When it comes to search numbers, retinol is easily the most “Googled” antiaging and acne-fighting skincare ingredient. This powerhouse active improves skin’s health and appearance by increasing skin cell turnover. This leads to a gradual change in skin’s tone and texture. Unfortunately, accelerated skin cell turnover may also mean temporary skin irritation, so many patients may give up before their retinol skincare routine has time to work. Those who see their desired results start with lower doses of retinol, gradually increase their concentration and frequency of application, and balance retinol results with effective barrier repair. In this blog, we take a deep dive into defining retinol and how to start using this product while minimizing potential side effects.
What Is Retinol?
Retinol is a skincare ingredient derived from vitamin A. When absorbed into skin, it converts to retinoic acid. This acid dissolves away older, damaged skin cells, and it binds to cell receptors prompting the formation of new, healthy skin. For most people, retinol reduces the cell turnover cycle significantly. This is important to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, clear pores, fade discolored areas, and improve skin tone and texture. Additionally, retinol stimulates fibroblasts that synthesize collagen and keep existing collagen fibers healthy. Increased collagen production means skin is smoother and firmer. Some of the many reasons for adding retinol to your daily routine include:
- Interest in reversing early signs of aging – using retinol for wrinkles and fine lines is beneficial to prevent wrinkle development as well as reducing the appearance and depth of these early signs of aging.
- Treating acne-prone skin – dermatologists often recommend retinol for acne skincare routines because it helps keep pores clear, preventing breakouts. During active breakouts, retinol removes damaged skin cells and speeds the healing process.
- Improving uneven texture – retinol can significantly improve the texture of uneven, dull, or dry looking and feeling skin.
- Diminishing appearance of hyperpigmentation – by exfoliating deeper layers and boosting the development of new skin cells, retinol gradually reduces the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
- Preventing and reversing sun damaged skin – retinol reduces the appearance of dark spots and other short- and long-term effects of sun damage.
Types of Retinol
Many people don’t know that there are different strengths, formulations, and types of retinols. While many people assume that the highest possible concentration is the best, that’s not always the case. The right retinol for you will depend on your skin type, goals, and a variety of other factors. Below, we outline dermatologist-recommended retinol strengths:
- Beginners – low-strength retinols are recommended. A 0.25 concentration is a good starting point. To minimize adverse effects, use retinol once or twice a week at most. Increase frequency as tolerated.
- Intermediate users – a moderate-strength retinol with a 0.5 concentration is a nice middle ground. For many, this strength is adequate to achieve and maintain skin health goals.
- Long-time users – those who tolerate moderate strength and still don’t achieve the desired results may want to boost the concentration up to 1.0.
- Those with unique skin health needs – if over-the-counter retinols don’t deliver the desired results, it may be time to discuss a prescription-strength retinoid with your dermatologist. These high-concentration formulas are most often recommended for those with persistent acne.
What to Expect When Starting Retinol
When retinol is first introduced into skincare routines, patients may experience a period of skin irritation called “retinization.” This is the word coined to refer to the common, short-term side effects of early retinol use, including:
- Skin dryness.
- Redness or flushed appearance.
- Tightness.
- Flaking or peeling.
- Irritation.
These side effects are normal as skin adjusts to retinol use. If symptoms are severe or take a long time to resolve (more than a month), you may be overusing retinol or using a concentration that is too strong. Conversely, if you don’t notice any improvement after two to four months, your retinol concentration may be too low. For expert advice, talk to a dermatologist to build a plan to introduce retinol effectively.
How to Use Retinol Safely
If you’re wondering how to use retinol safely while getting the results you want, consider the following retinol tips for beginners:
- Introduce retinol into your skincare routine 1-2 nights a week.
- Apply a pea-size amount to the face and neck.
- Ensure skin is completely dry and all other products are fully absorbed before applying.
- Always use at nighttime as retinol causes sun sensitivity.
- Gradually increase frequency as skin tolerates.
- Do not apply retinols with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), exfoliants, or other potentially irritating actives.
When to Use Retinol
One of the most common questions people have is, when to use retinol for the best results? It’s important to apply retinol as part of the evening skincare routine. Retinol makes skin more sensitive to sunlight, and exposure to UV radiation can diminish the efficacy of retinol. If applied during the morning routine, the efficacy of retinol diminishes and adverse side effects increase.
Why Barrier Repair Is Just as Important as Retinol
It’s essential to prioritize skin barrier repair in conjunction with retinol use. The accelerated skin cell turnover temporarily weakens skin barrier, leading to burning, stinging, dryness, tightness, and increased skin sensitivity characteristic of retinzation. When introducing retinol or to combat sensitivity, strengthening and protecting the skin barrier makes a huge difference. Look for moisturizers or serums with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and squalene. These ingredients attract moisture to skin, fill gaps in the protective barrier, and calm reactivity. A great way to alleviate side effects of retinol is to use the moisturizer sandwich method. During your evening skincare routine, you’ll cleanse skin, apply a moisturizer, apply retinol, and follow it up with another layer of moisturizer. This helps patients better tolerate retinol and reduces retinization symptoms. The initial layer of moisturizer creates a buffer, which slows the absorption of retinol and reduces reactivity.
