Can I use tretinoin cream with hydroxy acids or ascorbic acid serum if I can tolerate it?

Dr. Irwin
July 31, 2010
Can I use tretinoin cream with hydroxy acids or ascorbic acid serum if I can tolerate it? I heard that these ingredients inactivate each other when used together at the same time.

I’ve never seen any studies on this.  One way to get around the issue would be to use the hydroxy acid alternating with the tretinoin at night and the Vitamin C serum every morning.  Also, one could argue that if you’re using tretinoin regularly, you don’t need the hydroxy acid.  The tretinoin has similar effects, is more potent and has some additional advantages.   You might consider dropping the hydroxy acid and substituting a cell growth factor serum (like the TNS Recovery) in it’s place.  Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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