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Top 5 Best Moisturizers to Use With Tretinoin Cream

A good moisturizer is a must when using Tretinoin. Learn more about the 5 best moisturizers to pair with your prescription retinoids.

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In this article, we’re rounding up the very best moisturizers to use with tretinoin cream.

Tretinoin can be very drying so proper moisturizing is absolutely essential.

If you’re thinking about hopping on the tretinoin train (or are already on board) you need a moisturization game plan.

Below, we will cover the 5 best moisturizers to pair with your Tretinoin, as well the importance of moisturizing while using a retinoid.

What is tretinoin used for?

Tretinoin is a great treatment for mild to severe acne, aging skin, hyperpigmentation, and acne scarring.

With time, this powerful retinoid resurfaces the skin to reveal newer, healthier-looking skin. It boosts collagen production and increases skin cell turnover rate.

But this process, at least initially, can be rather taxing on the skin.

Prescription retinoids are a fan favorite in the skincare world, but the possible initial side effects cannot be ignored.

The importance of moisturizing while using Tretinoin

One way to avoid peeling and irritated skin while using tretinoin is to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.

While using tretinoin (and beyond) if you focus on boosting the health of your skin barrier function, your skin will thank you.

If your skin barrier is happy and strong, it’s less likely you’ll experience unwanted side effects.

Harsh exfoliating treatments can compromise your skin barrier function if you don’t restore balance.

Moisturize to restore balance when using retinoids

Using a moisturizer that closely mimics the skin’s natural moisture barrier is shown to be the most effective.

So, when using tretinoin, using a gentle restorative moisturizer that is packed with ceramides, niacinamide and nourishing fatty acids is a must.

Learn more: How to apply tretinoin the right way

The top 5 best moisturizers to use with tretinoin cream

Best Moisturizer to Use With Tretinoin Cream

1. The best night cream to use with tretinoin cream

The La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Multi-Purpose Balm. This multi-purpose repairing cream was specifically created to soothe irritated dry skin. It’s a shea butter and glycerin-based balm, so it’s super-rich and healing-- great for night routines.

Tretinoin users have reviewed this product and named it the “holy grail of moisturizers.”

It’s helped countless people get through tretinoin irritation. It’s non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, suitable for sensitive skin, and even suitable for babies.

Best Moisturizer to Use With Tretinoin Cream

2. The best budget moisturizer to use with tretinoin cream

Old faithful, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is a budget-friendly moisturizer that delivers. Don’t let the affordability fool you. This hydrating moisturizer is perfectly balanced and great for all skin types.

CeraVe prides itself on creating products that restore skin barrier function. This why their products are rich in hyaluronic acid and essential ceramides.  

This product is great for sensitive skin, it’s non-comedogenic and suitable for AM and PM use.  

Best Moisturizer to Use With Tretinoin Cream

3. The best super dry skin moisturizer to use with tretinoin cream

Super dry skin? We think this Ultra Facial Cream by Kiehl's can help. This is a thick hydrating cream but is surprisingly lightweight on the skin. It almost immediately absorbs into the skin and provides mega moisture.

It was designed with skin barrier-loving olive-derived Squalene and Glacial Glycoprotein.

Since it’s so lightweight, the cream can be used in the morning and night to restore moisture balance.

Best Moisturizer to Use With Tretinoin Cream

4. The best sunscreen moisturizer to use with tretinoin cream

Want the crème de la crème of hydrating sun protection? Look no further than EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40.

Sun protection is essential when using tretinoin. So, a morning SPF moisturizer is a must. This is a high protection mineral sunscreen that is lightweight, non-greasy, and full of hydrating hyaluronic acid.

So many mineral sunscreens cause the dreaded white cast or make you look like a giant grease ball. But not this one. It’s slightly mattifying yet moisturizing -- not sure what kind of SPF sorcery this is, but we’re all for it.

Best Moisturizer to Use With Tretinoin Cream

5. The best soothing gel moisturizer to use with tretinoin cream

Hyaluronic acid helps to retain water and pushes it into your skin cells, hydrating your skin and causing a plumping effect.

A moisturizing gel that is packed with hyaluronic acid is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel.

This is hydrating and cooling on the skin. If you have dry and sensitive skin, this gel might be just what you need.

Strut Health prescription Tretinoin products online

To help reduce drying side effects, here at Strut Health we thoughtfully formulate our tretinoin-containing products to include hydrating ingredients. (Although, you still need to pair them with a good moisturizer of your choice.)

If you want to try our balanced tretinoin products, complete our simple questionnaire-based online doctor's consultation. Our doctors will personally review your specific needs and skincare goals and develop a treatment plan.

If our doctors find our tretinoin-containing products are a good fit for you, we’ll ship your prescription to your doorstep with free shipping.

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Cancel anytime, no fees
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