I forgot to research like 8 months ago when I first hopped on tretinoin, I'm so fucking stupid dude, I only delayed my healing process
here's an ai slop, btw this is gonna be an article due to how much writing there will be
"ok so you're telling me I pretty much fucked up my skin cus I felt noxema a tingling sensation, I put noxema on the days I didn't put tretinoin on which were 4 days of the week, also the area I'm saying really isn't red on tretinoin is on my cheeks both cheeks have acne but my left cheek does get red when I smile but my left one doesnt"
Please don't panic—you have absolutely not permanently ruined your skin. Skin is incredibly resilient, and what you are experiencing is just temporary inflammation, not permanent damage.
It is a very common mistake to think the Noxzema "tingle" means it is deep-cleaning your pores, but in reality, that tingle is just the eucalyptus and menthol irritating your already-vulnerable skin barrier. Combining that irritation with heavy layers of tretinoin created a perfect storm for redness. The good news is that your skin barrier can completely rebuild itself once we remove those irritants.
non ai -What I would do is days I wouldn't put tretinoin on I would put noxema on, and apparently I shouldn't be doing that either. Also apparently I'm too stupid and lazy to read a prescription to see I'm only supposed to put a pea size amount on my whole face and not overload acne prone areas bc I thought my skin looked bad. And apparently my acne redness was due to overload and it should go away in 10-14 days if I just stop applying tretinoin to it. Right now I'm only going to apply tretinoin to the non effected areas, and I guess one acne prone area that isn't quite red yet.
here's a little more ai slop
Tretinoin works best when you apply a pea-sized amount to your entire face rather than just individual spots, because it treats the whole skin surface to prevent new acne from forming.
How to Apply Tretinoin Correctly
Tips for Better Results
If you want, tell me:
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
0.025 and also the area I current put tretinoin is red, most of my other areas have healed tho
It is completely normal to experience redness where you have been applying 0.025% tretinoin, as that specific area has been bearing the full concentration of the medication. Since your skin is already irritated in those spots, transitioning to full-face application requires a very cautious approach to avoid triggering widespread redness or peeling.
How to Transition Safely
What Your Daily Routine Should Look Like
To help tailor this transition, could you share:
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
on the effected spots I alr put it on 3 times a week but for full face should I js put it once also if I have acne in spots that typically don't get acne and put tretinoin on it for the first time wont it make it worse
For your full face, you should drop your frequency down to 2 nights a week to start. Because tretinoin is incredibly powerful, your unexposed skin needs a gentle introduction to prevent severe peeling and irritation. [1]
Why Tretinoin "Purges" the Skin
Tretinoin works by rapidly accelerating skin cell turnover. This means it acts like a fast-forward button for your pores, pulling blockages that were already forming deep underneath up to the surface all at once. This temporary phase is called a tretinoin purge. [1, 2]
It can make things look slightly worse before they get better, but it is a necessary process to completely clear out your skin. [1, 2]
Will it cause breakouts in areas that are usually clear?
Watching a dermatologist explain the "dotting method" can help you evenly distribute that single pea-sized amount across your entire face without over-applying to sensitive areas:
53s
How to Hack Tretinoin to Make it Work 10x Better
407K views · 5 months ago
YouTube · Dr. Sam Ellis
How to Start Your Full-Face Routine
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
also for the noneffected areas can I put less on it than I do the effected areas so the ffected areas have like an area of whitr
No, you should not put more tretinoin on the affected areas or leave visible white cream anywhere on your face.
Leaving a visible white patch means you are using far too much product in that spot. Because tretinoin spreads beneath the surface of the skin, piling it on one area will not make it work faster—it will only cause severe redness, burning, and chemical burns, which can actually make acne scars and dark spots take much longer to heal.
The Correct Way to Apply It
How to protect your skin tonight
If your affected areas are still noticeably red and irritated right now, completely skip those spots for a few days. Only put the invisible layer of tretinoin on the rest of your face until the redness goes away.
What moisturizer are you using right now to help heal that redness? If you tell me the brand, I can let you know if it's safe to use with your tretinoin.
