Why We Don’t Rely on Tretinoin as an Acne Solution

If you’ve ever dealt with acne, chances are tretinoin has come up—maybe from a dermatologist, a friend, or a late-night Google spiral. It’s often positioned as the answer for breakouts: unclog pores, smooth texture, prevent future acne.

And while tretinoin absolutely has its place in skincare, we want to be clear about something at BOUQ Skin: it’s not a true acne solution on its own.

Here’s why.

What Tretinoin Actually Does (and What It Doesn’t)

Tretinoin works by accelerating skin cell turnover. This can help prevent dead skin cells from building up inside the pore, which can reduce congestion over time.

But acne is rarely that simple.

Breakouts are often driven by a combination of:

• Hormonal shifts

• Chronic inflammation

• Impaired skin barrier

• Pore-clogging products

• Lifestyle and stress

• Internal triggers like diet and gut health

Tretinoin doesn’t address any of those root causes. It treats the surface behavior of the skin, not the underlying dysfunction that keeps acne coming back.

This is why many people see improvement while using it… only to watch their acne return as soon as they stop.

That’s not long-term correction. That’s maintenance.

The Side Effects No One Warns You About

Another reality we see every day in the treatment room?
Clients who are stuck in a cycle of irritation.

Tretinoin commonly causes:

• Excessive dryness

• Peeling and flaking

• Redness and sensitivity

• A compromised skin barrier

When the barrier is disrupted, inflammation increases—and inflammation is one of acne’s biggest drivers. In many cases, the skin becomes too irritated to heal properly, making acne harder (not easier) to control.

The Bigger Issue: What’s In the Prescription

Here’s something most people don’t realize: the base of many tretinoin creams contains pore-clogging ingredients.

Common offenders include:

• Isopropyl myristate

• Certain fatty alcohols

• Mineral oil

These ingredients are known to be comedogenic, meaning they can clog pores—especially in acne-prone skin.

So while you’re using a prescription meant to clear acne, the formulation itself may be quietly contributing to congestion. This is where frustration sets in and clients feel like they’re doing “everything right” with no lasting results.

Our Philosophy at BOUQ Skin

At BOUQ, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all acne care—or band-aid solutions.

Clear skin doesn’t come from a single product. It comes from understanding your skin:

• How it functions

• What’s triggering inflammation

• What ingredients are helping vs. harming

• How treatments, home care, and lifestyle work together

That’s why we build custom acne correction plans that address acne at the source—using professional treatments, strategic home care, barrier repair, and education that empowers you long-term.

No guessing. No endless prescriptions. No temporary fixes.

Ready for Real Acne Correction?

If you’re tired of cycling through products and prescriptions that only work while you’re using them, it’s time for a smarter approach.

Work one-on-one with our acne experts at BOUQ Skin and let us create a personalized plan designed to clear your skin—and keep it clear.

Because confidence isn’t found in a tube.
It’s built through results.