Can I put Retin A on my neck?

Yes you can – but go carefully. Retin-A is prescription strength and STRONG. If you have been using it on your face, you’ll know that you need to start with tiny amounts, maybe mixed in with moisturiser, and only increasing the dose once your skin has learned to tolerate it.

There are fewer oil glands in neck-skin (one reason why it’s always drier than the face) and any retinoid, particularly Retin-A, will hit it hard, so you need to go extra cautiously. I’d suggest mixing a very small amount of the product in with a moisturiser, any moisturiser, so that it is spread very very thinly. Once that has absorbed, stick some more moisturiser on top. Twice a week at first, and see how you go before increasing either the amount or the frequency.

And if your neck just hates it (goes red, dry, itchy) with even minimal amounts, get an over-the-counter retinol or retinoid that isn’t so strong, and go gently with that.

PS have you asked whoever prescribed you the Retin-A about this? I have a lot of experience with skincare but I am not a doctor.

Read more about retinol and retinoids