These are general instructions for cosmetic retinol; prescription retinoids such as tretinoin need the application schedule your prescriber gives you. The basic evening routine uses a cleanser, retinol and moisturizer, not a supporting cast with its own credits.3

How to layer retinol and moisturizing cream

  1. 1Patch test before the first full application. Use a little retinol on a small area and check after a couple of days for marked redness or itching.
  2. 2Wash with a gentle cleanser and pat your face dry. Avoid scrubbing. Follow any drying instructions on your product.
  3. 3If you need a buffer, apply a thin layer of moisturizing cream before retinol.
  4. 4Spread about a pea sized amount of retinol in a thin layer over your face. Keep it away from your eyes, mouth and nose, and follow the package directions.
  5. 5Finish with facial moisturizing cream. If you are prone to clogged pores, choose one labeled noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores.
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How often should you use retinol?

Start with the lowest strength you can find and use retinol every other night. If your skin is easily irritated, begin once every few days instead. Increase use gradually as your skin tolerates it, within the product directions. A stronger formula is not the right starting point just because it is available. Some cosmetic retinol labels do not disclose the percentage, so choosing by strength is not always straightforward.14

Which moisturizing cream should you choose?

Choose a cream that meets your moisturizing needs without duplicating your retinol product. Some moisturizers already contain retinol or exfoliating acids, so read the ingredients before adding a separate treatment. Moisturizer helps replace oils and can temporarily soften the appearance of fine lines. The cream has a useful job of its own, without auditioning to become another treatment serum.2

What should you do the next morning?

Use moisturizer and sunscreen during the day because retinoids can cause dryness and sun sensitivity. Choose broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and use shade and protective clothing as well. A moisturizer with sunscreen can combine those steps. For sensitive skin, a sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is an option.456

What should you expect?

Retinol can cause dryness, peeling, redness, itching or burning, especially when you start. Visible improvement takes weeks rather than nights; regular cosmetic retinol use can show improvements at about three months. Moisturizer before retinol helps buffer the treatment rather than stopping it from working. With darker skin tones, irritation can trigger dark marks, so starting slowly and moisturizing are especially useful.124

Who should be careful?

Do not use retinoids during pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding, discuss retinol with your healthcare provider before starting. Skin allergies, substantial dryness or persistent redness are reasons to discuss alternatives with a dermatologist. Topical retinoids can worsen eczema because of their drying effect.145

For prescribed retinoids, ask your dermatologist before changing the amount, frequency or applying moisturizer first. With tretinoin, do not add other topical medications unless your doctor directs you to. Do not apply tretinoin to sunburned skin or eczema. Contact your doctor for severe or persistent irritation; rash, hives or pain at the treatment area need immediate medical advice.36

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1Retinol: Cream, Serum, What It Is, Benefits, How To Usemy.clevelandclinic.org
  2. 2Anti-Aging Skin Care: Ingredients and Routinehealth.clevelandclinic.org
  3. 3Tretinoin Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Informationmedlineplus.gov
  4. 4Retinoid or retinol?aad.org
  5. 5Topical retinoids (vitamin a creams)dermnetnz.org
  6. 6Acne: Diagnosis and treatmentaad.org