The Habasis Blog

The Difference Between a Balm and a Moisturizer (And Why It Matters on Tretinoin)
The Difference Between a Balm and a Moisturizer (And Why It Matters on Tretinoin)
If you're moisturizing every day on tretinoin but still dry, tight, or burning - a moisturizer and a balm aren't the same thing. Here's why I stopped using a separate... Read more...
Can You Use Tretinoin Forever?
Can You Use Tretinoin Forever?
Do you have to use tretinoin forever to keep results? Here's what happens if you stop, if you build tolerance, and how to stay consistent. Read more...
Slugging on Tretinoin: Why You're Still Peeling (And What Worked For Me)
Slugging on Tretinoin: Why You're Still Peeling (And What Worked For Me)
I slugged every night on tret. Glossy at night, peeling by noon. If slugging works for you, keep it, it’s great for dryness-related flaking. But tret peeling is different. It’s... Read more...
I Thought Winter Was Hard on Tret. Then I Met LA Summer.
I Thought Winter Was Hard on Tret. Then I Met LA Summer.
I started tret thinking I’d handle it. Then LA summer hit.  UV Index 10. SPF 50 on, 20 minutes in traffic, and my face was on fire from UVA through... Read more...
Why Tretinoin Makes Your Skin Look Worse Before It Looks Better: The Hidden Retinization Phase
Why Tretinoin Makes Your Skin Look Worse Before It Looks Better: The Hidden Retinization Phase
Started tret and your skin suddenly hates you? That’s not your skin rejecting it. It’s retinization: the 6-12 week rebuild where peeling, stinging, and perioral flaking are normal. Here’s how... Read more...
Why You’re Using 7 Products and Still Flaking on Tret
Why You’re Using 7 Products and Still Flaking on Tret
Think more products will fix tret flaking? Not necessarily. On tretinoin, 7 steps of toners, serums, and creams usually means more pilling, irritation, and water loss, not more hydration. Tret... Read more...
My Tretinoin Night Routine for Sensitive Skin: How I Stopped the Flakes
My Tretinoin Night Routine for Sensitive Skin: How I Stopped the Flakes
Month 2 on tretinoin and still flaking? Buffering didn’t work for me either. This is my personal 4-step night routine for sensitive, tret-treated skin. I share my exact wait times,... Read more...
The Perioral Triangle: Why Tretinoin Burns Here First
The Perioral Triangle: Why Tretinoin Burns Here First
It’s not your cheeks that quit tretinoin first.It’s the triangle. Nose, mouth, chin.There’s an anatomical reason barrier cream stings here.I fixed it by formulating for micro-cuts, not just moisture. Read more...
Person in gloves using dropper with clear liquid serum from amber bottle.
I Was About to Quit Tretinoin Until Oatmeal + Glycerin Saved My Face
I was ready to quit tretinoin from the peeling and stinging. Colloidal oatmeal + glycerin saved my barrier. Here’s exactly how I used them to acclimate without the burn. Read more...
How I Fixed Tretinoin Dryness + Irritation Without Quitting
How I Fixed Tretinoin Dryness + Irritation Without Quitting
I love tretinoin results. I hated the constant flaking and raw skin. Creams and sandwiching didn’t cut it. Supporting my skin barrier did. Here’s what actually worked after years of... Read more...