@Dr Dray Can you do a review of the Minocycline topical foam? Hear the medication doesn't have an antibiotic resistance issue like the clindamycin gel has.
I use the gel version and it does for sure pill a lot! The gel dries too quickly to really rub it in, you have to kind of spread it on lightly onto your skin. I watched this other video on retinol and learned about the “sandwich” method which I now use for my retinol and it’s been working for me. I first put on a thin layer of moisturizer FIRST and then spread on the retinol. This prevents the retinol gel from drying too quickly and pilling. Then I wait a few minutes and then put on another layer of moisturizer. I find that a gel cream type of moisturizer (I use Neutrogena Hydro Boost) also is key. The consistency is thin enough that you can spread it (not rub it) on your face after the retinol gel that it doesn’t disturb the retinol layer. You do have to use quite a bit of gel cream to spread it w/o having to rub your skin. But it’s been working for me to reduce the irritation. I use it 5 nights of the week.
@thejjchan, i used gel twice and both times when I put only pea size all over my face (dots), when I came back to spread it, it felt like it had been evaporated. Do you put tretnion immediately after putting your gel moisturizer or do you wait? Do you put moisturizer right after washing your face when it's still damp? last time I think I put more than two pea sizes because of evaporation situation and now I have flakes.
@denisemaples6519 where did you order the gel from or did you request it from your derm? Thank you. I get the cream from Nurx online but they only carry the cream version.
Positive Gel Comment: i just wanted to add my experience cause the gel gets a lot of hate, and some people might be scared of it. I will describe my skin type, skin concerns, and routines. If you sound similar to me, you might have success with tret gel 😊 I have normal/dry/combo (sometimes a little shiny/oily in the “T Zone”) skin haha. I think it must depend on the season and my hormonal cycle? I know I certainly haven’t ever had an oily skin type. I do not have sensitive skin. Under my eyes can get sensitive if I use makeup wipes too aggressively or put actives there too many days in a row. I also have a very simple routine with pretty much no other active ingredients (I’ve recently added niacinamide), and my routine had been very simple (borderline nonexistent) my whole life. Like… sleeping in makeup and washing my face with shampoo kind of thing lol. I do slather on the SPF every day, at least. From 2020-2022 I would get a lil frisky and use the Drunk Elephant AHA/BHA peel in the cute pink bottle once a month. All this to say, I wasn’t starting with a damaged skin barrier or skin that was overwhelmed with active ingredients from a really intense skincare routine. I feel like sometimes people start tret with skin that’s just begging for a break from all the skincare products they’re using, and it sets them up for a bad time. I’m prescribed tretonion gel .025%, and I haven’t had any issues with it, at all. I’ve been using it for about 3 months. I use it on my face, neck, chest, and hands. I use it every day Monday-Friday, and skip the weekend (I can’t be bothered on the weekend, to be honest). I started by using it every other day for the first 2 weeks, and then moved to every day. I never had any bad reactions, so I wasn’t worried when I moved up to every day. I have a very, very hydrating skincare routine that works great for me. I have never struggled with acne, so I don’t worry about my moisturizing routine causing breakouts. The issues I had: the gel definitely does pill under moisturizer. Also, since I sleep on my side and my stomach and cuddling with my husband, Im always smooshing my face into fabric while I sleep and spreading tret onto other areas of my skin (I don’t think this is specific to the gel). This accidental spreading caused a horrible and miserable reaction on my lips, and I believe was also getting into my eyes. Yes I was doing the barriers with Vaseline, yes I was applying tret so far from these areas that I was really only able to apply it to my upper forehead and a small portion of my cheeks lol. How I fixed it: I have a very flexible schedule that allows me to be a hermit and stay home all day. So I apply my tret first thing in the morning/when I wake up, I use a hydrating SPF as a moisturizer, and I stay inside my house until I wash it off later (usually around 3 to 8 hours). I think this lines up with what Dr Dray said about the fact that your products can’t work unless you’re able to actually use them. So I found a way to be able to use tret, because the conventional method was never going to work for me. I started tret for hyperpigmentation and for the longterm benefits. My skin looks fantastic 🥰 No, the gel does not feel and smell good or luxurious. It is not a cream, so you have to apply it small dots and small sections of your face, or else it will evaporate before you can spread it out. I think this inadvertently forces me to be more diligent and apply it evenly everywhere. I don’t mind that it isn’t a luxurious experience. In my mind, it’s a prescription medicine that I’m applying. I never expected it to have the same feeling as applying my store bought skincare products. As long as it absorbs and does what it needs to do, I’m happy 😊 I hope this helps someone who is considering the gel!
@BabyBear046 I am have the same issue with gel tretnion. I breakout with cream so I requested for gel. I only used it twice and on my second time I put dot in one area, started spreading it, it felt like it wasn't spreading in fact evaporated so applied more. I think I put more than two pea size all over my face which is causing lots of flaking. While I was spreading it, tretnion started to pill as well. should I put on freshly washed damp moisturized skin???? How do I make it work?
I've read that you're not supposed to do that, you're actually supposed to let your skin dry for a minute before applying because it can be too irritating on damp skin. I think maybe because it would absorb fast. @@SG-wq4rm
Tretinoin actual get into your skin within 20 minutes. So spreading Tretinoin overnight is not possible. Also Tretinoin in the morning is a really bad idea.
As always, I learn so much. I’m in my mid-forties and have used Tretinoin.01 for about 12-15 years on my face. I apply it M-Sat. And take Sunday night off. I had to slowly graduate my way up to that percentage, over time but can attest to the fact that if you use it, stick with it and stay in he course, it will pay huge dividends, down the road. My face is almost line-free, my pores are tighter and the texture and coloration of my skin is so good. It dramatically has diminished the few sun spots I have on my hands to almost not visible. Now, I am using it on my arms, chest, backside and legs, every Monday night and Witt time will work up to twice weekly as my body skin will have to slowly adapt to .01% as it’s the highest strength. It’s never too late to start using it.
I love the GEL vs. the CREAM. I have Dry Skin but I found that when I used the cream I was getting breakouts. I like using the Gel then a hydrating moisturizer in tandem.
Thank you for mentioning about getting the breakouts with the cream. I was using retinol cream and had break outs. My esthetician said the cream contains acne break out ingredients and recommended I switch to the gel. I’m going to look into making the switch to gel.
Do you apply moisturizer after? I find it just rubs the gel off in these weird stringy strands, whether I wait 1 minute or 1 hr. I would love any feedback on how you're using it and if you get this issue, or how you avoid it?
I have super oily skin (like a tub of Vaseline on my face) so the trenta gel is the best option for me. I really need something to dry my skin out on my treatment days. Except I cannot actually achieve dry skin, so my skin goes back to “normal.” And that gives my skin a chance to actually use sunscreen without it being heavy on my skin or properly hydrating my skin to get rid of Kp on my nose bridge + ❤
The cream broke me out (Everything that has Isopropyl myristate/palmitate breaks me out horribly) the gel is much more suitable for my skin. It can sting on application but after it settles it's actually less irritating.
@@Kittymomish Because it functions as a penetration enhancer in the cream formulation, allowing the tretinoin to get to where it needs to be. It's not problematic for all people with acne - I use the .1% cream just fine. :)
I have oily skin and I couldn't tolerate the gel form. It caused me severe dryness, itching, and redness i gave up and thought it just wasn't for me. Then I got the cream, same 0.05% and it worked great I only got slight peeling and redness the first few weeks.
I started using Differing gel a few weeks ago and haven't had any issues with application and no irritation either. I like that it absorbs quickly too. Happy Monday, Dr Dray! I hope you have a relaxing evening. 💕
I went to Thailand and purchased tretinoin cream as that’s what’s available there. I heard the gel was better. I have giant pores, extremely oily skin, persistent acne and comedones and wow did it clear up my skin within a week. I actually don’t find the cream too drying or irritating. I’m glad I was able to try the cream version.
