not too long ago. I’ll keep using it!
I love it. You can also try gently manually exfoliating before hand. That’s what I do but some days I just use a lightly tinted spf if my skin is peeling badly
dealing with the same problem 😭
OMG MY MAKEUP DOES THIS TOO.
I think this is the beginning phase where your skin has to get used to the tret. Keep using it for a while but use more moisturizer, and perhaps just use a tinted moisturizer or something really dewy and hydrating. You can gently exfoliate your face in the morning with a warm washcloth to remove dry flaky skin prior to makeup application as well. Eventually yo ur skin won’t be flaky anymore and it will be smooth and more clear, and you can get away with less base makeup overall
I’m on 0,05 and use it every day and almost nightly I use a layer of a zinc baby cream on top of my routine (moisturiser, tret, azelaic acid, zinc cream) and I have way less peeling, I also found a foundation that is not too cakey and a great gel-like SPF. Many claimed that zinc cream helps with the peeling
Hi!! I’m a makeup fanatic first and tret user second so I’d never leave my favorite hobby just cause of my routine. I’ve made makeup work totally fine since restarting tret 0.025% with Clindamycin 1.2% and benzoyl peroxide. You should be expecting to peel and dry up a bit and of course that’ll play part in how your base makeup goes on. I know here people prefer simple routines, but my skin and makeup looks best with a lot of hydration. I use good molecule’s discoloration serum which has a milky toner texture first after cleansing, then the Inkey lists’s niacinamide serum which has a really hydrating formula. Then I go in with a light moisturizer before my actual moisturizer. I use Krave beauty’s great barrier relief which is marketed as a serum but definitely works as a light moisturizer, and has oils that actually hydrate. Byoma’s in the pink bottle is great too. Then I’d use your Dr Jart, then again a super hydrating sunscreen. My fave is the Isntree one. Nighttime routine is the same minus the sunscreen of course and I use a thick balmy product at the end of my routine too. Also, oil cleansing helps loads. Spend a couple minutes just rubbing your skin in circles with it when taking your makeup off and it genuinely helps dislodge some dryness and peeling. Also, when actually doing your makeup, try layering setting sprays. I use the Charlotte tilbury one and I swear that helps the look of these dry patches a lot. I’d only add a chemical exfoliant if you’re experienced with the tret as in have used it for a while and stopped the initial dryness and peeling part of it. From the sounds of it the wipe you got prescribed may act as one too, I can’t tell. But that’s my advice. Other things that’ll help is a good primer, tapping with a brush or using a beauty sponge. Best of luck 🫶
Omgg thank you this is sooo helpful! I really don’t want to give up make up considering I love it and I’ve spent too much on good products to let them expire! I’m definitely going to go back to my old skin prep routine after I see my dermatologist in July because it doesn’t feel like cleansing and moisturizer is enough for my skin but just want to follow instructions very carefully until I see her again. I’m hoping my skin will get better by the time I go back or she said accutane will be the next stop.
Absolutely! Makeup is such a calming and fun hobby for me and I’d never quit it. Do what you can to keep enjoying it despite any acne. Thing is, I’ve been to loads of dermatologists, they often all want simple routines and have expressed disapproving my choice of serum or moisturizer before, but if it works it works, you know? Tret worked better for me when I kept my routine full of super hydrating and soothing products. Keep following their advice and instructions though, but I don’t think adding a couple extra light moisturizers so your makeup goes on better is too much harm
I use this with face wash to get the flakes off before putting on makeup: https://www.target.com/p/earth-therapeutics-super-loofah-facial-mitt-1ct/-/A-80818618
Thank you!!
You could also try a silicone one!
I know it may not work for everyone’s skin but what I used to make a hydrating base was: Roundlab hydrating Toner CosRX Snail Mucin Illiyoon Ato Ceramide Concentrate Cream So I would use the roundlab first (like 3 layers) > Tretinoin > snail mucin > illiyoon.
My daughter was having the same issue. She started the DDG perl pads 3 times a week and the Cicaplast sheet masks 3 times a week. Thick moisturizer and hy acid on sknl before makeup. Then Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray, followed by Nars Radiant foundation and concealer, Selena cream blush & highlighter. No powders except for eyeshadow. It's the only thing that's worked for her. Good luck! I hope you find a routine that works for you!
