When to use retinol serum in your routine

Where does retinol serum go?

The usual order is cleanser, retinol, moisturizer. Retinol serum belongs in the treatment step, not in a separate ceremony because the bottle says serum. If retinol irritates your skin, applying a thin layer of moisturizer first can provide a buffer while still allowing retinol to work. These are general directions for retinol; prescription retinoids such as tretinoin have their own instructions.234

How to apply retinol at night

1. 1Before the first full application, test a little retinol on a small area. Wait a couple of days and check for redness or itching before adding it to your routine.
2. 2Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry. Do not scrub.
3. 3Follow your serum's package directions. General retinol guidance is a pea sized amount spread in a thin layer over the face, keeping it out of your eyes, nose and mouth.
4. 4Finish with moisturizer. If you are prone to clogged pores, look for one labelled noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores.

Do you need retinol every night?

Not at the start. Choose the lowest strength you can find and begin every other night; once every few nights is another gradual starting option. Increase only as your skin adjusts rather than treating nightly use as an immediate goal. Retinol percentages are not always disclosed on packaging, so follow the product's directions rather than guessing its strength. Dryness, redness, peeling, itching and burning can occur while your skin adjusts.15

What belongs in the rest of the routine?

A basic routine can stay small, even if the bathroom shelf has ambitions of becoming a department store. If you use vitamin C, put it in your morning routine, followed by moisturizer and sunscreen. With a separate retinol serum, you generally do not need a moisturizer containing more retinol. Choose products that complement each other rather than doubling up; using too many products, especially multiple products aimed at signs of aging, can irritate skin.23

Retinol can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, including cloudy days, and use shade and protective clothing. Nighttime application does not replace daytime sun protection. For sensitive skin, a sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is an option.35

When will you notice a difference?

Expect several weeks before visible changes, with improvements from regular retinol use often becoming noticeable around three months. Fine lines can take several months to change. If you are using retinol for acne, breakouts can look worse initially and continue during the first couple of months. Do not assume every new rash or burning sensation is an acne adjustment.13

Who should be careful?

Do not use retinoids during pregnancy. Skin allergies, marked dryness or substantial redness are reasons to speak with a dermatologist before starting. Topical retinoids can worsen eczema. Irritation can trigger dark marks in darker skin, so starting slowly and moisturizing matter. Pause retinol if your skin reacts negatively rather than increasing use. For moderate or severe acne, particularly nodules or cysts, see a doctor rather than relying on a cosmetic serum.567

If you already use prescription tretinoin, follow your prescribed schedule. Check with your prescriber before adding other topical medicines, especially benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Report severe or persistent irritation; rash, hives or pain need an immediate call to your doctor.4