What can I do about flaky skin with retinoid use and barrier damage?

[AveryQM]

I’ve been using a prescription retinoid for about three months now, and while the fine lines on my forehead are less noticeable, the skin around my mouth and chin is constantly flaky and tight no matter how much moisturizer I use. I’m not sure if this is just the expected retinization process or if my skin barrier is actually compromised.

[ZoeyC]

Three months in and the retinoid I am using around the forehead has reduced the fine lines but the skin around my mouth is constantly flaky and tight.

[EdwardS]

I'm wondering if the problem is really the product or something else like weather or hormones?

[JasonDA]

I started using a thick ceramide rich moisturizer and avoided active exfoliants and the flaking eased after about a week.

[Charles97]

I kept a slower schedule for a bit and used a gentle cleanser and barrier friendly products and the tightness slowly softened.

[TimothyQR]

I cut back to every other night for a while and the tightness improved a bit but the flaking lingered.

[AlexanderL]

Sometimes the whole barrier story feels stretched and I still cannot tell if the dryness is from the product or from the season.