I am a chronic (severe) nerve pain patient. My pain medicine is a "topical", a pain patch. I am so thankful they finally put me on "heavier" medication. I am on buprenorfine patches and take gabapentin. They first gave me gabapentin, and "filled out the rest of the void" with a pain patch. I do still take the heaviest dosage of the patch. I am in a lot of pain without all of this as I have CRPS (final stage). Also thankful I am in the EU, and not in the US as they don't think of opioids in a "fond" way, it seems. I don't either, really, to be honest, and am against medication in general, but I also know when to call it quits with my reservations and say "thank you" for the help. Been on the same dosage for both since 2004, when they gave me this pain plan. Loved the video. I do know the difference between a cream & a gel, to talk of this topic, as I have a cortico-steroid cream & gel of the same product. Sometimes I use one or the other, depending on how I want it to sink in, what surface it is, etc. ... It's largely ease of use or preference.
I tried different tretinoin products over the years. Ugh...I eventually gave up. But then I decided to try the stuff one more time. My PC prescribed Obagi .05 (Cream). It took me nearly a year to use it on a nightly basis. I applied it over my moisturizer (after having watched your videos). What a game changer. It has transformed my facial skin over the past 3 years. In winter, I use it 2-3 times weekly. In summer, I can usually apply it every night. I love what it does for my north-of-65 skin. Thanks, doc!
Thanks Dr. Dray. I used the cream in my teens as an acne treatment and it worked well. As adult in my 40s and 50s I’ve been using Differin gel, but I have missed the good ol’ Tretinoin cream for its moisturizing vehicle and maybe its benefit for treating fine lines and wrinkles. I’m planning to ask my dermatologist about switching over again. These videos are really helpful in knowing what questions to ask my own dermatologist.
Unfortunately differin gives me terrible acne while tretinoin is the only thing that cures my acne, never had a problem with tretinoin. I was sad in US my derm told me tretinoin was only covered up to 27 years old. Unfair.
@@youareinbarbados2578My insurance fully covers it and I'm 40 and in the US, so maybe it has to do with the individual insurance. Weirdly, my insurance doesn't cover clindamycin at all, which seems really strange.
@@youareinbarbados2578Now you say that, I think that's been the case with me too. I used to think it's purging but the pimple, like painful cystic pimple just keep on coming.
Thanks for this awesome info! I started on tretinoin gel initially, and I knew right away it wasn’t for me. So drying, and it reeks of strong alcohol. I had no problems asking my doctor to switch me to the cream vehicle. Overall the cream is absolutely amazing. Spreads evenly, no alcohol odour, and layers easily before and/or after moisturizer. I love it so much!
I’ve tried a gel tazarotene and a cream Trentinoin and I like how the gel spreads. For me, the cream just smears. I have to mix in a touch of moisturizer to get it to spread evenly.
Tazarotene never worked for me and adapalene gave me terrible acne. Only tretinoin works on my acne and I never had a problem with tretinoin. How much do you guys pay for tretinoin in USA after 27 years old?
Hello! Hope you answer, did you experience any purging from switching cream to gel? I'm planning to switch over to gel, I have super oily skin so I'm thinking of switching.
I've been really happy with the cream at 0.025% for the last few months on my 56 year old dry skin. I can definitely see some benefit already. Definitely sandwich with moisturizers. No peeling after the first couple weeks, and little even then.
@@az.Lamani It's the generic tretinoin .025% cream. You can get it in gel or cream. There's nothing special about the cream. It's just a carrier for the active ingredient. But I find it easier to spread than a gel, without concentrating too much in one spot.
I am so glad tag you acknowledged the possibility of someone being allergic to isopropyl myristate. I am 67, and over the years I found that my skin reacts badly/breaks out with usc of any product containing that ingredient. I have used Retin A for years, and it seems that even the gels are formulated with different ingredients.
the cream has a poor clogging ingredient that has caused many people closed comedones. i switched to gel and they all cleared up. but as always, your mileage may vary
My derm just gave me Altreno and it works well. I have sensitive skin/eczema all my life but I can tolerate this one well. I'm almost 60 and this is the first time I've tried any retinoid. I use Albolene to cleanse and Nivea in the tin for nighttime cream. During the day I use Clinique moisturizing cream and eye cream. I'm a retired Womens Health NP. I had a young patient once who picked up the wrong cream in the bathroom drawer for her vaginitis symptoms. She reached in and got the tube of tretinoin and I guess it fit the plastic applicator of the Gynezole cream. She used it thinking it was Gynezole cream. Needless to say she had to come to us for the severe burning in her vagina after application (of misapplication) of tretinoin cream instead. I will never forget that.
This literally almost happened to me last week! I smeared monistat all over my face and wondered why my tret was suddenly so hard to spread. I was so relieved I didn't do it the other way around. I compared the two tubes and they were the same weight/size and when looking at the back of the tube they were almost identical. Scary!
I use the cream and it's my preference at 0.05%. I use the sandwich method to avoid irriration and it works like a charm. I use it 3-4 times a week and my skin is smooth like a baby's bottom. I was initially on Isotretinoin for 7 months for my persistent mild to moderate acne, then afterwards my dermatologist suggested tretonoin as a preventative measure. It's a gamechanger.
@Vaishali Badhele The sandwich method just helps to "buffer" it and reduce irritation, it doesn't affect how it works fundamentally. It can definitely help with acne marks, even with the sandwich method.
@@angelasmith257 The sandwich method is when you put on a moisturiser, then tretinoin, then moisturiser again. The tretinoin is "sandwiched" between two layers of moisturiser to reduce irritation.
Would love a updated nighttime routine using tretinoin and what moisturizer to put on before tretinoin and after and also would love to hear advice and thoughts of why my tretinoin is pilling up when I’m rubbing it into my skin what would cause it to do that? Also I use the cream tretinoin
I am newly on Tretinoin the cream and I've been on it I'm actually on my second application and I already see major results I had oily skin but I don't anymore it's the holy Grail I love it
I have both. I tend to use the cream more as is not drying as the gel. I don't know the American version, but in my country the gel is 80% alcohol, for the summer is fine, but after starts to chill I cannot handle it (and the cream is 0.5mg/g whereas the gel is only 0.25mg/g)
When in US I was 34 yrs old my dermatologist diagnosed me with acne(wich I'v always had) first gave me tazorac, didn't work. Then gave me samples of retin a and got finally rid of acne after all my life struggling with it. It's OUTRAGEOUS that in USA insurance olny covers for tretinoin up to 27 yrs old. So who has acne has to pay 200 dollars for tretinoin. Adapalene doesn't work either on my acne. We should do a class action for this OUTRAGEOUS injustice. Tretinoin is for everyone who needs it regardless of age. I M 47 and still have acne if I don't use tretinoin. So thankful to live abroad now but still not fair for all the people who aren't covered for tretinoin.
Thanks so much for this. Now I know why I'm pilling!! I was prescribed the Retin-A gel last August and now use it every second night and then slather Eucerin or CeraVe or Aveeno comfort cream on top afterward, I've noticed great improvements. I wish I had started decades years ago. I was hesitant about the gel at first because I'm 72 and, while my skin isn't actually dry, it's not young, I apply it on my wet face and throat only after spreading Cerave night cream or Eucerin (which I am starting to prefer) around my eyes, down my cheeks along the sides of my nose and just under my nostrils. I find that's where I get irritated. I will be seeing my doc soon and will ask for the cream because I'm ready to move up from 0.25% and am worried about scorching my face off.
You shouldn’t put it on a wet face and probably wait a bit for your moisturizer to dry down. You can then put another layer of moisturizer on top if you prefer (called the sandwich method)
I could only adapt to tretinoin gel. In brazil you can only get tretinoin gel in 0.025%. I've tried to up the dosage to 0.05% but those are cream formulas and I can NOT stand the sensory feeling of the creams on my face. Hopefully the low concentration gel will be enough for me long term
Around three months ago I made the jump to 0.1% Tretinion gel. I had previously used cream. While I tolerated the increase quite well, I have started developing (what I think) is milia on the fleshy area above my jawline. It truly does not seem to be acne. I am wondering if it is the gel or is it the 0.1% jump possibly dehydrating my skin? Nothing else in my routine has changed so I am quite anxious to find a resolution! Thank you so very much for a perfectly timed video!