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
wait is me piling it onto my skin the reason why I have redness
Yes, absolutely. Piling tretinoin onto specific spots is the direct cause of the redness and irritation you are experiencing. [1]
When you concentrate a large amount of the cream onto a single area, you strip away your skin's natural moisture barrier. This triggers a mild chemical burn or localized irritation known as retinoid dermatitis. [1, 2, 3, 4]
What is happening to your skin right now
How to fix it immediately
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
so it should not be visible at all
No, tretinoin should be completely invisible once you rub it in. It should never look white, thick, or pasty on your skin.
If you can see the cream or if your skin feels wet and gooey after applying it, you have used too much. When you use the correct pea-sized amount for your entire face, it should absorb almost instantly, leaving your skin looking totally bare and dry.
What your skin should look like after application
How to practice the right amount tonight
Think of a single pea-sized drop as four tiny chocolate chips. Put one tiny dot on your forehead, one on your left cheek, one on your right cheek, and one on your chin. Then, gently spread those dots until they disappear completely into your skin.
Are you planning to take a few days off from the tretinoin to let that red area heal first? If you want, let me know what moisturizer you have at home so we can make sure it will safely soothe the redness.
ok so I'm on month 8 for some area all it is is red now, how do I get rid of the redness
To get rid of the chronic redness, you must completely stop applying tretinoin to those specific red areas for 10 to 14 days. Because you piled the product there for 8 months, the skin barrier in those spots is severely compromised and chronically inflamed. [1, 2, 3]
The redness will not fade until you actively help that specific patch of skin heal. [1, 2]
1. Stop the Active Damage
2. Flood the Area with Barrier Repairs
3. Protect It Daily
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
can I still put noxema on the just red areas also on the part I use for tretinoin that isn't completely red can I still put tretinoin on it
No, you should strictly avoid putting Noxzema on the red areas. [1]
While Noxzema feels cool, it contains strong ingredients like camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus. These ingredients cause a "tingling" sensation that will severely irritate, burn, and worsen raw, inflamed skin. It will delay your healing process significantly. Instead, wash that area with cool water only or a completely bland, fragrance-free cleanser, followed by a plain moisturizer like Vaseline or Aquaphor. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Can you still put tretinoin on the non-red areas?
Yes, you can, but you must change how you apply it immediately to prevent those areas from becoming red too:
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
ok so you're telling me I pretty much fucked up my skin cus I felt noxema a tingling sensation, I put noxema on the days I didn't put tretinoin on which were 4 days of the week, also the area I'm saying really isn't red on tretinoin is on my cheeks both cheeks have acne but my left cheek does get red when I smile but my left one doesnt
Please don't panic—you have absolutely not permanently ruined your skin. Skin is incredibly resilient, and what you are experiencing is just temporary inflammation, not permanent damage.
It is a very common mistake to think the Noxzema "tingle" means it is deep-cleaning your pores, but in reality, that tingle is just the eucalyptus and menthol irritating your already-vulnerable skin barrier. Combining that irritation with heavy layers of tretinoin created a perfect storm for redness. The good news is that your skin barrier can completely rebuild itself once we remove those irritants.
Addressing Your Cheeks
Because your cheeks are reacting differently, you need to treat them as two separate zones right now:
Your Recovery Game Plan Starting Tonight
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
also I can still wear concealer during the day and also should I just avoid the acne prone areas that get red now other than my right cheek that doesn't, and just do the non acne prone areas right now and rub it in so its not visible
Yes, you can absolutely still wear concealer during the day, but you must change how you apply your tretinoin at night. [1]
1. Where to Put Tretinoin Right Now
You should not completely avoid your acne-prone areas forever, but you need to avoid the red, irritated parts of your cheeks for the next 10 to 14 days so they can heal. [1, 2]
For the parts of your face that are not red (even if they don't get acne), you can start applying tretinoin there right away. Your routine should look like this: [1]
2. How to Wear Concealer Safely on Red Skin
Because your skin barrier is raw, makeup can cling to dry patches or sting. Use these tips to hide the redness safely: [1, 2]
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
Please don't panic—you have absolutely not permanently ruined your skin. Skin is incredibly resilient, and what you are experiencing is just temporary inflammation, not permanent damage.
