Retinol is one of the most effective skincare ingredients for improving the appearance of wrinkles, uneven texture, acne, and signs of sun damage. Because retinol can cause irritation, knowing when to use retinol in your skincare routine can help you maximize its benefits while minimizing potential dryness, redness, and sensitivity.
What Is Retinol?
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, an essential nutrient that plays an important role in skin health. Retinol is a long-term investment for your skin, and visible improvements appear gradually over several weeks to months with consistent use. Retinol can help:
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Improve skin texture and tone
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Fades dark spots
Who Should Use Retinol?
Retinol is a versatile skincare ingredient that can help address a variety of concerns.
Breakouts
If you deal with mild acne like whiteheads, blackheads, or the occasional pimple, retinol could help improve the appearance of blemishes by supporting skin cell turnover and keeping pores clear.
Signs of Aging
Regardless of age, retinol can soften fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin tone and texture. It also helps skin feel firmer and more plump.
Enlarged Pores
When pores become clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells, they can look bigger. Retinol supports skin cell turnover which helps prevent clogged pores so they look less noticeable and improve overall texture.
Dark Spots
Retinol can help fade the look of dark spots caused by sun exposure and other forms of hyperpigmentation. By encouraging renewal from within, it helps reveal smoother, brighter-looking skin with a more even tone over time.
Retinol for Beginners: How to Incorporate it Into Your Skincare Routine
Retinol can cause irritation when your skin is first adjusting, so it’s best to avoid using it at the same time as other potentially irritating ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, exfoliating acids (AHAs and BHAs), or physical scrubs. Once your skin builds tolerance, some of these ingredients can be added back into your routine on alternating days. If you're just adding retinol to your skincare routine, here are tips to help you introduce it for best results and to minimize irritation.
Add Slowly
Your skin needs time to adapt to new skincare products. Start by applying retinol once or twice a week at night, then gradually increase frequency as your skin builds tolerance. Shop recommended retinols.
Use a Pea-Sized Amount
A pea-sized amount will cover your whole face. Dot it on your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin, then gently spread it all over.
Moisturize
Dryness and irritation are common when starting retinol, so a nourishing moisturizer can help keep your skin barrier supported. If your skin is dry or sensitive, applying moisturizer before retinol can help create a protective buffer, minimizing the chance of irritation as your skin adjusts. Shop recommended moisturizers.
Always Wear Sunscreen
Retinol can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, even when you apply it only at night. This is why wearing sunscreen daily is especially important when using retinol. Shop recommended broad-spectrum sunscreens of SPF 30.
When Should You Start Using Retinol?
There is no one-size-fits-all age for starting retinol. Many people begin incorporating it into their routines in their 20s or 30s, depending on their skincare goals, concerns, and skin type. If dryness or sensitivity is your main concern, focus on supporting your skin barrier first with gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and barrier-supporting ingredients. Once your skin feels balanced and comfortable, you can gradually introduce retinol into your routine.
Find the Best Retinol Products For Beginners
If you’d like to introduce retinol into your evening skincare routine, reserve a personalized consultation so our esthetician can put together a targeted routine that will address your skin concerns and skin type. We look forward to helping you achieve your skincare goals for radiant, healthy skin. Fill out our online form to reserve a consultation or call us at (703) 531-9350. Sarah Akram Skincare is located in Old Town Alexandria, and we proudly serve clients throughout the DC Metro area as well.
FAQs
Can you use retinol while pregnant?
Retinol isn’t recommended during pregnancy. Be sure to discuss with your healthcare provider before using.
Can retinol dry out your skin?
Retinol can dry out your skin, especially when you first start using it. Because retinol increases skin cell turnover, it can temporarily disrupt your skin barrier as your skin adjusts which can cause it to become dry, start peeling and flaking.
Can you use red light therapy with retinol?
Red light therapy and retinol can usually be used together. It’s important to slowly introduce retinol into your skincare routine to monitor your skin’s response.
Should you use retinol at night or in the morning?
Retinol is most effective when used at night as part of your evening skincare routine. Since it can make skin more sensitive to the sun, applying it in the evening reduces the risk of irritation.
What ingredients should you avoid with retinol?
Ingredients to avoid when using retinol include, exfoliating acids (AHAs and BHAs), physical exfoliants, benzoyl peroxide, and other retinoids.
