What happens if you stop using tretinoin?

Tretinoin is a type of retinoid that helps treat acne, fade dark spots, and reduce signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. 

Doctors often prescribe tretinoin under brand names like Retin-A, Renova, and Altreno. Tretinoin comes in various forms, including:

• creams
• gels
• lotions

Because of its strength and possible side effects, tretinoin is only available with a prescription from your doctor to ensure safe use. However, milder options like adapalene (sold as Differin) are available over the counter (OTC).

Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? Optum Perks offers personalized on-demand care in as little as 15 minutes. For $29, answer a few questions online and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a US-licensed healthcare professional. Get started here.

Can you just stop using tretinoin?

You can stop using tretinoin, but you should do so under the guidance of your doctor or dermatologist.

Tretinoin works by speeding up your skin’s natural process of shedding old cells and replacing them with new ones. This helps improve skin texture, tone, and overall appearance. For some people, applying tretinoin may lead to peeling and burning as the skin adjusts to tretinoin. This is called a “tretinoin purge” and typically lasts 4 to 6 weeks before you notice your skin getting better.

Some skin burning and peeling is typical. If you’re experiencing purging symptoms that become too painful or bothersome or continue longer than 3 months, talk with your doctor. They may recommend pausing tretinoin use or stop using it completely.

Is it bad to take a break from tretinoin?

It’s okay to take a break from using tretinoin, especially if:

• your face has become red, or you notice any other color changes
• your skin has become tender or very dry
• you notice peeling

These may be signs that you are overusing tretinoin. Overuse may mean you’re applying too much at once or too often. When you first start using tretinoin, you should start with a pea-sized amount applied to your face every other night. This allows your skin to adjust gradually and reduces the likelihood of irritation or dryness in the early stages of use. If your skin still feels irritated from tretinoin, you can try applying it for 30 minutes before washing it off. This may help your skin build up a tolerance.

If you need to take a break from using tretinoin, make sure you moisturize the skin on your face as it heals. Once your skin is less irritated, you may slowly start to use tretinoin again.

Does your skin go back to natural after tretinoin?

Older studies show that the pro-aging benefits of tretinoin may not last if you stop using it. Improvements in skin appearance regarding wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and evening out skin tone typically require continued use of tretinoin to maintain them. These pro-aging improvements may regress after you have completely stopped using tretinoin.

Your skin may also need to readjust when you stop tretinoin. You may experience redness or discoloration, dryness, or peeling as you stop using it, but these should go away as your skin gets used to the change. You also may notice acne returning.

Summary

You may want to stop or pause using tretinoin for a variety of reasons. However, no medical evidence says you need to slowly stop using tretinoin to avoid side effects. You should stop using tretinoin under the guidance of a doctor or dermatologist. Once you stop using it, the pro-aging benefits will likely fade over time, but it won’t cause a withdrawal reaction.

You can pause your tretinoin use whenever it seems like it’s getting too much for your skin to handle. It’s important to maintain a nourishing skin care routine and keep it moisturized while pausing or stopping tretinoin.