Regardless of your skin type or which product you use first, a layer of moisturizer should always be applied after retinoids.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, if your retinol is irritating your skin, you should apply a thin layer of moisturizer before applying it to give your skin a little barrier. If your retinol is not irritating your skin, then depending on the formula, you can apply it before your moisturizer.
Do Layer Retinol with Hyaluronic Acid. Retinol and hyaluronic acid are safe and effective when layered and used together. Hyaluronic acid, found naturally in our bodies, is a powerful humectant, which means that it keeps skin hydrated and plump.
Retinol (leave to absorb for 10-20 minutes)
Retinol is also an ingredient that should be left to absorb sufficiently into the skin before following up with another product. “It is important to leave a 10-20 minute wait time before applying the next product.
Mix your retinol with your moisturizer, or apply your moisturizer first and then your retinol. Always use sunscreen the morning after you apply retinol. Your skin will be especially sensitive to sunlight, so it's important to protect it.
You should always apply retinol at night, after cleansing, and before your nighttime moisturizer. Five minutes is enough to wait for your retinol to sink in before applying moisturizer; you want to layer them, not mix them.
Don't Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. AHA and BHA acids are exfoliating, which can dry out the skin and cause further irritation if your skincare routine already includes retinol.
Can you use hyaluronic acid and retinol together? Yes, you can use hyaluronic acid and retinol together to achieve maximum skincare benefits and younger-looking skin.
For sensitive skin types, some experts even recommend the “sandwich method” when using retinol. First, apply a light layer of a humectant-filled moisturizer like Dew Point. Next, smooth on your retinol. Finally, apply a second, thicker layer of the same moisturizer to seal everything in.
You lose a layer of protection.
"Many of the most effective skin care ingredients like retinoids, salicyclic acid, and benzoyl peroxide tend to be very drying," says Dr. Bowe. So when you don't follow them up with moisturizer, you risk uncomfortable side effects like red, peeling skin.
Retinol works for acne by preventing clogged pores. You may still see pimples for the first couple of months of treatment – your skin might even look worse (this is sometimes referred to as the retinol purge). But if you stick with it, you'll see clearer skin.
STEP 4: WAIT UNTIL YOUR SKIN IS DRY
It's essential to make sure to wait until your skin is dehydrated before moving on to applying your retinol. If you use it on wet or even damp skin, there is a greater likelihood that you'll experience irritation. That is because cleansing the skin opens up the pores.
Apply moisturizer first, then apply retinol Moisturizer or serum then apply the mixture to the skin at the same time. The above methods will help reduce the permeability/concentration of retinol (reduce the penetration of active ingredients) and make the skin softer.
To do the retinol-sandwich method, rather going directly into your retinol after cleansing your skin, you start by applying a layer of moisturizer to damp skin. Once it's completely dry, you apply a layer of retinol. After giving the retinol time to absorb, you finish everything off with a second layer of moisturizer.
Peredo suggests applying a moisturizer or hyaluronic acid in gel form around 30 minutes after applying retinol so that the treatment can dry and soak into the skin before moisturizing.
“In the evening, cleanse, apply retinol, and then your hyaluronic acid moisturizer to lock in moisture.” If you opt for a hyaluronic acid serum rather than a moisturizer, you can apply it right before you moisturize.
If you're looking for an ingredient that can help to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone, retinol may be the better option. However, if you're looking for something that will keep your skin hydrated and plump, hyaluronic acid may be a better choice.
You can use retinol with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Retinol tends to cause dryness and irritation, while hyaluronic acid and niacinamide hydrate the skin and maintain your skin's function as a protective barrier. Do not combine retinol with AHAs, BHAs, or Vitamin C.
Retinoid or Retinol and Benzoyl Peroxide
“Benzoyl peroxide may deactivate the retinoid molecule,” says Dr. Sikora.
Within the first few weeks of retinoid use, one will notice that their skin may appear dry and irritated. This is a result of the increased skin cell turnover rate and your skin adjusting to the retinoid. Though you may be concerned about dry, red, and flakey skin, it is all part of the retinoid process.
In fact, retinoids work best if you use them daily. Specifically, try to use them at night because light and air deactivate some types. If you experience any side effects — like skin redness or dryness — then it's a good idea to back down to once every 2 or 3 nights.
If you're wondering whether you can put retinol under your eyes, the answer is yes! While the skin under your eyes is delicate and requires extra attention, using the correct retinol-infused eye care products under your eyes is a great way to tackle eye bags, wrinkles and dark circles.
The way you want to use hyaluronic acid in a skincare routine is to start by cleansing your face with a nice simple cleanser. And then, with slightly damp skin or even slightly wet skin, apply the hyaluronic acid serum to your face followed by a moisturizer and sunscreen (during the day).