Can you use retinol once a week?

Should you stay at once a week?

If you are new to retinol, starting infrequently follows the general principle of letting your skin adjust. Common starting schedules are every three days or every other night, followed by gradual increases toward nightly use. There is no need to jump straight from weekly use to every night. Watch for redness, significant peeling and irritation before increasing applications, and follow your product's directions.23

Choose the lowest strength or least intense formula you can find rather than trying to compensate for fewer applications with a stronger product. Retinol percentages are not always disclosed on packaging. There are many retinol products to choose from, which is how a single skincare decision becomes an aisle.3

How to use retinol on your chosen night

A retinol routine can be as simple as cleansing, applying retinol and moisturizing, leaving very little work for a bathroom shelf full of supporting characters. Use retinol at bedtime, and follow the package instructions if they differ from these general steps.1

1. 1Before your first full application, test a little retinol on a small area. Wait a couple of days and check for marked redness or itching.
2. 2Wash with a gentle cleanser and pat your skin dry. Avoid scrubbing.
3. 3Apply a thin layer over your face, using about a pea sized amount. Keep retinol away from your eyes, mouth and nostrils.
4. 4Finish with a facial moisturizer labeled noncomedogenic, meaning it is formulated not to clog pores.

Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 during the day, including days without retinol. Retinoids increase sensitivity to sunlight. Shade and protective clothing also help; for sensitive skin, a sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is an option.23

What results can you expect?

Retinol helps unclog pores and can improve texture, pigmentation and fine lines. Visible changes take several weeks, and wrinkle changes usually take months. With regular retinoid use, improvements in wrinkles can become apparent after three to six months, with the best results taking six to twelve months. These are general timelines, not a forecast for once weekly retinol. Continued use is needed to maintain benefits.134

Retinol sold without a prescription is not interchangeable with prescription retinoids such as tretinoin. Retinol is generally less strong and less irritating, but also less effective for wrinkles. If you have a prescribed retinoid, follow your clinician's schedule rather than adopting a weekly cosmetic routine. Acne treated with topical retinoid medicines can take twelve weeks or longer to improve.145

Who should be careful or stop?

Dryness, peeling, itching and burning can happen. Pause applications if irritation is significant rather than increasing frequency. Retinoids can worsen eczema, and skin allergies, persistent dryness or substantial redness are reasons to discuss alternatives with a dermatologist. On darker skin, irritation can trigger dark marks. Do not use retinoids during pregnancy; discuss use while breastfeeding with your healthcare provider.135

If acne is your reason for using retinol, see a doctor for deep or painful spots, scarring, or acne that is not improving with treatment at home. Hot, swollen skin or acne affecting your mental health also warrants medical help rather than another adjustment to your weekly schedule.6