5 Tretinoin Mistakes That Are Keeping You From Glowing Skin

Dr. Mary Alice Mina breaks down the top five tretinoin mistakes she sees her patients make — and admits she's made herself. From the dreaded purge to layering too many actives, she explains why so many people quit this powerhouse ingredient right before it starts working, and exactly how to use it correctly. She covers the difference between purging and irritation, the right amount to apply, how often to use it, why it's not a spot treatment, and which products to avoid pairing it with. Dr. Mina also answers a listener's question about her teeth — and shares her own Invisalign and retainer story. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has tried tretinoin, given up on it, or is too scared to start.

In This Episode:

0:00 — Welcome to The Skin Real

0:45 — What Is Tretinoin and Why Dermatologists Love It

3:30 — The Top 5 Tretinoin Mistakes

4:15 — Mistake #1: Stopping During the Purge

7:10 — Mistake #2: Using Too Much Product

8:45 — Mistake #3: Using It Too Frequently

10:30 — Mistake #4: Treating It Like a Spot Treatment

11:30 — Mistake #5: Layering With Other Actives

14:00 — The Sandwich Method Explained

15:45 — Recap of All 5 Mistakes

16:30 — Listener Q&A: Are Your Teeth Real?

18:00 — Final Thoughts and Where to Find Dr. Mina

Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out!

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🔗 Find a board-certified dermatologist near you: https://www.aad.org

Dr. Mina is a board-certified dermatologist on a mission to cut through the noise and help women feel amazing in their skin again. After decades in clinic, she has taken her expertise online to offer trusted, no-fluff education and skin strategies that actually work. No filters. No fear tactics. Just science, simplicity, and a little fun!

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Thanks for tuning in. And remember, real skin care is real simple when you know who to trust.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.