Retinol should always be applied at night. It's especially sensitive to light, which is why it's kept in dark packaging or packaging that doesn't let any light through. In order to avoid unnecessary sun damage, only ever apply retinol before you go to bed.
“Retinol can be slightly inactivated by sunlight, making nighttime application ideal,” says Joshua Zeichner, a dermatologist at Mount Sinai Medical Center. Plus, because you aren't sweating or rubbing your skin as you sleep, overnight retinol can work its magic uninterrupted.
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.
At night, apply a pea-sized amount of your retinol product ideally 30 minutes after you've washed your face. "Start three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) as dryness and peeling can be expected for four to six weeks," suggests Dr. Marchbein.
Retinol (leave to absorb for 10-20 minutes)
Retinols are powerful antioxidants and it is important to allow it to fully absorb if you want to avoid your skin becoming sensitive,” says Dr Liakas.
If you used products with potent actives at a very high percentage such as retinols or strong acids on your skin overnight, as a precaution, cleanse your face in the morning.
Regardless of your skin type or which product you use first, a layer of moisturizer should always be applied after retinoids.
Use Retinol Only at Night and Wear SPF Every Day
"Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to UV rays and sunlight decreases the efficacy of the product," explains Bowe, who instructs patients to only use retinoids at night and be diligent about applying a daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher during the day.
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.
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.
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.
The best thing to combine with a retinol is a moisturiser because it hydrates the skin while reducing the risk of irritation,” explains Dr. Mittal Gupta.
According to Dr. Howe, the main reason you should use retinol only at night is because the ingredient can be broken down by ultraviolet light. “If you apply retinol in the morning, you risk inactivating it before it has time to exert its beneficial effects,” he says.
"Too much retinol will produce too much cell division, causing large numbers of immature cells to rise up to the surface without the proper bonds to hold them together." When too many cells rise up to the surface, the skin can start to peel, as the lipids and bonds that are needed to hold them together haven't yet ...
While there's no right or wrong age to begin using retinol, most dermatologists recommend fitting it into your skin care routine during your 20s. The reason? "The production of collagen fibers starts to decline in our 20s," explains Dr. Allison Arthur, MD, FAAD, at Sand Lake Dermatology Center.
Should you use retinol under your eyes? Yes, definitely. While it is true that retinol – a form of vitamin A – is a powerful ingredient and the skin under your eyes is delicate, there's no reason why you should miss out on the amazing benefits of retinol.
❌Do not apply Retinol or other exfoliants around your nose because the skin around the nose is very sensitive. Always apply Vaseline around nose, around lips and eyes before applying exfoliants.
Use retinol once or twice a week at first to see how your skin reacts, and gradually work up to every other day or three times a week. Another key tip for using retinol is to incorporate it into your nighttime skincare routine only, as it makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
You see, retinol impacts your skin's normal function, and when you stop it your skin has to re-learn how to regulate itself properly again. So typically when people stop using it they experience either bad acne or bad dryness for a few weeks afterwards.
Important Tips When Incorporating Retinol into Your Beauty Routine. 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.
Can hyaluronic acid and retinol be used together? Unlike many other skin care ingredients out there, hyaluronic acid and retinol can be used in the same skincare routine. Not only that, but using them together can help to lessen the severity of the side effects that often come with retinol usage.
But one such 'rule' we weren't aware of until now, is that retinol needs a decent amount of time to absorb. According to skincare guru and best-selling author, Caroline Hirons, you should allow 20 plus minutes before moving on to the next step of your routine.
Above all, you want to ensure the skin is properly cleansed before even thinking about using retinol. New York City-based dermatologist Shari Marchbein stresses that washing your face with a gentle cleanser, first, is key.
Big note: Experts caution against exfoliating and using retinoids (particularly tretinoin) in the same routine because both can cause irritation—especially when used one right after the other.