Thank you for this video. I was curious to the percentages of tretinoin and you’ve cleared it up for me. I’ll be sticking to my 0.025% tretinoin since I’ve been tolerating well.
Happy monday ! Haven't thought about the gel vs the cream. Will give that some consideration in the future. I'm on month 6 of tretinoin cream and it's dramatically changed my skin! Will continue to use as long as I am able. Thx Dr dray!
Thanks Dr. Dray! I started on tretinoin in May 2021 with the gel, but it was too drying and hard to use (slid around my finger so hard to distribute evenly). I switched ti the cream after finishing that tube and have been much happier!
i've managed to get only gel Isotretinoin Roaccutane here in Switzerland on prescription. i have zero irritation and i have passed the peeling stage the past 6 month with various tretinoin creams that I got outside of Switzerland. However, before applying the gel I have to actually breathe in and keep my breath while proceeding to apply it. Inhaling so much evaporating alcohol is almost suffocating. i totally understand that being next to a campfire and applying the gel could be super dangerous.
A cream is definitely easier to spread evenly on the face while the gel seemingly instantly sinks into the skin and dries up before you have the chance to do it properly 😭 The cream just travels further across the face
I’ve been using the gel for about 4 weeks now and I love it no irritation that comes along with it I haven’t used the cream yet and I don’t plan to bc I’ve heard what happens with the cream and don’t want to experience that. I’m on the lowest percentage planning on switching to a higher one in a couple months
I was prescribed the Bausch Micro Tretinoin and found it annoyingly hard to spread around my face. Contacted my prescription provider and was easily switched to the cream. Had to go down in strength, because they didn't have a comparable strength in the cream, but I'm hoping that changes eventually. That Micro cream was really difficult.
Differin also seems to have a cream and gel version. I have dry skin so I got the cream version, as I prefer creams in general but my brother who likes light skincare, probably like most guys, prefers the gels.
Thank you I am using the gel and I love the results but the pilling...I use less, it was still piling. i tried damp skin...Nooo NO irritation seriously. So I will try this. Thanks again.
I have a very dry skin, 7 years ago when I started differen I started with cream as I supposed it will be nicer on my skin and it gave me the worst irritation when I changed to gel my life was so much better it helped me not overuse as well. Still a mystery
Thank you very much for this video I am on trentinoin, and I love the results, but not the vehicle I have the cream is a pain for me every other day to use it. I will definitely talk to my Dr. I hope there is a gel formulation in my country, thanks again very much for the advice
I never ever had any problems or side effects with tretinoin, I ve been using it for 10 yrs and it's the only thin that curesy acne still at 47 years old if I stop tretinoin I get acne. Tazorac doesn't work on me and Adapalene gives me terrible acne.
This video states "Gel comes in much lower percentages (... then cream): 0.01%, 0.025%, 0.05%" but there is a 0.1% concentration as well 🙂 In my county it's available.
@@jonathanlam4994 I have Seb Derm for quite a while (I'm 26 y.o and started experiencing it at around 16 y.o). I found that anything that can cause good exfoliation and reduction in oils helps alot. So BHAs (2% Salicylic Acid specifically for me) was an amazing addition to my routine, and I alternate nights with that and a 0.05% Tretinoin Gel. DrDray has a video about tretinoin specifically, and she does say that it has a drying effect, it can reduce oiliness and increase the turnover of cells (which are all good stuff to combat Seb Derm). I will add, that in general a consistent cleansing and moisturizing (with oil free moisturizers) are very decent at controlling. But with Tret and BHA, I barely have any redness all year around.
@@adamolition8702 That''s really great to hear, I'm 21 and have been suffering from it since about 16 here too. Just using retinal at the moment, considering switching to adapalene or tret here. I've mostly found really good results for it using Paula's Choice 2% BHA. I do use thicker moisturisers (with things like shea butter etc.), just because I still find my cheeks and most of the rest of my body leans dry. The combination of eczema and seb derm is annoying af, to say the least, haha.
@@jonathanlam4994 Yeah Paula's Choice 2% BHA is what I currently use aswell, I'm about to switch to a different brand but still 2% BHA. But since you moisturize with an oil based moisturizer, how does that affect your SD? cause it might help the eczema but I'm fairly sure it'll worsen the SD.
I like to use the Obagi Tretinoin 0.1% cream. It has helped so much with acne, acne scars, scars from sport/dance and has completely smoothed out my skin. My dermatologist is not a fan of prescribing the gel version because of my history of developing allergic contact dermatitis or irritant dermatitis. I think that allergy patch testing at the hospital is worth it!
@@DrDrayzday I also like the Obagi one because it is fragrance free. I have been advised to stick to more fragrance free products to reduce the risks of developing further allergies.
That’s amazing , what type of acne scars did you have , were they depressed pitted hole type or raider scars or dark post inflammatory hyperpigmentation?
@@zebakoli I have old post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, burns from hair removing cream which left me with dark hyperpigmentation on my face , it’s stop there and I ain’t seen no improvement with tretinoin which I used for over a year
my skin type is dry and i have comedonal acne and a little redness, is it fine if i use a benzoyl peroxide before my prescribed tretinoin, if not can you tell me what cleanser should i use for everyday and before the tretinoin?
She is 100% correct...of course. I started out with the Tretinoin Gel, it was way too drying. I called my Derms office got Tretinoin cream and have never looked back. Thanks, Love ❤
@@fragitude that sadly didn't work for me. I did the sandwich method with very barrier friendly creams still got irritation until I switched to cream.
@@Ariel68peanut yeah I just made the switch to cream myself because it's a little more friendly to use around the eyes and I don't wake up to it pilling off in the morning.
So what is better for anti aging the gel or cream I read the cream was for anti aging and the gel for acne … I’ve been using the one percent gel for years it’s no joke it exfoliates great and actually quicker then the cream.. the cream I also used it takes forever to peel
I use Altreno. I love it. It’s a gel/light creme I’d say. I did need to start with every other day but 5 months in I can do everyday no problem. I do use a moisturizer before (BOJ dynasty cream or their ginseng toner). It’s going well. But I still have melasma. Which I know is chronic. I’ll keep going! Thank you Dr. Dray for all your great educational content. I thought I knew it all before you, lol
Can you talk about eczema flares and adapalene? I am trying to get through the faze of my skin getting used to it but it keeps flaring my eczema. All I use besides that is Cerave and Panoxyl which I’ve used for years. And every time I stop using the adapalene my flare goes away. :( I use cetaphil sunscreen daily too and avoid the sun.
This is so helpful! I'm up to 0.1 cream and love it! I add a little Aquaphor to my evening moisturizer and it helps tremendously. I use it every night.
I actually browing videos of which is better gel or cream, currently im using a cream for 10 mos im on my 40's, i think cream is not for me, i just see a litlle bit of change, and i had a pigmentation, so i ask my dermatogist if i can change my prescription to gel, since cream get really dry easily for me, its hard to rub after puttinf a small amount on my face, and i do hope the gel will works for me face hence i dont see much improvement using cream. 0.05 is was using I feel that using cream i had a breakouts .Thank you DR Dray for this helpful video!