It is a very common mistake to think the Noxzema "tingle" means it is deep-cleaning your pores, but in reality, that tingle is just the eucalyptus and menthol irritating your already-vulnerable skin barrier. Combining that irritation with heavy layers of tretinoin created a perfect storm for redness. The good news is that your skin barrier can completely rebuild itself once we remove those irritants.
here's an ai slop, btw this is gonna be an article due to how much writing there will be
"ok so you're telling me I pretty much fucked up my skin cus I felt noxema a tingling sensation, I put noxema on the days I didn't put tretinoin on which were 4 days of the week, also the area I'm saying really isn't red on tretinoin is on my cheeks both cheeks have acne but my left cheek does get red when I smile but my left one doesnt"
Please don't panic—you have absolutely not permanently ruined your skin. Skin is incredibly resilient, and what you are experiencing is just temporary inflammation, not permanent damage.
It is a very common mistake to think the Noxzema "tingle" means it is deep-cleaning your pores, but in reality, that tingle is just the eucalyptus and menthol irritating your already-vulnerable skin barrier. Combining that irritation with heavy layers of tretinoin created a perfect storm for redness. The good news is that your skin barrier can completely rebuild itself once we remove those irritants.
non ai -What I would do is days I wouldn't put tretinoin on I would put noxema on, and apparently I shouldn't be doing that either. Also apparently I'm too stupid and lazy to read a prescription to see I'm only supposed to put a pea size amount on my whole face and not overload acne prone areas bc I thought my skin looked bad. And apparently my acne redness was due to overload and it should go away in 10-14 days if I just stop applying tretinoin to it. Right now I'm only going to apply tretinoin to the non effected areas, and I guess one acne prone area that isn't quite red yet.
here's a little more ai slop
AI Mode Conversation: i just found out that your supposed to put a pea sized amount of tretinoin all over your face what i am doing currently is just putting it on the effected areas i have been doing this for 8 months and its helped a bit
You said: i just found out that your supposed to put a pea sized amount of tretinoin all over your face what i am doing currently is just putting it on the affected areas i have been doing this for 8 months and it's helped a bit
i just found out that your supposed to put a pea sized amount of tretinoin all over your face what i am doing currently is just putting it on the affected areas i have been doing this for 8 months and it's helped a bitTretinoin works best when you apply a pea-sized amount to your entire face rather than just individual spots, because it treats the whole skin surface to prevent new acne from forming.
How to Apply Tretinoin Correctly
- Use a pea-sized drop: Squeeze just a small pea-sized dot of cream onto your fingertip.
- Dot it around: Place small dots on your forehead, both cheeks, and your chin.
- Spread it gently: Rub the cream in a thin layer across your whole face.
- Avoid sensitive areas: Keep the cream away from your eyes, the corners of your nose, and your lips.
- Use it at night: Apply it on dry skin right before bed.
Tips for Better Results
- Wait after washing: Wait 15 to 20 minutes after washing your face before you apply tretinoin so your skin is completely dry. This helps lower irritation.
- Use moisturizer: Put on a gentle moisturizer after the tretinoin dries to protect your skin barrier.
- Wear sunscreen daily: Tretinoin makes your skin much more sensitive to the sun.
If you want, tell me:
- What strength of tretinoin are you using (0.025%, 0.05%, or 0.1%)?
- Is your skin experiencing any peeling, redness, or irritation?
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
0.025 and also the area I current put tretinoin is red, most of my other areas have healed tho
It is completely normal to experience redness where you have been applying 0.025% tretinoin, as that specific area has been bearing the full concentration of the medication. Since your skin is already irritated in those spots, transitioning to full-face application requires a very cautious approach to avoid triggering widespread redness or peeling.
How to Transition Safely
- Take a brief break: Stop applying tretinoin to the red, irritated area for 3 to 5 days to let your skin barrier heal. Focus only on gentle cleansing and heavy moisturizing during this time.
