Can you use retinol every night?

How do you build up to every night?

Begin with the least intense retinol formula you can find. Use it every other night initially, or less often if needed. Increase frequency only as your skin adjusts without troublesome irritation. There is no fixed date when everyone should switch to nightly use. If redness, burning or peeling develops, do not increase the frequency.12

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative available without a prescription; tretinoin and other prescription retinoids have their own directions. Follow your product's instructions or your prescriber's plan rather than transferring a retinol schedule to a prescription medicine. Start with one retinol product rather than a collection of new products, because a shopping basket is not a skincare plan.234

How should you apply retinol?

1. 1Test a small amount on a small area before applying retinol to your face. Watch for a reaction over the next couple of days.
2. 2At bedtime, wash with a gentle cleanser and pat your skin dry. Do not scrub.
3. 3Apply a thin layer, using about a pea sized amount for your face unless your label gives different directions. Keep it out of your eyes, mouth and nose, and avoid applying close to your lips.
4. 4Finish with a moisturizer. If you are treating acne, choose one labeled noncomedogenic, meaning it is formulated not to clog pores.
5. 5In the morning, apply moisturizer followed by sunscreen. Also use shade and protective clothing to reduce sun exposure.

Retinol belongs after cleansing and before moisturizer in a basic evening routine. Moisturize morning and evening to help with dryness. An elaborate collection of serums is optional, even if the bathroom shelf has ambitions. Introduce fewer new products at once, and avoid heavily fragranced products while establishing your routine.4

How long before you see results?

Visible improvements in skin texture and appearance take several weeks, while changes in fine lines usually take several months. Breakouts can look worse during the first couple of months. Prescription topical retinoids used for acne can take 12 weeks or longer to show improvement. These timelines are not a reason to increase use while your skin is irritated.13

Who should be careful with nightly retinol?

Retinoids can worsen eczema through their drying effect. If your skin is already very dry, persistently red or inflamed, or prone to allergies, ask a dermatologist about alternatives before starting. Irritation can trigger dark marks, called hyperpigmentation, particularly in darker skin. Starting slowly and moisturizing help reduce that risk. Do not use retinol or other retinoids during pregnancy.23

When should you stop or get help?

Mild dryness and peeling can occur while adjusting, but do not keep applying a product through a rash, swelling or significant irritation. Wash off a product that causes a skin reaction and stop using it. A cool compress or petroleum jelly can help soothe the area. See a dermatologist if the reaction is severe or those measures do not relieve it.6

If you are using retinol for acne, see a doctor when self treatment is not helping, spots are deep or painful, or scarring develops. Hot, swollen skin also needs medical assessment rather than being dismissed as an adjustment to retinol.5