What is a retinol night cream?

What does a retinol night cream do?

The word cream describes the format; it does not tell you the retinol strength or every ingredient in the formula.1

Retinol increases skin cell production, helps shed older cells, unclogs pores and supports collagen production. This is why retinol products are used to improve acne, uneven tone, dark spots, texture and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol is widely available over the counter; some other topical retinoids, such as tretinoin and tazarotene, are prescription medicines, so the names are not interchangeable.12

Retinol starts working in skin cells before you can see a change. Visible improvement often takes several weeks, and dark spots or fine lines can take months. If you use it for acne, pimples can continue or skin can look worse during the first couple of months.1

How do you use retinol night cream?

1. 1Before the first use, patch test a little product on a small area of skin and check it over the next couple of days for redness or itching.
2. 2At bedtime, wash with a gentle cleanser and pat your skin dry. The American Academy of Dermatology also suggests waiting 20 to 30 minutes after washing before applying a retinoid.
3. 3Apply a thin layer over your face, using about a pea sized amount. Keep it away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
4. 4Finish with moisturizer to help reduce dryness and moisture loss.

Start every other night, or less often if the product label directs you to do so, then increase gradually if your skin tolerates it. Retinol can irritate skin, so do not increase how often you use it just to speed up results. Keep the rest of the routine simple while you learn how your skin responds; layering several drying products makes irritation more likely, not more productive.24

Use retinol at night and protect your skin from the sun during the day because retinol can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply broad spectrum sunscreen during the day, and use shade or sun protective clothing when you are outside.2

Is retinol night cream good for beginners?

It can suit someone with mild acne, uneven pigmentation or mild fine lines, but start with the least intense formula you can find and use it every other night at first. Some over the counter labels do not disclose the retinol percentage, so a missing number does not tell you how strong the product is. Retinol works in a simple evening routine with cleanser and moisturizer, a modest cast for an aisle that keeps offering sequels.2

Be cautious if you have dry skin, skin allergies or redness and inflammation; those are reasons to avoid retinoids or ask a dermatologist about other options. People with darker skin can also benefit, but irritation can trigger dark marks, so starting slowly and using moisturizer matter. If you have a skin condition such as eczema or rosacea, ask a dermatologist whether retinol is appropriate for you.23

Do you need moisturizer with retinol cream?

Yes. Use moisturizer after retinol because retinol can dry skin, and moisturizer helps limit water loss and irritation. A cream texture does not change the usual order: cleanse, retinol, then moisturizer. If retinol feels too drying, apply a thin layer of moisturizer after washing, wait 20 to 30 minutes, then apply retinol. Check your other products for retinol too; using a retinol serum as well as a retinol cream can mean doubling up on the same ingredient.45

What should you stop for?

Dryness, redness, itching, burning and peeling can happen as your skin adjusts. Stop using the product if you develop skin irritation or signs of contact dermatitis, and make an appointment with a dermatologist. Do not treat persistent irritation as a sign that the cream is working.14

Do not use retinoids during pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding, ask your healthcare provider before using a topical retinol product.12