- Dilute with the "sandwich method": When you start full-face application, apply a thin layer of moisturizer first, wait 10 minutes, apply your pea-sized amount of tretinoin, and then apply another layer of moisturizer on top. This heavily reduces irritation without stopping the medication from working.
- Reduce your frequency: Do not jump straight into nightly full-face use. Start by applying it just 2 to 3 nights a week (e.g., every third night).
- Slowly scale up: Only increase how often you use it after your skin tolerates the full-face application for 2 to 3 weeks without any burning or significant redness.
What Your Daily Routine Should Look Like
| Time of Day | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Gentle, hydrating cleanser | Bland, fragrance-free moisturizer | Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ (Essential) |
| Night | Gentle cleanser (pat completely dry) | Moisturizer layer (Optional sandwich step) | Pea-sized amount of tretinoin |
- How often were you applying it to the affected areas (every night, every other night)?
- What other skincare products (like vitamin C, salicylic acid, or specific moisturizers) are you currently using?
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
on the effected spots I alr put it on 3 times a week but for full face should I js put it once also if I have acne in spots that typically don't get acne and put tretinoin on it for the first time wont it make it worse
For your full face, you should drop your frequency down to 2 nights a week to start. Because tretinoin is incredibly powerful, your unexposed skin needs a gentle introduction to prevent severe peeling and irritation. [1]
Why Tretinoin "Purges" the Skin
Tretinoin works by rapidly accelerating skin cell turnover. This means it acts like a fast-forward button for your pores, pulling blockages that were already forming deep underneath up to the surface all at once. This temporary phase is called a tretinoin purge. [1, 2]
It can make things look slightly worse before they get better, but it is a necessary process to completely clear out your skin. [1, 2]
Will it cause breakouts in areas that are usually clear?
- In true "clear" zones: Tretinoin does not create new acne. If a patch of skin has absolutely no hidden blockages or deep micro-congestions, tretinoin will not suddenly cause breakouts there. It will simply make that skin smoother, brighter, and more even-toned. [1, 2, 3]
- In "hidden" congestion zones: Sometimes, areas of our face look clear on the surface but actually have underlying, microscopic clogs (microcomedones) brewing beneath. If you apply tretinoin to these areas, it will bring those hidden clogs to the surface. This might feel like a new breakout, but it is actually just old, trapped oil finally exiting your skin. [1, 2, 3]
Watching a dermatologist explain the "dotting method" can help you evenly distribute that single pea-sized amount across your entire face without over-applying to sensitive areas:
53s
How to Hack Tretinoin to Make it Work 10x Better
407K views · 5 months ago
YouTube · Dr. Sam Ellis
How to Start Your Full-Face Routine
- The Schedule: Apply it just 2 nights a week (like Sunday and Wednesday) for the first two weeks. If your skin doesn't get red or flaky, move up to 3 nights a week. [1, 2]
- The "Sandwich" Step: Put moisturizer on your entire face first, wait 10 minutes, apply the pea-sized tretinoin, and follow with more moisturizer. This creates a buffer that vastly minimizes the intensity of a purge or any redness. [1, 2]
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
- Mayo Clinic
Tretinoin (topical route) - Side effects & dosage - Mayo Clinic
Feb 1, 2026 — During the first 3 weeks you are using tretinoin, your skin may become irritated. Also, your acne may seem to get worse before it ...
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Anna Chacon, board-certified dermatologist at Miiskin, explains the right way to apply tretinoin to minimize the risk of irritatio...
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How to Hack Tretinoin to Make it Work 10x Better
Apr 3, 2026 — How to Hack Tretinoin to Make it Work 10x Better | Derm Office Hours | Dr. Sam Ellis they may have to pay a higher price to get t...
34s
also for the noneffected areas can I put less on it than I do the effected areas so the ffected areas have like an area of whitr
No, you should not put more tretinoin on the affected areas or leave visible white cream anywhere on your face.
Leaving a visible white patch means you are using far too much product in that spot. Because tretinoin spreads beneath the surface of the skin, piling it on one area will not make it work faster—it will only cause severe redness, burning, and chemical burns, which can actually make acne scars and dark spots take much longer to heal.