Building a Beginner-Friendly Retinol Routine
One of the biggest mistakes people make is using too many products and overcomplicating their skincare routines. A consistent, simple routine is best. Below, we outline a simple beginner retinol routine:
Beginner-Friendly Morning Skincare Routine
- Gentle cleanser
- Vitamin C or other antioxidant serum
- Moisturizer
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ (non-negotiable)
Beginner-Friendly Evening Skincare Routine
- Gentle cleanser
- Barrier-repair moisturizer
- Retinol (1–2 nights/week initially)
- Second layer of moisturizer (optional)
Beginner-Friendly Retinol & Barrier Repair Products
If you’re not sure what products to use to build your routine, consider some of the recommended skincare products for those introducing retinol available from DermSkincare.
What Are the Best Retinol Products for Beginners?
ALASTIN Renewal Retinol 0.25 – this low-concentration formula applies retinol through a unique solid lipid delivery system that reduces side effects.
SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 – another low-dose formula that uses a stabilization technology to ensure a gradual, even release of retinol.
What Are the Best Retinol Products for Acne-Prone Skin?
ZO Skin Health Retinol Acne Complex – this unique retinol is formulated to treat acne breakouts, prevent future blemish formation, and reduce the appearance of post-acne skin discoloration and scarring.
Skinbetter AlphaRet Clearing Serum – this serum safely combines alpha hydroxy acid and retinol to address oily and acne-prone skin. It clears pores and prevents breakouts while improving skin tone and texture.
What Are the Best Gentle Cleansers to Use When Using Retinol?
ZO Skin Health Gentle Cleanser – this cleanser is gentle and hydrating. It removes excess oil and clears pores without drying skin.
EltaMD Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser – this gentle cleanser removes dirt and grime without leaving skin feeling tight or dry.
What Are the Best Barrier-Repair Moisturizers to Hydrate Skin While Using Retinol?
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 – this moisturizer supports skin’s barrier with a formula of 2% ceramides, 4% cholesterol, and 2% fatty acids that work together to strengthen and hydrate the protective outer layers of skin.
EltaMD PM Restore Moisturizer – this nighttime moisturizer is great for all skin types. Formulated for barrier support without being so thick it clogs pores. The combination of ceramides and hyaluronic acid strengthens the skin barrier.
What Are the Best Antioxidants to Use in the Morning, When Using Retinol at Night?
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic – an ideal addition to retinol routines. This antioxidant reduces the increased sun sensitivity from retinol use and protects against UV damage.
ALASTIN C-Radical Defense – formulated for improved efficacy and stability, this vitamin C serum prevents damage from the sun, blue light, and pollution.
Skinbetter Mystro Active Balance Serum – unique adaptogen technology boosts resilience and helps skin adapt to external aggressors.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
Before you dive into your new retinol routine, review some of the top mistakes we see from beginners:
- Immediately using retinol every night – while most people will work their way up to applying retinol as part of their nightly routine, it’s recommended to start slowly. Use retinol once or twice a week, then every other night, and if tolerated, move to nightly application.
- Applying too much retinol – with retinol, a little goes a long way. A pea size amount is more than adequate to cover the entire face and neck.
- Failing to moisturize – moisturizer is an essential skincare step, but those with acneic skin may avoid it for fear of making skin greasy or oily. Moisturizing counteracts the drying effects of retinol. Even those with oily skin need to apply moisturizer with retinol because increasing dryness will trigger additional oil production.
- Mixing too many actives – with all of the fantastic products available, it’s easy to go a little overboard when building skincare routines. Less is more, especially when it comes to using a potentially irritating new product like retinol. A simple evening routine that includes a gentle cleanser, toner, retinol, and moisturizer is more than adequate.
- Skipping sunscreen – retinol makes skin much more sensitive to UV radiation. It’s important to apply sunscreen every morning when using retinol and reapply throughout the day to avoid sun damage.
- Impatience and inconsistency – retinol will not work overnight. Results may not appear for a month or several months with consistent use. If you don’t think a retinol is working for you, consult with a dermatologist about trying another option.
When Should You See a Dermatologist?
Dermatologists can support numerous skin health goals. If you’re concerned about choosing the right retinol or other skincare products, consider working with one of the professionals at U.S. Dermatology Partners to develop a personalized routine. Some of the many reasons to seek professional guidance in choosing a retinol, include:
- Experiencing severe irritation.
- Worsening acne symptoms.
- Seeing no improvement after a month of consistent treatment.
- Considering prescription-strength retinoid options or unsure what strength retinol to use.
Retinol Delivers Long-Term Antiaging Skincare Benefits
It’s difficult to say that any individual skincare product or ingredient is right for everyone, but the right retinol offers a variety of skin health benefits. Starting with low concentrations, staying consistent, and balancing retinol and barrier repair ingredients allows patients to achieve their goals while minimizing any potentially adverse retinol side effects.
Explore More at DermSkincare
If you’re interested in finding the right retinol, explore our dermatologist-recommended, beginner-friendly retinol options. For those who just want to improve the quality and efficacy of their overall skincare routine, DermSkincare offers a wide array of products developed with high-quality ingredients that are formulated to meet unique needs. Explore our site for more great products and check out our blog to hear more recommendations from our team.