Tretinoin is a prescription skincare product that is effective in treating acne, hyperpigmentation and skin ageing. However, it is a powerful skin ingredient and can cause sensitivity or irritation if it is not used correctly. One of the biggest questions around tretinoin is whether you can use it with professional skin treatments like lasers, Botox and fillers. In this article, we’ll explore which treatments are safe to have with tretinoin and how to combine them safely.
Tretinoin & Injectable Skin Treatments
Injectable treatments work below or around the surface of the skin rather than on it directly. This means they are generally compatible with tretinoin. The main precaution is to pause application around the injection sites for a day or two. This keeps the skin calm and less reactive when the needle goes in.
- Botox: Botox relaxes facial muscles to soften lines and wrinkles. It also has uses in treating gummy smiles, slim a square jaw and lift the lip. Because it works on the muscles rather than the skin, it is generally safe to combine with tretinoin. Avoid applying tretinoin for 24 to 48 hours before and after treatment to reduce irritation at the injection sites. Then follow your practitioner’s usual Botox aftercare.
- Dermal fillers: dermal fillers are gel-like substances that a practitioner injects to restore volume and smooth lines. They are most often used for lip enhancement, cheek augmentation, smile lines and tear troughs. They are safe to use with tretinoin as long as you take a little care. Pause tretinoin for 48 hours before and after to avoid irritation at the injection site, then follow your practitioner’s aftercare instructions.
- Profhilo and skin boosters: Profhilo and skin boosters are injectable hyaluronic acid treatments that hydrate and rejuvenate the skin by stimulating collagen and elastin. This improves overall texture and appearance. They are also safe alongside tretinoin with a little care. Pause it for 48 hours before and after to minimise irritation or sensitivity, then follow the aftercare you are given.
Advanced Skin Treatments
The treatments in this group work harder on the skin itself. They resurface, exfoliate or create controlled injury to trigger renewal. Because tretinoin already speeds up cell turnover, combining the two without a break can leave the skin raw. As such, these procedures need more careful planning and a longer pause than injectables.
- Microneedling: collagen induction therapy or microneedling uses fine needles to create microscopic punctures that stimulate collagen and help treat fine lines, wrinkles and scarring. It requires careful planning around tretinoin. Stop tretinoin at least a week before and wait until the skin heals to resume, which is usually 48 to 72 hours after the session.
- Laser treatments: laser treatments use focused light to resurface and rejuvenate the skin and can target hyperpigmentation, acne, scarring and wrinkles. They can be combined with tretinoin with caution. Discontinue tretinoin at least 1 to 2 weeks before, though ablative lasers may need longer and gentler ones less time. Resume under professional guidance once the skin has healed, since there is a risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Microdermabrasion: this skin-resurfacing technique uses physical exfoliation to remove the top layer of skin, smoothing fine lines, fading dark spots and encouraging new growth. It requires caution with tretinoin. Stop tretinoin for 7 days before and after, then wait for the skin to heal before resuming to prevent over-exfoliation.
- Chemical peels: chemical peels are solutions applied to the skin to exfoliate the outer layers and promote regeneration. How long you pause tretinoin varies with the type and strength of the peel. Generally, pause tretinoin for a few days to a week before and after, and follow the specific guidelines for your procedure.
Professional Beauty Treatments
Salon and beauty treatments vary widely in how much they disturb the skin. Some, like a gentle facial, sit comfortably alongside tretinoin. Others, like waxing or anything involving extractions, can tip already-sensitised skin into irritation. The guidance below covers when a short pause is worth it.
- Facials and hydrafacial: simple facials do not usually need a break from tretinoin. However, if your facial includes extractions or peels then you should stop tretinoin as it will sensitise the skin. In that case, pause it for 2 to 3 days before and after, and follow the specific aftercare for your treatment.
- Waxing: whilst waxing is a common hair removal method, it can irritate the skin when combined with tretinoin. It may also be more painful as tretinoin sensitises the skin. Pausing is recommended, and ideally you should avoid waxing the face whilst on tretinoin. Discontinue it for 3 to 5 days before waxing and resume the day after with the relevant aftercare.
- LED masks and light therapy: these use different wavelengths of light to target concerns like acne, wrinkles and uneven skin tone, with each colour offering a specific effect. They are generally safe with tretinoin, though sensitive skin may need extra caution. You can usually continue tretinoin, but avoid using it at the same time of day. Check with your skincare provider for specific advice and monitor for any unusual reactions.
Tretinoin is one of the most powerful topical treatments available for skin ageing and acne. The beauty of tretinoin is that you can combine it with other skincare products and professional skin treatments. To do this successfully, you need to avoid risks of irritation and sensitivity by preparing and protecting your skin. The above is a general guide to how long to stop tretinoin before and after the most common beauty treatments. However, this will depend on your individual skin type, skin concerns and the specific procedure you are having done. Always let your practitioner know that you are using tretinoin. They will have specific guidelines for when to stop and restart it depending on the treatment they are offering. They will also provide you with specific aftercare instructions which may include adhering to a specific routine before or after your treatment.
At City Skin Clinic, we are passionate about personalised skincare. Our online clinic offers safe and effective custom treatments using ingredients like tretinoin, hydroquinone and azelaic acid where appropriate. Our doctors treat conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma and skin ageing. To start your personalised plan, book a virtual video consultation or use our online consultation form. The journey towards great skin and hair starts here.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified medical professional with any concerns about your skin or treatment options.
