When starting a new skincare treatment, especially something as powerful as tretinoin, it’s natural to wonder what changes you will see and when. Many people begin their journey with both excitement and hesitation, as tretinoin is well-known for delivering dramatic improvements in skin texture, acne reduction, and anti-aging effects. To make the process less overwhelming, it helps to break it down tretinoin week by week, so you’ll know what to expect along the way.

This guide provides a detailed look at the typical tretinoin timeline, the common side effects you may face, and how your skin gradually transforms. Everyone’s skin is unique, but understanding the general stages can help you stay patient and consistent while waiting for results.

Week 1–2: The Initial Adjustment Phase

During the first couple of weeks, your skin is getting used to tretinoin. This stage is often referred to as the “initiation period.”

What to expect:

• Mild irritation such as dryness, flaking, redness, and a stinging sensation when applying skincare.
• Breakouts may worsen temporarily (known as “purging”). This happens because tretinoin speeds up cell turnover, pushing clogged pores to the surface more quickly.
• Skin might feel tighter or more sensitive than usual.

Tips for this phase:

• Start slow: use tretinoin 2–3 times per week rather than daily.
• Apply a moisturizer before or after tretinoin to minimize irritation.
• Always use sunscreen in the morning—tretinoin increases sun sensitivity.

Week 3–4: Early Signs of Change

By the third and fourth week, your skin has started adjusting, though some irritation may still persist.

What to expect:

• Continued dryness or peeling, but less intense than in week one.
• Breakouts may still appear, but the frequency should start decreasing.