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Hi everybody!
I'm wondering if it's okay to use an alcohol free toner, such as Thayer's alcohol free witch hazel, after showering and before applying tretinoin creme. That's what I'm doing currently and it's driving me crazy to think that I could be lessening the efficacy of my medication! Similarly, would applying lotion to my face after applying tretinoin affect its absorption/efficacy?
Thanks for any help. I just want to get rid of acne, and it really bothers me to think that my regimen could be sabotaging itself!
Self-bump:
I found that witch hazel is an astringent that binds skin tissue together. Tretinoin is something that loosens and divides skin tissue to bring up a new layer. By this logic witch hazel should NOT be applied in conjunction with tretinoin. Any opinions on this?
I think it's ok as long as it's really alcohol free and not drying.
I think toner is a MUST becuase it get off any residue left behind that cleanser didn't get. Espicially if your a girl and wear make-up. Toners restore PH balance as well and help your moisturizer or Trentioin in this case penetrate better.
I use neutogena alcohol free toner and then I actually apply my CeraVe moisturizer. Wait like 20 min.... then apply my Trentinoin. My skin gets super red, dry & peely. So I only use it like 2X a week. Trying to work up to 3.
I just think the key is to make sure your other products... cleanser, toner, moisturizer are all gentle and non drying with no alcohol and no Hydroxy Acids. The Trentinoin is super strong and it WILL penetrate and do it's job on your skin no matter what toner you use. But if you want to lessen the side effects you must use non drying products until you know how tough your skin is and how much it can handle. Start slow. Everyone's skin is different. 
