Do you ever stop needing a heavy moisturizer?

I see a lot of recommendations for vanicream and other heavy moisturizers, especially for people who are just starting tret and going through the flakey phase. I've also seen recommendations of moisturizing multiple times through the day.

I was wondering if you've noticed less of a need for the heavy moisturizer/frequent moisturizing as your skin gets used to tret? Or is continued use of the heavy moisturizer the only way to keep the flaking from coming back even after being on tret for months?

I've only been on tret 0.05% for two or three weeks, and am definitely in the flakey stage. I know it won't last forever and no one can predict exactly what my skin will do, but curious about others experiences as their skin adjusted. Thanks!