Post by @teawithmd

If prescription tretinoin and azelaic acid aren’t options for you, don’t worry, my friend. You still have plenty of great OTC alternatives 👩🏻‍⚕️   For example, tretinoin is too aggressive for my skin, so I reach for gentler retinoid options like retinol or retinal instead. And if you can’t access prescription-strength azelaic acid, OTC formulas can still help target breakouts, redness, and post-acne marks.   They aren’t exact one-for-one replacements, but the best routine is one your skin can tolerate, you can access, and you can use consistently.