How to Safely Introduce Retinol To Your Skincare Routine
If you're looking to make some visible changes to your skin in 2025 then it's time to introduce the big guns of skincare.
Few ingredients have the ability to transform the appearance, texture and feel of your skin on a greater level than retinol.
But along with some incredible benefits come a few side effects. Namely:
- An increase in irritation;
- Potential barrier damage;
- Skin sensitivity;
- Redness;
- Dryness; and
- Flaking
While not everyone will experience these side effects there is a way to ease your skin into your new, high-powered skincare routine while reducing the likelihood of any skin troubles.
Let's take a look at how to safety introduce retinol to your skincare routine.
How to Safely Introduce Retinol To Your Skincare Routine: Start Slowly
Retinol is one ingredient you probably don't want to slather all over your face as soon as you pick up a new jar. The risk for irritation is just too high and coming back from over-exfoliation and skin damage can be tough.
Instead, start with just one pump for the whole face and neck at each application. Take care to avoid the areas around your mouth, the creases in your nose, under your eyes and your neck. That's because these areas are the most sensitive and reactive. You can build up to applying retinol to these areas over time.
For the first few weeks you use your new retinol, apply it every other day or even as little as 1-2 times a week if you're prone to sensitivity.
How to Safely Introduce Retinol To Your Skincare Routine: Build Up to Nightly Use
As your skin adjusts to using retinol, you can gradually build up the frequency of your application. Try alternating every other night.
If you experience any signs of discomfort or irritation, pull back. Instead, try the skin cycling method instead. This involves alternating between high strength skincare on one night of your retinol (i.e. retinol) and gentle, more nourishing products to cocoon the skin on alternate nights (the rest nights).
If your skin seems to be handling everything OK (i.e. without peeling or sensitivity) then you can build up to nightly use.
How to Safely Introduce Retinol To Your Skincare Routine: Use Sun Protection Daily
Using a retinoid or Vitamin-A based product will make your skin more sensitive to the sun. That's why its so important to use sun protection every day while using retinol. We recommend using a standalone SPF 50+ sunscreen - don't be tempted to rely on the sun protection in your makeup. In order to get the stated amount of protection you would have to apply far more makeup than most people use.
We also recommend sticking to using your retinol at night rather than in the morning. That's because the sun can render some formulations less effective. Seeing as you want to get the most bang for your buck it makes sense to use retinol at night.
Questions?
Do you have any questions about how to safely introduce retinol to your skincare routine? If so, get in touch with our team. We're always happy to help you find the perfect products for your skin.