Tretinoin and skin congestion - advice please

[XiCi]

I've only been using Tret for a couple of days but have woken up with lots of milia on my nose so basically looks like I have lots of little blackheads. Is this normal? I've read about a purging stage so didn't know whether this was it or it just doesn't suit my skin. I'm also wondering whether I should add a bha into the routine, in the morning, to help sort this out. Any advice?

I think it's early days, so would continue as you are for at least 2 weeks to see how you go. Definitely don't add in anything else yet which could cause further reaction or irrigation. Then you won't know what has caused what.

Just to add, whilst it may well be the purging stage (I read a lot about it when I started using retinol), you could also be too sensitive for it. I read in so many places that tret was the holy grail, and used it religiously for 3 months, waiting for the purge stage to go. It never did, my skin looked awful the whole time. I eventually stopped using it, and it took another three months to clear up- I was terrified I’d damaged my skin forever, but it’s fine now. So just be aware op, not all of us can use it!

Thanks Ginevere. Ive been using retinols and various acids for years so I don't think I'll be too sensitive. There's no redness or dryness just the milia on my nose which is not very attractive! I'll keep on and hope it clears up