Abstract: Many human conditions, often skin conditions, are treated topically or orally with a retinoid such as retinoic acid or acetretin, which treatment often has the side effect of dry, irritated, and/or peeling skin. The use of soaps, detergents, chemical irritants, and such can also cause these same side effects. These side effects can be reduced or eliminated by the topical administration of an inhibitor, especially a natural inhibitor, of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), administered concomitantly with the retinoid, separately from the retinoid (such as on an as needed basis), or both. Administration of the two together is facilitated by a composition suitable for topical application and comprising both the retinoid and a natural EGFR inhibitor. Preferred natural inhibitors are genistein and other isoflavones extracted from natural occurring substances, or simple derivatives of such substances.