Thank you so much, Dr. Dray! Because of the straightforward and verifiable information you give freely to all of us, we’re in the best hands of all! Happy Easter! 💕🌷🐣🐰🌷💕
My experience with Tretinoin 0.05%.. I am using the cream every single night all over my face, under my eyes, on my eye lids and I do not use a pea size I use a nice amount I have to be sure my entire face has been addressed. I have been using this product for over now 2weeks and I love it. Last week I have noticed dry skin around my mouth/chin area and heavy peeling ..I used soft natural sponge -dry sponge to rub off some of those dry skin and that helped so much and then I would reapply CeraVe all over my face fallow with SPF 50 ...now the funny thing is I don't peel around my eyes, eye lids , cheeks or forehead at all..no dryiness except my mouth area ...but again please not that doesn't bother me At All ...but now I am wondering if that is normal can u peel in one area and not at all for example under your eyes...and why not..should a peel ...or not....is that normal or not...or does it take longer to peel in those areas .... I know I am only on my second week and a few days but is that totally fine...peeling would happen maybe later ......I was told that peeling helps to uncover a new skin ....or should I go 1% .again I love love what I see .my skin is not a stranger to chemical peels last year every second month I would do TCA 18% peel loved it but I didnt like downtime ... Tretinoin to me is less aggressive and an amazing agent to address issues such as texture, thickness of your skin, wrinkles and other things 😅 thank u Note I forgot to add growing up i never ever had any pimples on my skin .. i dont even know how it feels to have pimple on your face thanks to my grandmother ❤
Apparently the gel is actually better in terms of photo stability, if you use your phone after applying the tret cream apparently the tret doesn’t work anymore? Can we talk about that
I've been using tretinoin 0.05% since 1990 and can use it around eyes mouth and neck w no issues. I'm 50 and have never had a wrinkle. I do have pock marks though from severe acne
Hi, I know you hate questions on self tanners, it colours the dead skin cells on the skin surface, I get that, but how does this affect using skin anti hyperpigmentation products like, vit c, retinols, Niacinamide, …. Do they cancel each other? Basically, I am asking about how self tanners and regular skin care regiments interact. Thanks
Hi forgot to mention yesterday that the new maybelline Sky High mascara is the best of theirs that o recently bought. I splurged and bought the ‘primer’ as well. It really does add a bit of oomph. Have a great day
How funny, I just restarted my tretinoin and had to choose between the two. Went with the cream, but was going to research the difference. And here Dr. Dray delivering!
The cream distributes and spreads so evenly I won’t even try the gel! Nothing better than this product it’s made my face go from looking like a plantation oak tree to a sapling! 👍🏻🤠☕️
Hi Uncle Charlie! Happy Monday!! I really need to try this!! I started using Differin about a month ago so I want to see how that goes. But may eventually switch to Tretinoin. I want to look like a sapling!! Lol! Hope you had a wonderful day. Peace, joy and blessings to you, friend. 🌳🕊🌳🙏🌳☕
@@marylawman8603 Tretinoin/ Retin A the main go to don’t think anything can do more by itself from all I’ve seen! God bless have a nice evening! Thanks! 🙏🤠
If i remember correctly, benzoyl peroxide helps decrease the chance of Clindamycin resistent bacteria? The Tret-gel i get prescribed almost always has Clindamycin alongside it even if it's not necessary.
I was told that the cream is better for anti-aging whereas the gel is mostly used for acne and acne scars vs anti-aging. Should I be using the cream if I'm using it for the anti-aging benefits, or will the gel also help with fine lines and sun damage?
@@sabnamsk2725 Yes yes, highly recommend it. Especially if you feel that your skin is a bit tight or dry during the cold months. Change to the cream version then go back to the gel when it's hot or humid.
@@sweetpoteightoes Thanks a lot ..would you help me further by replying..I wanna know.. did you get new purging when u altered gel to cream version? Thanks a ton in advance.
When I was a teen, I put mustard all over my face overnight. French's yellow mustard. Well, it gave me a good sunburn look. But my skin did peel and reveal new skin. Have any medical professionals looked into this? I won't do it again 😅 I'm just curious.
Chemistry lesson. Mustard has certain components of mustard, including allyl isothiocyanate, are strong skin irritants and vasodilators and are used as rubefacients or as tear gas. Mustard is very useful but skin on the face is sensitive for mustard masks.
Greetings Dr Dray. I am using Tretinoin Gel and I want to know that can I apply moisturiser after that simultaneously as I am not getting any moisturiser peeling. Kindly guide me. 😇😇
Is it best to avoid hypertrophic raised scars when applying tretinoin? Can it also help flatten them as well? I worry that tretinoin can make the raised scars worse because it stimulates collagen, which isn’t good for raised scars.
I prefer the gel and my friend prefers the cream. My insurance covers the cream and my best friends the gel. We have never understood the why…particularly when our preferences are the opposite. My skin doesn’t absorb the cream as well. I don’t find the cream as effective either.
This woman is very hardworking and consistent. Absolutely so much respect.
Thanks for watching
Couldn't agree more! and she is so precise every single day - awesome!
@Dr Dray Can you do a review of the Minocycline topical foam? Hear the medication doesn't have an antibiotic resistance issue like the clindamycin gel has.
Is tretinoin gel always sorta yellow Or does it come clear also?
I agree! She makes it cool to be smart! (like my alter ego Dr Amy Farrah Fowler)
I use the gel version and it does for sure pill a lot! The gel dries too quickly to really rub it in, you have to kind of spread it on lightly onto your skin. I watched this other video on retinol and learned about the “sandwich” method which I now use for my retinol and it’s been working for me. I first put on a thin layer of moisturizer FIRST and then spread on the retinol. This prevents the retinol gel from drying too quickly and pilling. Then I wait a few minutes and then put on another layer of moisturizer.
I find that a gel cream type of moisturizer (I use Neutrogena Hydro Boost) also is key. The consistency is thin enough that you can spread it (not rub it) on your face after the retinol gel that it doesn’t disturb the retinol layer. You do have to use quite a bit of gel cream to spread it w/o having to rub your skin. But it’s been working for me to reduce the irritation. I use it 5 nights of the week.
@thejjchan, i used gel twice and both times when I put only pea size all over my face (dots), when I came back to spread it, it felt like it had been evaporated. Do you put tretnion immediately after putting your gel moisturizer or do you wait? Do you put moisturizer right after washing your face when it's still damp?
last time I think I put more than two pea sizes because of evaporation situation and now I have flakes.
(Dry skin here) I used cream & seen little results. I switched to gel and seen immediate changes within a week 🌝
Not really possible. It can take up to 27 days to see real effects as that’s how long skin turnover takes.
@@user-lp2nz7vq6b imagine denying one’s real lived experience.
Thank you so encouraging!! I’ve been using cream for 2 months seeing nothing I ordered gel so I’m excited!
@denisemaples6519 where did you order the gel from or did you request it from your derm? Thank you. I get the cream from Nurx online but they only carry the cream version.
@@hollydanae07 RX reliable
Positive Gel Comment: i just wanted to add my experience cause the gel gets a lot of hate, and some people might be scared of it. I will describe my skin type, skin concerns, and routines. If you sound similar to me, you might have success with tret gel 😊 I have normal/dry/combo (sometimes a little shiny/oily in the “T Zone”) skin haha. I think it must depend on the season and my hormonal cycle? I know I certainly haven’t ever had an oily skin type. I do not have sensitive skin. Under my eyes can get sensitive if I use makeup wipes too aggressively or put actives there too many days in a row. I also have a very simple routine with pretty much no other active ingredients (I’ve recently added niacinamide), and my routine had been very simple (borderline nonexistent) my whole life. Like… sleeping in makeup and washing my face with shampoo kind of thing lol. I do slather on the SPF every day, at least. From 2020-2022 I would get a lil frisky and use the Drunk Elephant AHA/BHA peel in the cute pink bottle once a month. All this to say, I wasn’t starting with a damaged skin barrier or skin that was overwhelmed with active ingredients from a really intense skincare routine. I feel like sometimes people start tret with skin that’s just begging for a break from all the skincare products they’re using, and it sets them up for a bad time. I’m prescribed tretonion gel .025%, and I haven’t had any issues with it, at all. I’ve been using it for about 3 months. I use it on my face, neck, chest, and hands. I use it every day Monday-Friday, and skip the weekend (I can’t be bothered on the weekend, to be honest). I started by using it every other day for the first 2 weeks, and then moved to every day. I never had any bad reactions, so I wasn’t worried when I moved up to every day. I have a very, very hydrating skincare routine that works great for me. I have never struggled with acne, so I don’t worry about my moisturizing routine causing breakouts.
