Doc, I'm 37 and dealing with oily skin that has pits. I've got my acne under control now, thankfully. I've been applying vitamin C serum for about 21 months, and it's helped a lot with the pits. For nine months now, I've also been using Retino A 0.05 as an anti-aging treatment, and it's been going pretty smoothlyno irritation, redness, or peeling. Here's my routine: - Morning: face wash, Cetaphil, vitamin C serum, and then sunscreen. - Night: Plum aloe vera face wash, pea-sized Retino A 0.05, Olay serum, and ending with Sebamed Q10 cream. So, could you tell me if my routine's good as is, or if I should change or add anything else? How safe is it to use tretinoin for extended periods? And I'm looking for a good sunscreen recommendation that works for oily skin. Appreciate your insight!

Dr Chandra P

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 5+ Yrs

Consult Now

Your routine looks good, but consider these adjustments: 1. _Face wash_: Cetaphil is gentle, but you may benefit from a foaming face wash for oily skin, like Neutrogena Hydrating Facial Cleanser. 2. _Sunscreen_: Switch to a lightweight, oil-free sunscreen (see recommendations below). 3. _Nighttime routine_: Consider replacing Olay serum with a niacinamide serum to enhance skin brightness and reduce inflammation. *Tretinoin Long-Term Use* Tretinoin (Retino-A 0.05) can be used long-term, but: 1. _Monitor skin_: Regularly assess your skin for signs of irritation, dryness, or sensitivity. 2. _Adjust frequency_: If you experience irritation, reduce the frequency of application or switch to a lower concentration. 3. _Sun protection_: Continue using sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to prevent UV-induced damage. *Sunscreen Recommendations for Oily Skin* 1. _Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen_: SPF 50, zinc-based, and non-greasy. 2. _La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk_: SPF 60, lightweight, and oil-free. 3. _EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46_: Fragrance-free, oil-free, and suitable for sensitive skin.

Answered 13 days ago