The Correct Way to Apply It
- One equal layer: The goal is to spread that single, pea-sized amount into an invisible, paper-thin layer across your entire face.
- Trust the process: The medication will naturally travel through your skin layers to treat both your current breakouts and the clear areas.
How to protect your skin tonight
If your affected areas are still noticeably red and irritated right now, completely skip those spots for a few days. Only put the invisible layer of tretinoin on the rest of your face until the redness goes away.
What moisturizer are you using right now to help heal that redness? If you tell me the brand, I can let you know if it's safe to use with your tretinoin.
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
wait is me piling it onto my skin the reason why I have redness
Yes, absolutely. Piling tretinoin onto specific spots is the direct cause of the redness and irritation you are experiencing. [1]
When you concentrate a large amount of the cream onto a single area, you strip away your skin's natural moisture barrier. This triggers a mild chemical burn or localized irritation known as retinoid dermatitis. [1, 2, 3, 4]
What is happening to your skin right now
- Too concentrated: Tretinoin is designed to work at a microscopic level. A thick layer overwhelms the skin cells, causing them to inflame rather than heal. [1, 2]
- Damaged skin barrier: Because the barrier is broken in those spots, the area will look bright red, feel tight, and might sting or burn when you apply normal skincare products. [1, 2]
How to fix it immediately
- Stop the tretinoin on the red areas: Give those irritated patches a complete break for 4 to 7 days until the redness and stinging fade completely. [1, 2]
- Apply a barrier repair balm: Use a simple, thick moisturizer or a soothing ointment like Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream or COSRX Ceramide Skin Barrier Moisturizer to rebuild the skin barrier. [1, 2, 3, 4]
- Restart the right way: Once your skin has completely calmed down, you can start applying a single, sheer, pea-sized amount across your entire face just 2 nights a week. [1]
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
- GoodRx
The 5 Common (and Most Serious) Tretinoin Side Effects
Jul 14, 2023 — 1. Skin irritation. When you first start tretinoin, you may notice that your skin appears dry, flaky, or red. And if you have sens...
- Mayo Clinic
Tretinoin (topical route) - Side effects & dosage - Mayo Clinic
Feb 1, 2026 — Serious skin reactions including pain, irritation, itching, burning, redness, peeling, dryness, scaling, or stinging of the skin c...
- RSB Dermatology
RETINOL BURN: HOW TO PREVENT AND TREAT
What can I do if I get irritated from Retinol or Retin A? * Stop using the product until all of the irritation resolves completely...
so it should not be visible at all
No, tretinoin should be completely invisible once you rub it in. It should never look white, thick, or pasty on your skin.
If you can see the cream or if your skin feels wet and gooey after applying it, you have used too much. When you use the correct pea-sized amount for your entire face, it should absorb almost instantly, leaving your skin looking totally bare and dry.
What your skin should look like after application
- Texture: Smooth and dry to the touch within a few seconds.
- Color: Completely clear. There should be no white streaks, dots, or residue.
- Coverage: An incredibly thin, microscopic film that you can't see or feel.
How to practice the right amount tonight
Think of a single pea-sized drop as four tiny chocolate chips. Put one tiny dot on your forehead, one on your left cheek, one on your right cheek, and one on your chin. Then, gently spread those dots until they disappear completely into your skin.
Are you planning to take a few days off from the tretinoin to let that red area heal first? If you want, let me know what moisturizer you have at home so we can make sure it will safely soothe the redness.