The issues I had: the gel definitely does pill under moisturizer. Also, since I sleep on my side and my stomach and cuddling with my husband, Im always smooshing my face into fabric while I sleep and spreading tret onto other areas of my skin (I don’t think this is specific to the gel). This accidental spreading caused a horrible and miserable reaction on my lips, and I believe was also getting into my eyes. Yes I was doing the barriers with Vaseline, yes I was applying tret so far from these areas that I was really only able to apply it to my upper forehead and a small portion of my cheeks lol.
How I fixed it: I have a very flexible schedule that allows me to be a hermit and stay home all day. So I apply my tret first thing in the morning/when I wake up, I use a hydrating SPF as a moisturizer, and I stay inside my house until I wash it off later (usually around 3 to 8 hours). I think this lines up with what Dr Dray said about the fact that your products can’t work unless you’re able to actually use them. So I found a way to be able to use tret, because the conventional method was never going to work for me.
I started tret for hyperpigmentation and for the longterm benefits. My skin looks fantastic 🥰 No, the gel does not feel and smell good or luxurious. It is not a cream, so you have to apply it small dots and small sections of your face, or else it will evaporate before you can spread it out. I think this inadvertently forces me to be more diligent and apply it evenly everywhere. I don’t mind that it isn’t a luxurious experience. In my mind, it’s a prescription medicine that I’m applying. I never expected it to have the same feeling as applying my store bought skincare products. As long as it absorbs and does what it needs to do, I’m happy 😊 I hope this helps someone who is considering the gel!
Cream breaks me out, gel doesn’t.
@BabyBear046
I am have the same issue with gel tretnion. I breakout with cream so I requested for gel. I only used it twice and on my second time I put dot in one area, started spreading it, it felt like it wasn't spreading in fact evaporated so applied more. I think I put more than two pea size all over my face which is causing lots of flaking. While I was spreading it, tretnion started to pill as well.
should I put on freshly washed damp moisturized skin???? How do I make it work?
I've read that you're not supposed to do that, you're actually supposed to let your skin dry for a minute before applying because it can be too irritating on damp skin. I think maybe because it would absorb fast. @@SG-wq4rm
Thanks for sharing I suffer with hyperpigmentation on legs , ordered gel the cream is doing very little, are you using hydroquinone also?
Tretinoin actual get into your skin within 20 minutes. So spreading Tretinoin overnight is not possible. Also Tretinoin in the morning is a really bad idea.
As always, I learn so much. I’m in my mid-forties and have used Tretinoin.01 for about 12-15 years on my face. I apply it M-Sat. And take Sunday night off. I had to slowly graduate my way up to that percentage, over time but can attest to the fact that if you use it, stick with it and stay in he course, it will pay huge dividends, down the road. My face is almost line-free, my pores are tighter and the texture and coloration of my skin is so good. It dramatically has diminished the few sun spots I have on my hands to almost not visible.
Now, I am using it on my arms, chest, backside and legs, every Monday night and Witt time will work up to twice weekly as my body skin will have to slowly adapt to .01% as it’s the highest strength. It’s never too late to start using it.
I m 47 and still have acne if I don't use tretinoin. How much do you guys pay for tretinoin after 27 years old in Usa?
@@youareinbarbados2578 I use a good RX coupon and get a large tube for about $100 A tube lasts a year.
Gel or cream?
How often do you go through a tube using it on your body? Would you please elaborate on your routine?
It's 0.01% or 0.1%?
I love the GEL vs. the CREAM. I have Dry Skin but I found that when I used the cream I was getting breakouts. I like using the Gel then a hydrating moisturizer in tandem.
I’m thinking of switching I have normal skin but I keep breaking out on cream.
Thank you for mentioning about getting the breakouts with the cream. I was using retinol cream and had break outs. My esthetician said the cream contains acne break out ingredients and recommended I switch to the gel. I’m going to look into making the switch to gel.
Do you apply moisturizer after? I find it just rubs the gel off in these weird stringy strands, whether I wait 1 minute or 1 hr. I would love any feedback on how you're using it and if you get this issue, or how you avoid it?
@zoepearce1445 I apply the moisture 20 min after I put the gel on.
The answer to the question: 05:33
GOAT comment
You're the real MVP
I have super oily skin (like a tub of Vaseline on my face) so the trenta gel is the best option for me.
I really need something to dry my skin out on my treatment days. Except I cannot actually achieve dry skin, so my skin goes back to “normal.” And that gives my skin a chance to actually use sunscreen without it being heavy on my skin or properly hydrating my skin to get rid of Kp on my nose bridge +
❤
Which sunscreen you use ?
The cream broke me out (Everything that has Isopropyl myristate/palmitate breaks me out horribly) the gel is much more suitable for my skin. It can sting on application but after it settles it's actually less irritating.
Same!
I was looking for this!! I'm surprised so many people are saying they have no problem with the cream 😱
Yes, isopropyl myristate is a nightmare ingredient. I don’t understand why it would be added to a product prescribed for someone with acne.
@@Kittymomish beats me!
It breaks me out EVERY time!
@@Kittymomish Because it functions as a penetration enhancer in the cream formulation, allowing the tretinoin to get to where it needs to be. It's not problematic for all people with acne - I use the .1% cream just fine. :)
I have oily skin and I couldn't tolerate the gel form. It caused me severe dryness, itching, and redness i gave up and thought it just wasn't for me. Then I got the cream, same 0.05% and it worked great I only got slight peeling and redness the first few weeks.
I started using Differing gel a few weeks ago and haven't had any issues with application and no irritation either. I like that it absorbs quickly too. Happy Monday, Dr Dray! I hope you have a relaxing evening. 💕
Is your skin oily ?
Normal to dry with occasional breakouts. I do struggle with whiteheads on my chin.
I went to Thailand and purchased tretinoin cream as that’s what’s available there. I heard the gel was better. I have giant pores, extremely oily skin, persistent acne and comedones and wow did it clear up my skin within a week. I actually don’t find the cream too drying or irritating. I’m glad I was able to try the cream version.
what brand did you use
I am a chronic (severe) nerve pain patient. My pain medicine is a "topical", a pain patch. I am so thankful they finally put me on "heavier" medication. I am on buprenorfine patches and take gabapentin. They first gave me gabapentin, and "filled out the rest of the void" with a pain patch. I do still take the heaviest dosage of the patch. I am in a lot of pain without all of this as I have CRPS (final stage). Also thankful I am in the EU, and not in the US as they don't think of opioids in a "fond" way, it seems. I don't either, really, to be honest, and am against medication in general, but I also know when to call it quits with my reservations and say "thank you" for the help. Been on the same dosage for both since 2004, when they gave me this pain plan. Loved the video. I do know the difference between a cream & a gel, to talk of this topic, as I have a cortico-steroid cream & gel of the same product. Sometimes I use one or the other, depending on how I want it to sink in, what surface it is, etc. ... It's largely ease of use or preference.
I love how you explain everything so meticulously.
I tried different tretinoin products over the years. Ugh...I eventually gave up. But then I decided to try the stuff one more time. My PC prescribed Obagi .05 (Cream). It took me nearly a year to use it on a nightly basis. I applied it over my moisturizer (after having watched your videos). What a game changer. It has transformed my facial skin over the past 3 years. In winter, I use it 2-3 times weekly. In summer, I can usually apply it every night. I love what it does for my north-of-65 skin. Thanks, doc!
Why do you need a rx for Obagi
What type of moisturizer do u use?w \ it?
Thanks Dr. Dray. I used the cream in my teens as an acne treatment and it worked well. As adult in my 40s and 50s I’ve been using Differin gel, but I have missed the good ol’ Tretinoin cream for its moisturizing vehicle and maybe its benefit for treating fine lines and wrinkles. I’m planning to ask my dermatologist about switching over again. These videos are really helpful in knowing what questions to ask my own dermatologist.
Unfortunately differin gives me terrible acne while tretinoin is the only thing that cures my acne, never had a problem with tretinoin. I was sad in US my derm told me tretinoin was only covered up to 27 years old. Unfair.
@@youareinbarbados2578My insurance fully covers it and I'm 40 and in the US, so maybe it has to do with the individual insurance. Weirdly, my insurance doesn't cover clindamycin at all, which seems really strange.
