Should I use retinol in the morning or night? When should I use retinol in my routine? Can I use retinol every day? Can I use multiple retinol products at the same time? These are all questions we get asked frequently, so we decided to clear up the confusion with a complete guide.
While everyone’s skin is unique, there are some general recommendations that should apply to most retinol users. That said, it’s important that you determine the approach that works best for you. If you’re not sure if retinol is right for your skincare routine, talk to a dermatologist.
When should you use retinol? A good starting point is to check the directions on the bottle! From there, you can make adjustments as needed. Otherwise, follow these guidelines.
Start by Using Retinol Every Other Day
Retinol is a potent ingredient. It can cause irritation, especially among people with sensitive skin. However, that’s not always the case. Some retinol products are highly concentrated, while others have other ingredients that tame the harshness.
As a general rule, we recommend using retinol-based products every other day and then adjusting your schedule based on how you react to it. When should you use retinol? Start small, and then work your way up.
If you tolerate it well immediately, you can try using it more frequently. If it irritates your skin, you can use it once in a while or discontinue use, depending on the severity of the reaction. Over time, your skin should develop a tolerance, so you may be able to use it more often in the future.
Use Retinol at Night
Should I use retinol in the morning or night? Retinol is best used as part of your evening or nighttime routine because it makes skin more sensitive to sunlight. And, some retinol products can break down if they’re exposed to sunlight for an extended period of time.
When should you use retinol in the morning? If you plan on spending the day indoors, you shouldn’t have any issues using it in the morning. That said, establishing a consistent routine may be a better approach, as you never know when you might want to go outside!
When to Stop Using Retinol
“Retinol burn” refers to a stinging, tingling sensation that can occur. This is normal and is especially common when using products with a high concentration of retinol. If you notice stronger side effects, it’s important to discontinue use until you speak with a professional.
When should you use retinol if you have side effects? That depends. Common, mild side effects such as itching, dryness, redness, or scaling may just mean you should use retinol less frequently until you develop a tolerance. Severe, uncommon side effects such as swelling, blistering, discoloration, or photosensitivity mean you should stop using the product entirely.
When to Use Retinol in Your Skincare Routine
When should I use retinol in my routine? The order of your skincare products depends on the products you’re using. Here’s a typical skincare routine:
- Cleanser
- Toner
- Retinol serum
- Eye cream
- Exfoliators/masks (if applicable)
- Moisturizer/sunscreen
Be Aware of Ingredient Interactions
When should you use retinol? You may need to adjust your usage if you use products that contain ingredients that interact negatively with retinol.
Should I use retinol in the morning or night if I use a product that interacts with retinol? If you don’t want to replace the product, using the product that interacts with retinol in the morning can be a great way to prevent side effects.
Here are some ingredients that may interact negatively with retinol:
- Benzoyl peroxide deactivates retinol.
- Salicylic acid can cause dryness and irritation when used with retinol.
- Other retinoids can be harsh when used together.
- Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) can cause irritation, redness, and sensitivity when used with retinol.
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