ok so I'm on month 8 for some area all it is is red now, how do I get rid of the redness
To get rid of the chronic redness, you must completely stop applying tretinoin to those specific red areas for 10 to 14 days. Because you piled the product there for 8 months, the skin barrier in those spots is severely compromised and chronically inflamed. [1, 2, 3]
The redness will not fade until you actively help that specific patch of skin heal. [1, 2]
1. Stop the Active Damage
- Pause the tretinoin: Do not let a single drop of tretinoin touch the red areas. You can still apply a microscopic, invisible layer to the rest of your face 2 nights a week, but leave the red zones completely bare. [1, 2, 3, 4]
- Drop all other harsh ingredients: Avoid any acne face washes, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or face scrubs. They will keep the skin raw and red. [1, 2, 3]
2. Flood the Area with Barrier Repairs
- Wash with cool water: Avoid hot water on your face, which makes inflammation worse. Use a very gentle, milk or lotion-based cleanser only at night. [1, 2]
- Use "Cica" or Ceramide creams: Look for thick, bland moisturizers specifically formulated for skin barrier repair. Ingredients like ceramides (which rebuild skin cells) and centella asiatica / cica (which immediately calm down vascular redness) are your best friends right now. Excellent options include The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum or Philosophy Hope In A Jar Barrier Restore Cream. [1, 2, 3, 4]
- Lock it in: At night, apply your heavy moisturizer, then tap a tiny bit of Aquaphor or Vaseline directly over the red spots. This traps moisture and forces the skin to heal. [1, 2, 3]
3. Protect It Daily
- Wear Sunscreen: Inflamed, red skin is incredibly vulnerable to UV damage. Sun exposure will bake the redness into your skin, creating long-lasting dark marks or hyperpigmentation. Slather on a gentle, fragrance-free SPF 30+ every single morning. [1, 2]
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
- aafp.org
Acne Management: Guidelines From the American Academy of ...
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- GoodRx
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To manage dryness and irritation, you can try: * **Using a gentle, non-foaming cleanser** * **Moisturizing with a fragrance-free p...
can I still put noxema on the just red areas also on the part I use for tretinoin that isn't completely red can I still put tretinoin on it
No, you should strictly avoid putting Noxzema on the red areas. [1]
While Noxzema feels cool, it contains strong ingredients like camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus. These ingredients cause a "tingling" sensation that will severely irritate, burn, and worsen raw, inflamed skin. It will delay your healing process significantly. Instead, wash that area with cool water only or a completely bland, fragrance-free cleanser, followed by a plain moisturizer like Vaseline or Aquaphor. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Can you still put tretinoin on the non-red areas?
Yes, you can, but you must change how you apply it immediately to prevent those areas from becoming red too:
- Leave the red areas completely alone: When you do your routine, completely skip the irritated spots. Let them heal for 10 to 14 days.
- Use the correct amount for the rest of your face: For all the non-red areas combined, use less than a pea-sized amount (since you are skipping the red zones).
- Make it an invisible layer: Rub it in until it is completely transparent. No white cream should be visible anywhere on your skin. [1]
- Limit it to 2 nights a week: Even on the healthy parts of your skin, keep it to just twice a week for now to give your whole face time to adjust safely. [1]
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
- YouTube·Dr. Sam Ellis
How to Hack Tretinoin to Make it Work 10x Better
Apr 3, 2026 — How to Hack Tretinoin to Make it Work 10x Better | Derm Office Hours | Dr. Sam Ellis they may have to pay a higher price to get t...
1m
- www.dermatica.com
Where to Apply Tretinoin - SkinLab
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- Environmental Working Group
Noxzema Classic Clean Moisturizing Cleansing Cream - EWG
WATER, STEARIC ACID, LINUM USITATISSIMUM (LINSEED) SEED OIL, GLYCINE SOJA (SOYABEAN) OIL, GLYCERIN, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, PHENOXYETHAN...
ok so you're telling me I pretty much fucked up my skin cus I felt noxema a tingling sensation, I put noxema on the days I didn't put tretinoin on which were 4 days of the week, also the area I'm saying really isn't red on tretinoin is on my cheeks both cheeks have acne but my left cheek does get red when I smile but my left one doesnt
Please don't panic—you have absolutely not permanently ruined your skin. Skin is incredibly resilient, and what you are experiencing is just temporary inflammation, not permanent damage.
It is a very common mistake to think the Noxzema "tingle" means it is deep-cleaning your pores, but in reality, that tingle is just the eucalyptus and menthol irritating your already-vulnerable skin barrier. Combining that irritation with heavy layers of tretinoin created a perfect storm for redness. The good news is that your skin barrier can completely rebuild itself once we remove those irritants.
