You should wash your face in the morning after using retinol at night, ideally with just water or a gentle cleanser, as the retinol works overnight, and you need to remove residue before your daytime routine (moisturizer, SPF). While some prefer a mild cleanser, rinsing with water is often enough, especially if you have dry skin, to avoid stripping moisture, but always apply sunscreen diligently after.
You should apply retinol before your moisturizer. Once you've applied retinol, wait about 30 minutes for it to fully absorb into your skin. Then, you can moisturize! That said, you can also intentionally dilute the retinol to minimize chances of irritation.
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.
Can you use retinol, anti-aging or anti-acne skin care products when you have facial seborrhea? Yes, when your seborrheic dermatitis is in remission, you may be able to tolerate some of the more difficult-to-use skin care products, like anti-aging products.
Koreans use gentle, effective alternatives to retinol like Bakuchiol, Peptides, Ginseng, Adenosine, and antioxidants (Vitamin C, Green Tea), focusing on hydration (Hyaluronic Acid) and barrier support (Squalane, Snail Mucin) to achieve anti-aging results without irritation. These ingredients boost collagen, improve firmness, and smooth texture, making them great for sensitive skin or those avoiding retinoids.
Starting a retinoid can cause a temporary phase of retinoid dermatitis, leading to red and flaky skin for about two weeks. Don't worry, it's only temporary!
Don't scrub your skin while using retinol products. Apply retinol in a thin layer to your entire face (be careful not to get it in your mouth, nose and eyes). You should use a dose that's about the size of a pea. For the first couple weeks of treatment, apply retinol only every other day.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel Moisturizer
“It has no fragrance, is dye-free and restores the skin's natural barrier against moisture loss. This moisturizer quenches extra-dry skin, relieves intense dryness and leaves the skin looking smooth, which is excellent for those using retinol,” he says.
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.
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.
Apply Retinol
There are pointers to remember before you apply Retinol, folks. Number one is to apply it in tiny drops on your cheeks, chin, forehead, and nose. And yes, tiny drops only.
Discontinue use if you have negative side effects after a few weeks of use and contact your physician to help reassess your skin type and find a solution that will protect your skin barrier . Consider using moisturizing and soothing topical skin care products with retinol to counteract its negative side effects.
Retinol comes with many benefits, such as brightening the skin and boosting collagen production, but it can be drying and irritating. Be sure to gradually introduce retinol into your routine and use hydrating and calming ingredients to offset any of the harsh side effects.
Do I need to wash tretinoin off in the morning? Yes, it is recommended to wash your face every morning before applying vitamin C, your moisturizer and sunscreen with SPF 50.
No, just rinse with water and then apply moisturizer. Make sure you wear SPF and if it's moisturizing enough you can just use that as your moisturizer.
The Retinol 1-2-3 Method is a gradual skin-adapting technique for beginners: use retinol once a week for the first week, twice a week for the second week, and three times a week for the third week, then work up to every other night or nightly as your skin tolerates it, minimizing irritation and building tolerance to the active ingredient. This "low and slow" approach helps avoid dryness, redness, and peeling (retinization) by letting skin adjust before increasing frequency.
Well, here's the catch: Retinol is also known for its spicy side effects like dryness, redness, and peeling (especially if you go in too fast, too soon). That's why pairing it with a solid moisturizer is key to keeping your skin happy, hydrated, and irritation-free.
Apply a small amount of retinol after cleansing and applying toner. Then, follow the retinol with moisturizer. You can also combine a retinol serum with a hyaluronic acid serum before applying to capitalize on the benefits of retinol while keeping skin hydrated the irritation.
If you want to wash your face first thing in the morning, fine, but it is not necessary to do so.
Signs That Your Retinol Is Working
Dr. Castilla adds, “The skin will be brighter in appearance overall—more luminous. You should also notice an improved appearance of skin texture. It will be smoother in general, though this is a subtle change.”
But the real question isn't can you; it's how often you comfortably use retinol without side effects. Daily use is a destination, not a departure point. After your skin gets used to retinol, applying it every night can achieve miraculous long-term results. But if you notice peeling, redness, or sensitivity, reduce it.
This range of 4-6 weeks varies from person to person as the skin accustoms itself to the new product. If you're experiencing peeling that lasts longer than this period, please reach out to your provider. Your skin may not be reacting well to the product and you might have to stop using it.
New skin can become exposed and may appear red and irritated as it adjusts to this turnover. Whiteheads, blackheads, papules, and pustules may also appear in clusters and hard bumps. All of these combined may cause your skin to appear rough with an uneven skin texture.
Dry skin exaggerates wrinkles, making them look deeper. Retinoids can increase dryness initially, worsening the appearance of fine lines.