Retinol for beginners comes down to three words: low, slow and steady. Retinol is one of the most studied skincare ingredients, and it can improve fine lines, rough texture, uneven tone and clogged pores. It can also irritate if you rush. This guide shows how to begin with the least discomfort.
What retinol is
Retinol belongs to the retinoid family, which are forms of vitamin A. The skin converts retinol into its active form, retinoic acid. Because of that conversion, retinol sold over the counter is milder and slower than prescription retinoids such as tretinoin.
Retinoids speed up the renewal of skin cells and support collagen in the skin. This is why they are used for both acne and signs of aging.
Who should not use retinol
- Anyone who is pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding is advised to avoid retinoids unless a doctor says otherwise.
- People with eczema, rosacea or very sensitive skin should ask a dermatologist first.
- Anyone about to have waxing, a peel or a laser treatment on the same area should stop beforehand, following the advice of the person treating them.
Choosing your first product
- Start with a low strength, around 0.1% to 0.3%.
- Creams tend to be gentler than gels or serums.
- Choose opaque, airtight packaging, because light and air break retinol down.
Retinol Product Guide: Strengths, Textures, and Labels explains strengths, textures and label terms in more depth.
A starting schedule
| Weeks | How often |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 | One night a week |
| 3 to 4 | Two nights a week |
| 5 to 8 | Every other night, if comfortable |
| After 8 | Nightly, or as often as your skin tolerates |
There is no prize for reaching nightly use. Many people stay at two or three nights a week and still benefit.
How to apply it
- Cleanse in the evening and pat your skin completely dry.
- Take a pea-sized amount for the whole face.
- Dot it on the forehead, cheeks and chin and spread it in a thin layer.
- Avoid the corners of the nose, the mouth and the eyelids.
- Follow with moisturizer.
- Use sunscreen every morning.
The "sandwich" method for sensitive skin
Apply a layer of moisturizer, then retinol, then moisturizer again. This slows how fast the retinol reaches the skin and reduces stinging.
Side effects to expect
Dryness, mild redness, flaking and a feeling of tightness are common in the first weeks. They usually ease as the skin adjusts. Some people also notice a temporary increase in pimples. Skin Purging vs Irritation: Signs to Look For explains how to tell this adjustment from real irritation.
If your skin burns, becomes very red or peels heavily, stop for a few days, use only moisturizer, and restart less often.
What not to combine at first
On retinol nights, skip exfoliating acids, scrubs and benzoyl peroxide until your skin is used to it. Keep the rest of your routine gentle. Nighttime Skincare Routine: What to Apply and When shows how to plan treatment nights and rest nights.
How long results take
- Acne and texture: about 8 to 12 weeks.
- Fine lines and tone: about three to six months.
Results last only while you keep using it. Take a photo in the same light before you begin, so you can compare fairly.
Sunscreen is part of the deal
Retinoids can make skin more sensitive to sunlight, and sun exposure undoes the benefits you are working for. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every day.
For where retinol fits in a routine for older skin, see Skincare Routine for Mature Skin. For the general method of introducing any new product, see How to Add New Products to Your Skincare Routine.
Related on ArniSun
- Nighttime Skincare Routine: What to Apply and When
- Skin Purging vs Irritation: Signs to Look For
- Retinol Product Guide: Strengths, Textures, and Labels
- Skincare Routine for Mature Skin
- How to Add New Products to Your Skincare Routine
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
At what age should I start retinol?
There is no set age. It is used from the teenage years for acne under medical advice, and many adults start in their twenties or thirties for prevention. It is never too late to begin.
Can I use retinol around my eyes?
The skin there is thin and easily irritated. Use a product made for the eye area, or apply your usual retinol only to the outer bone around the eye, sparingly.
Should I stop retinol in summer?
You do not have to. Apply it at night and wear sunscreen daily. If you will be in strong sun for long periods, such as on a beach vacation, you may choose to pause it.