Can I use Water Lock with prescription retinol, and if so, how?Updated a year ago

Yes, Water Lock can be used with topical treatments like tretinoin (commonly sold as Retin-A). There are a few ways to use both in one routine, depending on skin goals and skin sensitivity:

• Per traditional guidance: Apply Water Lock to the lips, around the eyes, and nasal creases to act as a buffer. Apply a thin layer of tretinoin to your skin, avoiding those sensitive areas. Finally, apply a generous layer of Water Lock as your moisturizer.
• Buffering tretinoin: Apply a thin layer of Water Lock to damp or saturated skin, followed by tretinoin. This method may minimize irritation for those with sensitive skin, but note that it likely slows tretinoin’s effects.
• The “sandwich” method: To damp skin, apply a thin layer of a minimally occlusive hydrating formula such as the Hydration Cream. This will “buffer” the tretinoin, but not as extensively as fully-occlusive Water Lock. Next, apply your tretinoin, and finally, apply a generous amount of Water Lock to seal everything in.

This is not medical advice. Tretinoin is a prescription medication and should always be used under the guidance of your medical provider. Speak to your doctor about the best way to incorporate tretinoin into your skincare routine.