How to apply retinol

What does retinol do?

Retinol is a form of vitamin A used for acne and signs of skin aging. It helps prevent clogged pores and supports collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines. Retinol belongs to the wider retinoid family. Cosmetic retinol and prescription treatments such as tretinoin are not interchangeable products: prescription medicines have their own application instructions, doses and precautions.13

Which strength should you start with?

Choose the lowest strength or least intense retinoid formula you can find, rather than starting with a stronger prescription option. Retinol percentages are not always disclosed on packaging, so you cannot always compare products by a printed number. Before the first full application, test a little on a small area of skin. Wait a couple of days; if the area becomes very red or itchy, do not proceed with a full facial application.12

How to apply retinol at night

1. 1Read the package directions. Follow your prescriber's instructions if you are using a prescription retinoid.
2. 2Wash with a gentle cleanser and pat your skin dry. Do not scrub.
3. 3Spread about a pea sized amount in a thin layer over your face. Keep the product out of your eyes, mouth and nose.
4. 4Finish with a facial moisturizer that will not clog pores, often labelled noncomedogenic.

How often should you apply retinol?

Build up gradually rather than moving straight to nightly use. Starting slowly and using moisturizer helps limit irritation, particularly in darker skin, where irritation can trigger dark marks. Keep retinol in the evening routine; increasing frequency does not mean adding a morning application.12

Does retinol go before or after moisturizer?

The general order is cleanser, treatment, then moisturizer. Apply retinol after cleansing and before your moisturizing cream. Skincare products have an application order, which is more useful than letting the tallest bottle chair the meeting. Moisturizer helps reduce water loss from skin and belongs in both your morning and evening routines.45

Avoid introducing several new products together. Using multiple antiaging products can irritate skin, and certain toners and serums add dryness. A retinol routine does not need extra exfoliation to make it complete. If you already use skin medication, follow its treatment instructions rather than arranging several treatments by texture alone. Ask your dermatologist about the order if your prescribed routine is unclear.145

What should you do the next morning?

Cleanse, moisturize and apply sunscreen as the final skincare step. Retinoids can make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so evening application does not remove the need for daytime protection. Seek shade, wear protective clothing and cover exposed skin with sunscreen. For sensitive skin, a sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is an option.25

How long does retinol take to work?

Visible improvement takes several weeks, and changes in wrinkles usually take several months. Acne can look worse initially, with pimples continuing during the first couple of months. Prescription topical retinoids used for acne can take 12 weeks or longer to show improvement. These are different timelines for different treatments and goals, not a deadline for every bottle.13

Who should avoid retinol or get advice first?

Do not use retinoids during pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding, discuss retinol with your healthcare provider before using it. Skin allergies, marked dryness, redness or inflammation are reasons to discuss alternatives with a dermatologist. Topical retinoids can worsen eczema because they are drying. Get advice before starting if you have substantial acne scarring or acne associated with menstrual periods or other hormonal changes.123

When should you stop using retinol?

Retinoids can cause dry skin, redness and peeling, as well as irritant dermatitis, meaning skin inflammation caused by irritation. An allergic skin reaction is also possible, although uncommon. If you develop skin irritation or a rash, stop the product and make an appointment with a dermatologist. Do not treat burning, itching or a rash as a reason to apply more or move to a stronger formula.35

How do you apply retinol serum to the face?

Treat a retinol serum as your evening treatment, not as an additional layer of retinol over a retinol cream. Apply it after gentle cleansing and drying, then use moisturizer. Follow the serum's directions for the amount rather than assuming every dropper delivers the same dose. A thin serum goes before a thick moisturizing cream in the general layering order.145

How do you apply retinol eye cream?

Use a small amount and gently pat it around the eye area with your ring finger, without pulling or tugging. The ring finger applies less force to this delicate skin. For a retinol eye cream, use the evening treatment slot after cleansing and before moisturizer, following the product's directions for placement and amount. Retinol in eye creams supports collagen and can help reduce fine lines.46

An eye cream can be affordable or expensive, and the tiny jar is not a receipt for better results. Choose for the ingredients and your concern rather than the price alone. Strongly scented creams can irritate and dry the delicate eye area.6

Can you apply retinol under the eyes?

Retinol is used in eye creams, but do not automatically extend your regular facial retinol into the eye area. Topical retinoids can irritate skin close to the eyes, and eye area skin is particularly thin and easily irritated. Follow an eye product's placement instructions and keep it out of the eyes themselves. Moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides help with dryness; a moisturizer without retinol is an alternative when the eye area is sensitive.356