How do i use retina (tretinoin), tazorac (tazarotene) (tazaratene), or differein (adapalene)?

A little all over: These are topical drying agents. The goal is to prevent new lesion to form, so we treat the whole face rather than just spot treat. Apply a pea-sized amount to the full face nightly. If the dryness is not tolerable, you can try short contact of 15 minutes nightly for a couple of weeks and then leave on overnight. We expect a worsening of acne flare at 1-2 weeks, then better after 1-2 months.

At night only: Apply it at night time but do not use it during the day. It makes your skin sensitive to sun(uv).

How to use retinoids: Retinoids like tretinoin, tazaratene and Adapalene are used for acne, also for wrinkles, stretchmarks and keratosis pilaris. They can be drying and irritating but there are ways of helping the skin adapt to their action. Start with dry skin. Wet/damp skin is more easily irritated. Apply pea-size amount to entire face avoiding eye area. Initially apply twice a week at night. Sunscreen every morning.