Should retinol go on damp or dry skin?

Why does moisturizer go on damp skin?

Moisturizer helps lock in water, so applying it while skin is still damp after washing helps relieve dryness. Damp skin advice belongs to moisturizing, not every bottle that has secured a place on the bathroom shelf. For retinol, use the treatment routine: cleanse, pat dry, apply retinol, then moisturize.123

How to apply retinol

1. 1Before starting, test a little retinol on a small area of skin. Check for marked redness or itching over the next couple of days.
2. 2At bedtime, wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Pat dry rather than scrubbing.
3. 3Apply a thin layer of retinol, using about a pea sized amount for your face. Keep it out of your eyes, mouth and nose, and follow the package directions.
4. 4Finish with a facial moisturizer labeled noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores.

Start slowly rather than using retinol every night immediately. Every other night for the first couple of weeks is a general starting schedule; once every few days is another gradual approach. Retinol can cause dryness, redness, itching, burning and peeling. Visible improvement takes several weeks, and changes in wrinkles usually take several months.1

Can I apply retinol over a still damp moisturizer?

For a straightforward routine, put retinol before moisturizer rather than over a still damp layer. If your product or prescriber specifies moisturizer first, follow those instructions for application. Do not use the advice to moisturize damp skin as a reason to apply retinol over wet moisturizer.1

Keep the rest of the routine simple. Using several treatments, especially multiple products aimed at signs of aging, can irritate skin and make those signs more noticeable. Adding more products is not a substitute for following the application order.3

What if your skin is already dry or irritated?

If your skin is already dry, stop products containing retinoids and focus on gentle cleansing and moisturizing. Choose fragrance free products; "unscented" products can still contain ingredients that hide odors and irritate sensitive skin.4

Tell a dermatologist if even moisturizer causes burning, stinging or irritation. Get medical advice if dryness persists despite care, itching keeps you awake, or scratching leaves open cuts or sores. Changing the application order is not the next step for persistent symptoms.24

Retinol increases sensitivity to sunlight. Use broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, seek shade and wear protective clothing. Sensitive skin or a tendency to allergies can make retinol unsuitable. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your healthcare provider before using retinol.14