You generally apply retinol before your moisturizer (on clean, dry skin) to allow for better absorption, but for sensitive or dry skin, use the "sandwich method": moisturizer, then retinol, then another layer of moisturizer to buffer irritation. The key is that moisturizer always follows retinol, whether as a buffer or the final step, to combat dryness and support the skin barrier.
It's important to always start with clean, dry skin to make the most out of using retinol. Retinol penetrates the skin better and is more effective when applied after gently cleansing the skin with a mild face wash and toning it but before any moisturizer, since it acts as a treatment.
We recommend following the 1-2-3 rule: apply retinol once a week for one week, twice a week for two weeks, three times for three weeks, then move towards every second night if there are no side effects happening. If you do experience flaking, redness or sensitivity, simply move back to a lower frequency for a week.
Don't combine retinol with alpha or beta hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, vitamin C, and other retinols or retinoids. Don't skip sunscreen Retinols are usually used as part of nighttime skincare routines, but even when they're applied at night, they can lead to lingering sun sensitivity.
What Is the Retinol Sandwich Method? The “Retinol Sandwich Method” is a skin care trend popularized on TikTok and Instagram, where users apply moisturizer before and after applying retinol product to create a “sandwich” effect.
Retinol: Apply a pea-sized amount of retinol to your face. If you're new to retinol, start with a lower concentration and gradually increase as your skin builds tolerance. Wait: Allow the retinol to absorb into your skin. Waiting 20-30 minutes can reduce the risk of irritation.
Products with medium levels of retinol (0.2% to 0.4%) and retinoids visibly improve signs of aging more quickly than those with lower concentrations.
Yes, it is generally safe to use retinol under the eyes when done properly. The key is to choose a formulation specifically designed for the delicate eye area and to start with a low concentration to minimise irritation. It's also important to apply the product gently and avoid direct contact with the eyes.
In terms of the order of skincare products, retinal slots in between your exfoliant and moisturiser step. If you don't use a liquid exfoliant, proceed straight from cleansing to your retinal serum and finish with a moisturiser.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel Moisturizer
This moisturizer quenches extra-dry skin, relieves intense dryness and leaves the skin looking smooth, which is excellent for those using retinol,” he says.
Some ingredients can interact negatively with retinol, potentially causing irritation, sensitivity, or diminishing its effectiveness.
Mid- to Late 20s for Early Anti-Aging
Using retinol at this stage can help delay the appearance of fine lines and maintain the smooth texture of your skin. Start with a lower concentration, around 0.25% to 0.3%, and gradually increase as your skin builds tolerance.
The Retinol 1-2-3 Method is a gradual introduction strategy for beginners, where you use retinol once a week for the first week, twice a week for the next two weeks, and three times a week for the following three weeks, slowly building skin tolerance to minimize irritation like redness or peeling. After the initial six weeks, you can progress to every other night or nightly application if your skin tolerates it, always remembering to use a pea-sized amount at night and daily sunscreen.
The ingredient that works up to 11 times faster than retinol is Retinal (also known as retinaldehyde), a potent Vitamin A derivative that's just one conversion step away from retinoic acid, allowing for quicker skin cell renewal, wrinkle reduction, and improved texture, though it's generally recommended for experienced users due to its strength.
The good news is that it is never too late to start incorporating retinol into your skin care routine. People in the 60s and beyond have begun using retinol and still experienced results.
Dry skin exaggerates wrinkles, making them look deeper. Retinoids can increase dryness initially, worsening the appearance of fine lines.
Retinol works similarly on nails as it does on skin, encouraging healthy renewal of the nail plate1. Some studies have demonstrated that retinoids (the family of compounds related to vitamin A) can positively affect nail growth rate and thickness.
The 4-2-4 rule is a Korean skincare deep-cleansing method involving 4 minutes of oil cleansing, 2 minutes of foam cleansing, and 4 minutes of rinsing (2 warm, 2 cold), designed to thoroughly remove makeup, SPF, and impurities while boosting circulation, but it's often best suited for resilient skin types and not for daily use, especially if you have sensitive or dry skin.
Can You Leave Retinol on Overnight? Absolutely. Retinol products are designed to be left on the skin as part of your overnight routine. In fact, this is when they work best, since sun exposure can reduce retinol's effectiveness.
The moisture sandwich method is a skincare technique that "sandwiches" your retinol serum between two layers of moisturiser. This approach creates a protective buffer that allows retinol to work effectively while significantly reducing the risk of irritation, dryness, and sensitivity.
Vitamin C cream was found to be superior to retinol cream in treating marionette lines and in enhancing the overall tone and texture of the skin, whereas, the retinol cream appeared to be more effective in treating mottled and discrete pigmentation.