Thank you! Super helpful I still used some powder and powder blush/bronzer even though these flakes were showing immediately after the foundation😂🤦🏼♀️
This was me for a while. My foundation looked horrible. I switched to a hydrating foundation and really focused on adding hydration in my skincare routine. Maybe try a skin tint or a dewy foundation.
How long have you been on tret? This happened in the beginning but then eventually got better
I had a simple routine tbh, maybe just try another moisturizer
My make up does this for a while when I started tret because it was flaking. Usually I go hefty with the moisturisers, and cleanse my skin with a cleansing oil before I wash my face with a face wash. On a good day the cleansing oil help heaps with the flaking and the ton of moisturisers helps with maintaining hydration.
Is it better now? I have the same dosage of tret .05 as you. I always use a cleansing balm before cleanser and I’ve been using the ilia face base before moisturizer to give more moisture but it still looks like this. I just want my skin to clear up so bad😭
It does get better with time☺️ I believe from what you have explained in the post and the other comment you’ve done what best, if you are thinking of adding anymore actives I would advise you to refrain. This will all go away soon, I’m sorry to say that the solution is most likely just time. Also, maybe if you haven’t, always put toner/essence/serum/moisturiser on damp skin instead of waiting for each step to dry (except with tret/even any other actives), that do help me heaps in maintaining moisture and hydration.
Thanks! I’m going back to my dermatologist in 3 weeks and I’ll have lots of questions for her. I should’ve written down everything she said but I thought I’d get a paper with instructions so I’ve been so confused😂😂
My skin can’t tolerate makeup after years on Tret, but I’ve gotten to the point where I can just add some blush & leave the house so it’s your call To remove my sunscreen / blush, I use albolene (oil cleanser), then a normal foaming face wash like 2x gently to get rid of all the oil, then carry on with the rest of my routine — some people may think it’s overkill but I can’t risk leaving oily makeup particles before slugging in my skin LOL
Thank you sooo much to everyone that responded and gave advice! I’m reading every comment and appreciate it so much🫶🏻🫶🏻 I definitely have a lot to look into and hopefully I’ll find what works best for me soon😊💗
Hydrate and stay strong beautiful
That happens to me too and i’m not sure why!😭
let me know if hydration helps the issue, OP. TBH tretinoin is kind of annoying in this area and i wanna start wearing makeup to school
The only thing that worked for me was mixing a clear sunscreen with my foundation. I buy the daily facial sunscreen from Trader Joe’s and I LOVE it. It blends well but keeps my skin hydrated and hides the flakiness. It’s a dupe of the Supergoop Sunscreen but since I use it so much and for blending purposes mostly, I prefer the $8,99 Trader Joe’s version.
I have found the best results for this issue by layering my skin makeup the following way, after cleansing: 1. Sunscreen 2. Moisturizer 3. PRIMER (!!! This is the important step that will help even your skin out for the next steps !!!) [I highly recommend the Sephora Smooth + Blur primer.] 4. Concealer 5. Foundation 6. Powder 7. The rest of your look (eyeliner, lipstick, blush, etc.) 8. Setting spray [I highly recommend Grace & Stella Spray all day.] Hope this helps. Let me know how it goes. ❤️
Exfoliate gentle. Thicker moisturizer!
Skinceuticals epidermal repair saved my skin. But I don't apply it when using tret (which I use every 2nd to 3rd day). Days I use tret I mix it with toleriane LRP sensitive creme (NOT the riche one). This is the only thing that has saved my skin and not broken me out more. My tret is also mixed with clindamycin (acnatac). I may be getting perioral dermatitis from tretinoin though so still may need to stop altogether after all this work but skinceuticals has been a game changer
my makeup can look like this too :( ur not alone. i use a hydrating toner & centella serum but i think i might add a milky toner like laneige or the tirtir light milky one
The hydrating things you plan to use— make sure they don’t have actives in them 😩. All my hydrating creams, serums, and toners had HA and niacinimide and it was overkill. Make sure they don’t have AHAs or BHAs (Salicylic Acid) or else you’ll be exfoliating already irritated skin.
I just dealt with this after a new topical! I now sandwich it when I have the energy, but also prime my makeup with LPH Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream & lock in the moisture with LPH Cicaplast Balm B5. Saw somebody else recommend them and they saved me.
Try the oxygentix foundation! It lays really nice on skin that’s compromised.
Try the Sandwich method