WEEKS 1–4
Retinization
The first 2–6 weeks of tretinoin use generally involve the skin getting used to it. During this time, it is common to experience some skin irritation, purging, dryness, and peeling. This is the retinization phase — the skin is responding, not reacting negatively. The TXA and niacinamide in the formulation actively support barrier function during this window, which is part of why a combination cream can be more tolerable than tretinoin alone. Starting at two nights per week as directed significantly reduces the intensity of this phase.