@@youareinbarbados2578Now you say that, I think that's been the case with me too. I used to think it's purging but the pimple, like painful cystic pimple just keep on coming.
Thanks for this awesome info! I started on tretinoin gel initially, and I knew right away it wasn’t for me. So drying, and it reeks of strong alcohol. I had no problems asking my doctor to switch me to the cream vehicle. Overall the cream is absolutely amazing. Spreads evenly, no alcohol odour, and layers easily before and/or after moisturizer. I love it so much!
I’ve tried a gel tazarotene and a cream Trentinoin and I like how the gel spreads. For me, the cream just smears. I have to mix in a touch of moisturizer to get it to spread evenly.
Tazarotene never worked for me and adapalene gave me terrible acne. Only tretinoin works on my acne and I never had a problem with tretinoin. How much do you guys pay for tretinoin in USA after 27 years old?
Hello! Hope you answer, did you experience any purging from switching cream to gel? I'm planning to switch over to gel, I have super oily skin so I'm thinking of switching.
I've been really happy with the cream at 0.025% for the last few months on my 56 year old dry skin. I can definitely see some benefit already. Definitely sandwich with moisturizers. No peeling after the first couple weeks, and little even then.
You look great btw
Which cream do you use?
@@az.Lamani It's the generic tretinoin .025% cream. You can get it in gel or cream. There's nothing special about the cream. It's just a carrier for the active ingredient. But I find it easier to spread than a gel, without concentrating too much in one spot.
I wish you all good health. See more in "Health FAQ"
I am so glad tag you acknowledged the possibility of someone being allergic to isopropyl myristate. I am 67, and over the years I found that my skin reacts badly/breaks out with usc of any product containing that ingredient. I have used Retin A for years, and it seems that even the gels are formulated with different ingredients.
the cream has a poor clogging ingredient that has caused many people closed comedones. i switched to gel and they all cleared up. but as always, your mileage may vary
Yup , has happened to me 🤣
My derm just gave me Altreno and it works well. I have sensitive skin/eczema all my life but I can tolerate this one well. I'm almost 60 and this is the first time I've tried any retinoid. I use Albolene to cleanse and Nivea in the tin for nighttime cream. During the day I use Clinique moisturizing cream and eye cream. I'm a retired Womens Health NP. I had a young patient once who picked up the wrong cream in the bathroom drawer for her vaginitis symptoms. She reached in and got the tube of tretinoin and I guess it fit the plastic applicator of the Gynezole cream. She used it thinking it was Gynezole cream. Needless to say she had to come to us for the severe burning in her vagina after application (of misapplication) of tretinoin cream instead. I will never forget that.
My goodness! Was she okay?
Wow. Hope she was okay.
Oh, no ! Hope she was okay after washing it off. 😮
This literally almost happened to me last week! I smeared monistat all over my face and wondered why my tret was suddenly so hard to spread. I was so relieved I didn't do it the other way around. I compared the two tubes and they were the same weight/size and when looking at the back of the tube they were almost identical. Scary!
I use the cream and it's my preference at 0.05%. I use the sandwich method to avoid irriration and it works like a charm. I use it 3-4 times a week and my skin is smooth like a baby's bottom. I was initially on Isotretinoin for 7 months for my persistent mild to moderate acne, then afterwards my dermatologist suggested tretonoin as a preventative measure. It's a gamechanger.
Does it even work on acne marks, i mean even in sandwich method
@Vaishali Badhele The sandwich method just helps to "buffer" it and reduce irritation, it doesn't affect how it works fundamentally. It can definitely help with acne marks, even with the sandwich method.
What s this method..?
@@angelasmith257 The sandwich method is when you put on a moisturiser, then tretinoin, then moisturiser again. The tretinoin is "sandwiched" between two layers of moisturiser to reduce irritation.
@@Parrot5884 thanks which moisturizer do u suggest?
Would love a updated nighttime routine using tretinoin and what moisturizer to put on before tretinoin and after and also would love to hear advice and thoughts of why my tretinoin is pilling up when I’m rubbing it into my skin what would cause it to do that? Also I use the cream tretinoin
I am newly on Tretinoin the cream and I've been on it I'm actually on my second application and I already see major results I had oily skin but I don't anymore it's the holy Grail I love it
After applying Tretionin gel wait for 30 mins then apply moisturizer.
8:00 starts the main answer, the previous minutes are background on different delivery vehicles.
I can’t see how a cream can spread more easily than a gel as many in the comments are claiming
I have both. I tend to use the cream more as is not drying as the gel. I don't know the American version, but in my country the gel is 80% alcohol, for the summer is fine, but after starts to chill I cannot handle it (and the cream is 0.5mg/g whereas the gel is only 0.25mg/g)
The cream for me definitely adds some moisturization so I prefer it. When using the gel, I have to use an additional lotion.
When in US I was 34 yrs old my dermatologist diagnosed me with acne(wich I'v always had) first gave me tazorac, didn't work. Then gave me samples of retin a and got finally rid of acne after all my life struggling with it. It's OUTRAGEOUS that in USA insurance olny covers for tretinoin up to 27 yrs old. So who has acne has to pay 200 dollars for tretinoin. Adapalene doesn't work either on my acne. We should do a class action for this OUTRAGEOUS injustice. Tretinoin is for everyone who needs it regardless of age. I M 47 and still have acne if I don't use tretinoin. So thankful to live abroad now but still not fair for all the people who aren't covered for tretinoin.
Yay! Iv even waiting for this one. Haven’t watched yet but the gel always works so much better for me
Thanks so much for this. Now I know why I'm pilling!!
I was prescribed the Retin-A gel last August and now use it every second night and then slather Eucerin or CeraVe or Aveeno comfort cream on top afterward, I've noticed great improvements. I wish I had started decades years ago.
I was hesitant about the gel at first because I'm 72 and, while my skin isn't actually dry, it's not young, I apply it on my wet face and throat only after spreading Cerave night cream or Eucerin (which I am starting to prefer) around my eyes, down my cheeks along the sides of my nose and just under my nostrils. I find that's where I get irritated.
I will be seeing my doc soon and will ask for the cream because I'm ready to move up from 0.25% and am worried about scorching my face off.
You shouldn’t put it on a wet face and probably wait a bit for your moisturizer to dry down. You can then put another layer of moisturizer on top if you prefer (called the sandwich method)
I could only adapt to tretinoin gel. In brazil you can only get tretinoin gel in 0.025%. I've tried to up the dosage to 0.05% but those are cream formulas and I can NOT stand the sensory feeling of the creams on my face. Hopefully the low concentration gel will be enough for me long term
I have very oily skin and my preference is gel. I love your page. You are amazing and so helpful.
Happy Monday Dr. Dray 🌷🌸and to everyone watching!😊😊
Around three months ago I made the jump to 0.1% Tretinion gel. I had previously used cream. While I tolerated the increase quite well, I have started developing (what I think) is milia on the fleshy area above my jawline. It truly does not seem to be acne. I am wondering if it is the gel or is it the 0.1% jump possibly dehydrating my skin? Nothing else in my routine has changed so I am quite anxious to find a resolution! Thank you so very much for a perfectly timed video!
Thank you for this video. I was curious to the percentages of tretinoin and you’ve cleared it up for me. I’ll be sticking to my 0.025% tretinoin since I’ve been tolerating well.
My pharmacist personally makes the gel prescription up for me. It’s not a manufacturer brand.
Happy monday ! Haven't thought about the gel vs the cream. Will give that some consideration in the future. I'm on month 6 of tretinoin cream and it's dramatically changed my skin! Will continue to use as long as I am able. Thx Dr dray!
Happy Monday 💙
Doc you absolutely rock. I’ve learnt so much from you that I wouldn’t be mad if you asked me for money.
You can donate to her channel on RUclips 😊
Thanks Dr. Dray! I started on tretinoin in May 2021 with the gel, but it was too drying and hard to use (slid around my finger so hard to distribute evenly). I switched ti the cream after finishing that tube and have been much happier!
