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 04/07/2025