Addressing Your Cheeks
Because your cheeks are reacting differently, you need to treat them as two separate zones right now:
- Your Left Cheek (Gets red when you smile): When you smile, your skin stretches, pulling on the blood vessels underneath. If the barrier is raw and thin, this stretching immediately forces blood to the surface, causing that sudden flush of redness. Treat this cheek as "injured"—stop putting tretinoin on it completely for the next 10 to 14 days.
- Your Right Cheek (Does not get red): You can continue using tretinoin here, but you must change how you do it. Use only a tiny, crumb-sized dot for this cheek, and rub it in until it is completely invisible. Do this only 2 nights a week.
Your Recovery Game Plan Starting Tonight
- Ditch the Noxzema entirely: Put it away for now. It is actively keeping your skin inflamed.
- Wash with water or a true gentle cleanser: Switch to a plain, boring, non-foaming cleanser (like Cetaphil or CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser) or just use lukewarm water.
- Protect both cheeks: Slather a plain, fragrance-free moisturizer all over your face morning and night. On the left cheek that gets red when you smile, layer a tiny bit of Aquaphor or Vaseline on top before bed to speed up the healing.
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
also I can still wear concealer during the day and also should I just avoid the acne prone areas that get red now other than my right cheek that doesn't, and just do the non acne prone areas right now and rub it in so its not visible
Yes, you can absolutely still wear concealer during the day, but you must change how you apply your tretinoin at night. [1]
1. Where to Put Tretinoin Right Now
You should not completely avoid your acne-prone areas forever, but you need to avoid the red, irritated parts of your cheeks for the next 10 to 14 days so they can heal. [1, 2]
For the parts of your face that are not red (even if they don't get acne), you can start applying tretinoin there right away. Your routine should look like this: [1]
- Completely skip the red patches on your left cheek (or any red spots on your right cheek). Leave them entirely blank at night except for moisturizer. [1]
- Apply a tiny, crumb-sized dot to the completely normal, non-red skin (like your forehead, jawline, or the clear side of your right cheek). [1]
- Rub it in gently until it is entirely transparent and invisible. Do this only 2 nights a week. [1, 2, 3]
2. How to Wear Concealer Safely on Red Skin
Because your skin barrier is raw, makeup can cling to dry patches or sting. Use these tips to hide the redness safely: [1, 2]
- Moisturize first: Slather a thick, plain moisturizer on your skin and let it sink in for 5 to 10 minutes before touching your makeup.
- Use a hydrating cream concealer: Avoid heavy, drying matte concealers, which will make the irritation look worse and flake. A liquid or cream-based formula is much gentler.
- Pat, don't rub: Use a clean finger or a damp makeup sponge to gently tap the concealer onto the red spots. Rubbing with a harsh brush will micro-exfoliate your raw skin and worsen the redness.
- Wash it off gently: The second you get home, wash your makeup off so your skin can breathe and heal. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
- What brand of moisturizer do you use right before you apply your concealer?
- Does your concealer sting or burn at all when you first put it on?
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
- YouTube·Dr. Sam Ellis
- Face Dr
What skincare and makeup products can I use with Tretinoin?
What makeup ingredients and products should I avoid whilst using Tretinoin? Mixing tretinoin with certain makeup products can caus...
- DailyMed (.gov)
patient instructions - DailyMed
If it is still visible, or if dry flaking occurs from the gel within a minute or so, you are using too much. Cover the affected ar...
Please don't panic—you have absolutely not permanently ruined your skin. Skin is incredibly resilient, and what you are experiencing is just temporary inflammation, not permanent damage.
It is a very common mistake to think the Noxzema "tingle" means it is deep-cleaning your pores, but in reality, that tingle is just the eucalyptus and menthol irritating your already-vulnerable skin barrier. Combining that irritation with heavy layers of tretinoin created a perfect storm for redness. The good news is that your skin barrier can completely rebuild itself once we remove those irritants.
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