What to Do If You Experience Irritation or Dryness

What to Do If You Experience Irritation or Dryness
A little irritation is normal when starting acne treatment. Your skin is adjusting to powerful ingredients, and some dryness, redness, or flaking may show up in the first few weeks. The good news is that these side effects are temporary and manageable.

Why irritation happens
Prescription ingredients like tretinoin, adapalene, or benzoyl peroxide increase skin cell turnover. That means your skin is shedding and renewing faster than usual. While this helps clear acne, it can also lead to tightness, stinging, or visible peeling — especially if your skin is new to treatment.

How to manage side effects

• Stick to a gentle routine. Avoid scrubs, exfoliating acids, or harsh cleansers while your skin adjusts.
• Moisturize twice a day. Use a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer even if your skin feels oily.
• Apply your treatment last. Let your skin fully dry after washing, apply moisturizer first, then use your prescription treatment. This helps reduce irritation.
• Start slow. If prescribed daily use, you can start with every other night for the first week or two. This gives your skin more time to adapt.
• Wear sunscreen daily. It protects your skin from further stress and helps prevent dark spots.

When to talk to your provider
If irritation becomes painful, your skin burns or blisters, or you notice swelling, stop using the treatment and contact your provider. They may suggest a lower strength formula, a new routine, or a short break to let your skin recover.

Mild irritation is common at the beginning, but it shouldn’t stop you from continuing. With the right care, your skin will adjust and the side effects will fade.

Sources to learn more:
Mayo Clinic | National Institute of Health | Johns Hopkins