A beginner retinol routine starts with a patch test, then a small amount at night on one or two nights a week, with plain moisturiser nights in between. Wear sunscreen every morning, and only add more nights once your skin has felt comfortable for a few weeks.
What retinol is
Retinol is a form of vitamin A used in skincare. You'll find it in serums and night creams. It's often found in products sold for a smoother, more even look.
It's also one of the ingredients most likely to feel like a lot at first. Dryness, tightness or a little flaking in the early weeks is common. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests starting slowly and using moisturiser to keep irritation down, and notes that retinoids can make skin more sensitive to the sun.
Before you begin
Look at your shelf. Check whether you already own something with retinol in it. Night creams and eye creams sometimes include it without saying so on the front. Look for retinol, retinal or retinyl on the ingredient list.
Then check for exfoliating acids. Glycolic, lactic, salicylic. If you use one, plan to keep it on different nights from retinol.
If you're pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to get pregnant, ask your doctor or pharmacist before using retinol.
How to start using retinol
- Patch test. Apply a little to a small area along your jaw for a few evenings. Watch for redness, itching or stinging that doesn't settle.
- Use it at night only. Retinol goes on in the evening, as part of your night skincare routine. Mornings stay as your usual routine.
- Start with one or two nights a week. Spread them out, say Monday and Thursday. The other nights are cleanser and moisturiser.
- Apply to clean, dry skin. Wait a few minutes after washing so your face is fully dry.
- Use a small amount. Dot it on your forehead, cheeks and chin, then spread it thinly. Go gently around your eyes, nostrils and the corners of your mouth.
- Follow with moisturiser. One your skin already likes. Some people put moisturiser on first and retinol over it, which can feel gentler.
- Wear sunscreen every morning. Every single morning, even when it's cloudy and you're mostly indoors.
- Build up slowly. If your skin has felt comfortable for a few weeks, add one more night. Keep going at that pace.
What to keep off retinol nights
On the nights you use retinol, skip exfoliating acids and scrubs. Give each its own nights, with plain nights in between. That rhythm is the idea behind skin cycling.
Many people use niacinamide and moisturisers alongside retinol without any trouble.
What the first few weeks can feel like
Your face might feel a bit tight in the morning. You might see some flaking around your nose or chin. This often eases as your skin gets used to it.
If it feels like too much, drop back a night or two. Go back to the schedule that felt comfortable and stay there longer before adding more.
If your skin stings, burns or stays red, stop using retinol and go back to cleanser and moisturiser until it settles. If irritation keeps going, see a dermatologist or doctor.
Keep the rest of your routine steady
When you start retinol, try not to change anything else. Same cleanser, same moisturiser, same sunscreen. If your face feels different, you'll know where to look.
For more on order, read about retinol and vitamin C. To plan retinol, acid and rest nights across the week, see skin cycling.
Where Oleah fits
Oleah is an iPhone skincare companion. You add the products on your shelf or in your routine, take quick face scans to follow visible changes over time, and ask questions along the way. It can flag products that may not belong together. It does not diagnose or treat, and it does not sell skincare.
Retinol FAQ
How often should you use retinol for beginners? Many people start with one or two nights a week and add a night only after a few comfortable weeks.
Should beginners use a retinol serum or a cream? Either can work. Whichever you pick, start on one or two nights a week and follow with moisturiser.
Should I put retinol on before or after moisturiser? Usually after cleansing and before moisturiser. Some people put moisturiser on first to make it feel gentler.
Can I use retinol in the morning? Retinol is usually a night step. Wear sunscreen every morning while you use it.
Can I use retinol with an acid? Most people keep them on separate nights, with plain nights in between.