Which cream did you use?
@@az.Lamani just the generic tretinoin cream
What does that mean? Generic tretnoin cream?
@@az.Lamani My dermatologist didn’t prescribe me a name brand one like Retin-A or Altreno, I just have a regular tube of tretinoin cream.
So is that over the counter? Where did you purchase it from?
Like the alcohol based gel. The cream was super clogging for me.
Yup , you are right, has happened to me too.
i've managed to get only gel Isotretinoin Roaccutane here in Switzerland on prescription. i have zero irritation and i have passed the peeling stage the past 6 month with various tretinoin creams that I got outside of Switzerland. However, before applying the gel I have to actually breathe in and keep my breath while proceeding to apply it. Inhaling so much evaporating alcohol is almost suffocating. i totally understand that being next to a campfire and applying the gel could be super dangerous.
A cream is definitely easier to spread evenly on the face while the gel seemingly instantly sinks into the skin and dries up before you have the chance to do it properly 😭 The cream just travels further across the face
👍🏼👍🏼
The cream is honestly very drying in my experience and difficult to spread, I find the gel much easier to spread.
I’ve been using the gel for about 4 weeks now and I love it no irritation that comes along with it
I haven’t used the cream yet and I don’t plan to bc I’ve heard what happens with the cream and don’t want to experience that. I’m on the lowest percentage planning on switching to a higher one in a couple months
@@derekward3512 , yes my gel glides over more surface area on my face before sinking in. Ive used both cream and gel 0.1%
@@jakecorshia where you get the medication gel from
I'm switching to gel because the cream breaks me out. I dropped down from 0.05 to 0.025 because I was told it was stronger.
I was prescribed the Bausch Micro Tretinoin and found it annoyingly hard to spread around my face. Contacted my prescription provider and was easily switched to the cream. Had to go down in strength, because they didn't have a comparable strength in the cream, but I'm hoping that changes eventually. That Micro cream was really difficult.
Use a moisturizer first.
Differin also seems to have a cream and gel version. I have dry skin so I got the cream version, as I prefer creams in general but my brother who likes light skincare, probably like most guys, prefers the gels.
Thank you I am using the gel and I love the results but the pilling...I use less, it was still piling. i tried damp skin...Nooo NO irritation seriously. So I will try this. Thanks again.
I have a very dry skin, 7 years ago when I started differen I started with cream as I supposed it will be nicer on my skin and it gave me the worst irritation when I changed to gel my life was so much better it helped me not overuse as well. Still a mystery
Hello Dr.Dray is it ok to alternate; epiduo one night, and adapalene + azelaic acid another night ?
Best to discuss with your derm if that is what they recommend you do
Thank you very much for this video I am on trentinoin, and I love the results, but not the vehicle I have the cream is a pain for me every other day to use it. I will definitely talk to my Dr. I hope there is a gel formulation in my country, thanks again very much for the advice
I never ever had any problems or side effects with tretinoin, I ve been using it for 10 yrs and it's the only thin that curesy acne still at 47 years old if I stop tretinoin I get acne. Tazorac doesn't work on me and Adapalene gives me terrible acne.
This video states "Gel comes in much lower percentages (... then cream): 0.01%, 0.025%, 0.05%" but there is a 0.1% concentration as well 🙂 In my county it's available.
This came just at the right time! The tretinoin gel was just prescribed to me for Seborrheic Dermatitis!
Do retinoids help with seb derm? I didn't know this, I might scale up my game then.
@@jonathanlam4994 I have Seb Derm for quite a while (I'm 26 y.o and started experiencing it at around 16 y.o). I found that anything that can cause good exfoliation and reduction in oils helps alot. So BHAs (2% Salicylic Acid specifically for me) was an amazing addition to my routine, and I alternate nights with that and a 0.05% Tretinoin Gel. DrDray has a video about tretinoin specifically, and she does say that it has a drying effect, it can reduce oiliness and increase the turnover of cells (which are all good stuff to combat Seb Derm).
I will add, that in general a consistent cleansing and moisturizing (with oil free moisturizers) are very decent at controlling. But with Tret and BHA, I barely have any redness all year around.
I use ketoconazole for seb derm how is the trentnoin working out?
@@adamolition8702 That''s really great to hear, I'm 21 and have been suffering from it since about 16 here too. Just using retinal at the moment, considering switching to adapalene or tret here. I've mostly found really good results for it using Paula's Choice 2% BHA. I do use thicker moisturisers (with things like shea butter etc.), just because I still find my cheeks and most of the rest of my body leans dry. The combination of eczema and seb derm is annoying af, to say the least, haha.
@@jonathanlam4994 Yeah Paula's Choice 2% BHA is what I currently use aswell, I'm about to switch to a different brand but still 2% BHA.
But since you moisturize with an oil based moisturizer, how does that affect your SD? cause it might help the eczema but I'm fairly sure it'll worsen the SD.
Hi Dr Dray so excited to be here I live for this ❤️
Greetings David Shabas hope u r well n Happy Monday😀👍💜….
Morning!
@@whitneybrown4067 thanks Whitney have a nice day
I like to use the Obagi Tretinoin 0.1% cream. It has helped so much with acne, acne scars, scars from sport/dance and has completely smoothed out my skin.
My dermatologist is not a fan of prescribing the gel version because of my history of developing allergic contact dermatitis or irritant dermatitis. I think that allergy patch testing at the hospital is worth it!
Yes, allergy to an ingredient is possible, and then a swap is needed
@@DrDrayzday I also like the Obagi one because it is fragrance free. I have been advised to stick to more fragrance free products to reduce the risks of developing further allergies.
That’s amazing , what type of acne scars did you have , were they depressed pitted hole type or raider scars or dark post inflammatory hyperpigmentation?
@@dynamitedynamite2737 I had post inflammatory hyperpigmention; they are gone now thanks to Tretinoin.
@@zebakoli I have old post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, burns from hair removing cream which left me with dark hyperpigmentation on my face , it’s stop there and I ain’t seen no improvement with tretinoin which I used for over a year
my skin type is dry and i have comedonal acne and a little redness, is it fine if i use a benzoyl peroxide before my prescribed tretinoin, if not can you tell me what cleanser should i use for everyday and before the tretinoin?
She is 100% correct...of course. I started out with the Tretinoin Gel, it was way too drying. I called my Derms office got Tretinoin cream and have never looked back.
Thanks, Love ❤
SAME
Putting moisturizer on before the gel helps avoid dryness. That's what I do and it works perfectly.
@@fragitude that sadly didn't work for me. I did the sandwich method with very barrier friendly creams still got irritation until I switched to cream.
@@Ariel68peanut yeah I just made the switch to cream myself because it's a little more friendly to use around the eyes and I don't wake up to it pilling off in the morning.
So what is better for anti aging the gel or cream I read the cream was for anti aging and the gel for acne … I’ve been using the one percent gel for years it’s no joke it exfoliates great and actually quicker then the cream.. the cream I also used it takes forever to peel
Also, I always thought mineral oil broke me out but in the past I’ve used tretinoin cream with that as the vehicle/base and I had no issue ;)
Hi Dr. Dray, what are your thoughts on Thermalift procedure? I am 24, would it be beneficial at all for my skin? Thank you!
I use Altreno. I love it. It’s a gel/light creme I’d say. I did need to start with every other day but 5 months in I can do everyday no problem. I do use a moisturizer before (BOJ dynasty cream or their ginseng toner). It’s going well. But I still have melasma. Which I know is chronic. I’ll keep going! Thank you Dr. Dray for all your great educational content. I thought I knew it all before you, lol
Can you talk about eczema flares and adapalene? I am trying to get through the faze of my skin getting used to it but it keeps flaring my eczema. All I use besides that is Cerave and Panoxyl which I’ve used for years. And every time I stop using the adapalene my flare goes away. :( I use cetaphil sunscreen daily too and avoid the sun.
I feel like panoxyl cleanser shouldn’t be used with tretinoin. It’s harsh on it’s own
This is so helpful! I'm up to 0.1 cream and love it! I add a little Aquaphor to my evening moisturizer and it helps tremendously. I use it every night.
