She Used Retinoid Like a Dermatologist for 30 Nights and What Happened Next SHOCKED Everyone—Pores Gone, Acne Vanished, Skin Like Porcelain! Discover the Exact Step-by-Step Method That’s Going Viral and Changing Faces Around the World—Before It Gets Deleted by Big Skincare!

Everything You Need to Know About Retinoids: A Skincare Game-Changer

What’s up everyone—today we’re diving into a long overdue skincare topic: retinoids. Inspired by the lively and informative discussion from dermatologists Dr. Maxfield and Dr. Shaw, this article breaks down everything you need to know about retinoids, from what they are and how they work to how to incorporate them into your routine without the dreaded “retinoid burn.” Whether you’re aiming for dewy, glowy skin or just want to keep acne and wrinkles at bay, this is your retinoid roadmap.

What Exactly Is a Retinoid?

The term “retinoid” can be confusing, so let’s simplify it. Think of “retinoid” as the umbrella term—just like “fruit” includes apples, oranges, and bananas. Under this retinoid umbrella, we have:

Retinol – over-the-counter and the mildest form

Retinaldehyde (Retinal) – one conversion away from active form

Tretinoin – prescription strength and very effective

Adapalene – available OTC (like in Differin), great for acne

Tazarotene – very strong prescription, often for severe acne or aging

Isotretinoin – oral medication for cystic acne (e.g., Accutane)

Each of these has a different strength and potential for skin irritation. But at their core, they’re all derivatives of vitamin A, and they work by increasing cell turnover and stimulating collagen production.

Why Should You Use a Retinoid?

Here’s why retinoids are considered the cornerstone of any serious skincare routine:

✅ Fights acne by preventing clogged pores

✅ Reduces wrinkles by boosting collagen production

✅ Improves skin texture and tone

✅ Fades dark spots and hyperpigmentation

✅ Minimizes the appearance of pores

✅ Helps achieve that dewy, light-reflecting glow

In other words, retinoids are your one-stop-shop for clearer, smoother, younger-looking skin.

Dr. Maxfield’s Retinoid Journey

When Dr. Maxfield started his dermatology residency, he wanted one thing: dewy, glowing skin. His mentor told him the secret was simple—start using a retinoid. Like many of us, he jumped in full-force, applying it nightly and expecting instant results.

What did he get instead?
👉 Redness, irritation, and flaking—aka retinoid dermatitis.

He quickly learned that more is not better when it comes to retinoids. The key is consistency, not intensity. So let’s talk about how you can avoid his mistakes.

How to Start a Retinoid Without Wrecking Your Skin

🔹 Tip #1: Pick the Right Strength

Start low and slow. If you’re a beginner or have sensitive skin, begin with a gentle retinol. Great starter options include:

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum – mild and hydrating

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% – low irritation potential

Adapalene (e.g., Differin) – excellent for acne-prone skin

If you’re ready for something stronger and have a prescription, tretinoin is very effective, but ease into it. There are also newer prescription retinoids like Altreno or compounded options from brands like Skin Medicinals, which mix tretinoin with anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric.

🔹 Tip #2: Use a Pea-Sized Amount

A little goes a long way. Use a pea-sized amount and dot it across your face before gently spreading it. Apply it after cleansing and before your moisturizer.

Optional trick: If you’re ultra-sensitive, use the “moisture sandwich” method—moisturizer first, retinoid next, then another layer of moisturizer.

🔹 Tip #3: Start Every Third Night

Don’t go full-throttle like Dr. Maxfield did. Instead, use this smart timeline:

Month 1: Apply every third night

Month 2: Every other night

Month 3: Every night (if your skin tolerates it)

This slow introduction gives your skin time to adapt and helps minimize irritation.

What to Expect: The Retinoid Purge and Adjustment Period

Yes, you might experience:

Flaking

Redness

Slight burning or dryness

This is normal. Retinoids increase cell turnover, which can cause temporary irritation as your skin adjusts. This period usually lasts 2–3 weeks.

Important: Don’t quit during this stage. It gets better, and the payoff is worth it.

When Will You See Results?

2–4 weeks: Skin may look worse before it gets better (don’t panic)

8–12 weeks: Texture improves, breakouts reduce, glow begins

6 months+: Full benefits on collagen, wrinkles, and pigmentation

This isn’t an overnight miracle—it’s a long game with real, proven results.

A Word on Overdoing It

Some people (cough Dr. Shaw) get excited and start using retinoids twice a day—or even three times. Don’t do this. It won’t speed up results. In fact, it’ll likely lead to irritation, peeling, and quitting altogether.

Stick to once a night, max.

Common Retinoid Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using it right after exfoliating
❌ Applying it to damp skin (increases absorption and irritation)
❌ Not using sunscreen (retinoids increase sun sensitivity)
❌ Giving up too soon
❌ Using too much product

Final Thoughts: The Gold Standard of Skincare

Retinoids truly are the gold standard when it comes to improving skin health and appearance. From acne to anti-aging, their benefits are undeniable—but only if used properly. Patience, consistency, and the right strategy will take you far.

So if you’ve ever looked at someone and thought, “How is their skin glowing like that?”—odds are, they’re on a retinoid.

Just remember: start low, go slow, moisturize like it’s your job, and don’t skip the sunscreen.

Bonus Tip: Pair with Sunscreen

You can do all this hard work and still sabotage your skin by not wearing SPF. Retinoids make your skin more sensitive to UV damage—so wear broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) daily.

Your Action Plan Recap:

Pick a gentle retinoid to start

Apply a pea-sized amount on dry skin

Moisturize immediately afterward

Start every third night, then increase

Expect results in 2–3 months

Never forget your sunscreen

And that’s the retinoid roadmap. Glowy, healthy skin isn’t a mystery—it’s science, routine, and a bit of patience.

Happy glowing! ✨