Did you consulted a dermatologist?
@aminapitthoo3697 my derm is the one who recommended it.
I actually browing videos of which is better gel or cream, currently im using a cream for 10 mos im on my 40's, i think cream is not for me, i just see a litlle bit of change, and i had a pigmentation, so i ask my dermatogist if i can change my prescription to gel, since cream get really dry easily for me, its hard to rub after puttinf a small amount on my face, and i do hope the gel will works for me face hence i dont see much improvement using cream. 0.05 is was using I feel that using cream i had a breakouts .Thank you DR Dray for this helpful video!
the cream unfortunately clogs pores so i am helping my skin but cloggin pores and adding more problems
Thank you so much, Dr. Dray! Because of the straightforward and verifiable information you give freely to all of us, we’re in the best hands of all! Happy Easter! 💕🌷🐣🐰🌷💕
My experience with Tretinoin 0.05%..
I am using the cream every single night all over my face, under my eyes, on my eye lids and I do not use a pea size I use a nice amount I have to be sure my entire face has been addressed. I have been using this product for over now 2weeks and I love it. Last week I have noticed dry skin around my mouth/chin area and heavy peeling ..I used soft natural sponge -dry sponge to rub off some of those dry skin and that helped so much and then I would reapply CeraVe all over my face fallow with SPF 50 ...now the funny thing is I don't peel around my eyes, eye lids , cheeks or forehead at all..no dryiness except my mouth area ...but again please not that doesn't bother me At All ...but now I am wondering if that is normal can u peel in one area and not at all for example under your eyes...and why not..should a peel ...or not....is that normal or not...or does it take longer to peel in those areas .... I know I am only on my second week and a few days but is that totally fine...peeling would happen maybe later ......I was told that peeling helps to uncover a new skin ....or should I go 1% .again I love love what I see .my skin is not a stranger to chemical peels last year every second month I would do TCA 18% peel loved it but I didnt like downtime ... Tretinoin to me is less aggressive and an amazing agent to address issues such as texture, thickness of your skin, wrinkles and other things 😅 thank u
Note I forgot to add growing up i never ever had any pimples on my skin .. i dont even know how it feels to have pimple on your face thanks to my grandmother ❤
Oily gal in humid environment here. Love the gel!
Apparently the gel is actually better in terms of photo stability, if you use your phone after applying the tret cream apparently the tret doesn’t work anymore? Can we talk about that
I've been using tretinoin 0.05% since 1990 and can use it around eyes mouth and neck w no issues. I'm 50 and have never had a wrinkle. I do have pock marks though from severe acne
Did you use gel or cream?
Thank you so much for sharing this information, especially about the other ingredients!
Can you apply moisturizer after retina MICRO? Please help 💕
Hi, I know you hate questions on self tanners, it colours the dead skin cells on the skin surface, I get that, but how does this affect using skin anti hyperpigmentation products like, vit c, retinols, Niacinamide, …. Do they cancel each other? Basically, I am asking about how self tanners and regular skin care regiments interact. Thanks
Hi forgot to mention yesterday that the new maybelline Sky High mascara is the best of theirs that o recently bought. I splurged and bought the ‘primer’ as well. It really does add a bit of oomph. Have a great day
Hey Dr. Dray! Can you review the Tretinoin that you can get through Agency?
Hey Dr Dray. Can everyday use of Ketoconazole shampoo be hepatotoxic and harmful to the liver? Especially in patients with damaged liver?
No, liver toxicity is with oral ketoconazole
@@DrDrayzday Thank you. There's so little information on this online. Have a great day!
Altreno (lotion) is the best tretinoin I've ever used. It's only avaIlable in 0.05%, though. I hope they make a 0.1% version.
How funny, I just restarted my tretinoin and had to choose between the two. Went with the cream, but was going to research the difference. And here Dr. Dray delivering!
Thanks for watching 💙
You always so ready with your videos I don’t mind the fact that you reading your notes 😊 they are really helpful so thank you 🙏
The cream distributes and spreads so evenly I won’t even try the gel! Nothing better than this product it’s made my face go from looking like a plantation oak tree to a sapling! 👍🏻🤠☕️
👍🏼👍🏼
@@DrDrayzday the impatient people that start it then quit because they want fast results will never know how good it is!
Hi Uncle Charlie! Happy Monday!! I really need to try this!! I started using Differin about a month ago so I want to see how that goes. But may eventually switch to Tretinoin. I want to look like a sapling!! Lol! Hope you had a wonderful day. Peace, joy and blessings to you, friend. 🌳🕊🌳🙏🌳☕
@@marylawman8603 Tretinoin/ Retin A the main go to don’t think anything can do more by itself from all I’ve seen! God bless have a nice evening! Thanks! 🙏🤠
If i remember correctly, benzoyl peroxide helps decrease the chance of Clindamycin resistent bacteria? The Tret-gel i get prescribed almost always has Clindamycin alongside it even if it's not necessary.
Wryly not able to get just tret
I love you doctor thanks for this, I think you should add how to apply to the title too because the video contains it
Hi When using Tretinoin should serum come first or the Tretinoin so as to get maximum benefits from the tretinoin cream if skin is not sensitive?
Hello dr dray, can you please make a video on pearl extract (hydrolyzed pearl) in skincare (creams and lotions). Thank you
I was told that the cream is better for anti-aging whereas the gel is mostly used for acne and acne scars vs anti-aging. Should I be using the cream if I'm using it for the anti-aging benefits, or will the gel also help with fine lines and sun damage?
the drug works the same, regardless of gel or cream
I honestly use both. During hot months i prefer the gel and then get the cream for cold months. 😊
Does it work for you? Bcz I'm planning to do so.. 😊
@@sabnamsk2725 Yes yes, highly recommend it. Especially if you feel that your skin is a bit tight or dry during the cold months. Change to the cream version then go back to the gel when it's hot or humid.
@@sweetpoteightoes Thanks a lot ..would you help me further by replying..I wanna know.. did you get new purging when u altered gel to cream version? Thanks a ton in advance.
@@sabnamsk2725 sorry, i never got purging from tretinoin so i unfortunately can't help you with your question. 😅
For fungal acne I feel the gel is better as it doesn’t aggravate my fa
Was just thinking about this last night! Thank you for the video Dr Dray!
When I was a teen, I put mustard all over my face overnight. French's yellow mustard. Well, it gave me a good sunburn look. But my skin did peel and reveal new skin. Have any medical professionals looked into this? I won't do it again 😅 I'm just curious.
Chemistry lesson. Mustard has certain components of mustard, including allyl isothiocyanate, are strong skin irritants and vasodilators and are used as rubefacients or as tear gas. Mustard is very useful but skin on the face is sensitive for mustard masks.
Is the tretinon micro gel the same?
Greetings Dr Dray. I am using Tretinoin Gel and I want to know that can I apply moisturiser after that simultaneously as I am not getting any moisturiser peeling. Kindly guide me. 😇😇
Yes, you can but you must wait. At least 30 minutes or it will cause pilling so I wait 45 minutes actually.
Dr. Dray do recommend tretinoin cream for KP on the arms and legs my dermatologist prescribed it 🤔🤓
Is it best to avoid hypertrophic raised scars when applying tretinoin? Can it also help flatten them as well? I worry that tretinoin can make the raised scars worse because it stimulates collagen, which isn’t good for raised scars.
No that cant happen.
I prefer the gel and my friend prefers the cream. My insurance covers the cream and my best friends the gel. We have never understood the why…particularly when our preferences are the opposite. My skin doesn’t absorb the cream as well. I don’t find the cream as effective either.
Because insurance companies are the devil. You guys should switch 😂
I have oily skin so gel works better on me than cream
I have the tret in cream formulation. As soon as my skin calms down I’ll start using it this week! 🙂
hi How is the cream?
I have oily acne prone skin and im starting the 0.025% gel today
I'm the odd one where the gel gave me way more issues than the cream. I would say try the cream first because it's about 70 dollars cheaper.