Reviewed by ANNA STOLLSTEIMER, Esthetician at Rescue Spa Philadelphia
Retinol has earned its reputation as one of the most effective skincare ingredients for smoothing texture, minimizing fine lines, and promoting youthful, radiant skin. But if you’re new to retinol-or looking to get the most out of it-it’s important to understand how to use it correctly and safely.
Below, we will cover when to use retinol, how to introduce it into your routine, complementary ingredients, and common questions to help you achieve the best results.
What Is Retinol?
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative known for its ability to increase cell turnover, stimulate collagen production, and improve skin tone. Unlike prescription-strength retinoids, over-the-counter retinol is gentle enough for regular use but still delivers anti-aging and skin-renewing benefits.
Benefits of Retinol:
-
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
-
Smooths uneven texture and rough patches
-
Improves skin tone and radiance
-
Helps minimize pores
-
Supports long-term collagen production
Retinol Products To Consider:
Tri-Retinoid Complex Retinol Serum
Environ's Retinol Serum Booster advances the skin benefits of Vitamin A micronutrition to promote skin longevity and overall youthful radiance. Retinol Serum combines retinol with 2 other retinoid forms, plus added antioxidants and barrier-boosting ingredients to advance the skin's protection against oxidative stress and barrier resilience. When Skin is comfortable with Retinol Serum, step up the intensity with Retinol Serum Forte.
Renewal Retinol 0.25
Visibly Improve Skin Texture & Tone. A lipid-encapsulated retinol serum that supports smoother skin texture, improves skin tone, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The Retinol Serum
The Retinol Serum is a retinol anti-wrinkle serum. This specific retinol is a multitasking skin plumping and lifting serum. Powered by TFC8 technology, this Augustinus Bader serum is formulated with clean super hydration and potent botanicals, including cell-renewing Pure Retinol.
Retinol 0.3
Retinol 0.3 is recommended for first-time retinol users. This potent nighttime treatment features 0.3% pure retinol enhanced with the latest stabilization and delivery technologies to ensure a steady, even release. Formulated with soothing bisabolol to minimize irritation and specially packaged to preserve its potency, this retinol cream for face helps improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, blemishes, and pores by accelerating cellular turnover.
Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3
It combines Retinol of botanical origin with a proprietary blend of Bakuchiol, other powerful botanical boosters, antioxidants, and Extremozymes to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles while evening skin tone and texture for a smooth, radiant complexion. This nourishing form of Retinol is encapsulated with bio-identical lipids, providing easy delivery to the skin while improving its resilience and overall long-term complexion.
How to Introduce Retinol into Your Routine
Retinol is powerful, so it’s best to start slow:
Prepare your skin for retinol
According to Rescue Spa Esthetician Anna Stollsteimer:
“If you are new to skincare and your routine is very simple—perhaps only a basic cleanser and/or moisturizer—before introducing retinol, we recommend starting with gentle exfoliators that contain hydroxy acids. Ingredients like Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs), and Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) can help prepare your skin for retinol, allowing it to work more effectively with less risk of irritation.”
If you’re new to exfoliating acids (like AHAs or BHAs), we recommend starting with a gentle face toner such as DANUCERA D22 Tonic. It’s safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
How to Start with Retinol:
-
Frequency: Begin with 1–2 nights per week.
-
Application: Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin. Avoid the eye area unless the product is specifically formulated for it.
-
Build Up: Increase frequency gradually (every other night, then nightly) as your skin tolerates it.
-
Time of Day: Use retinol only at night, as sunlight can degrade its potency.
-
Sun Protection: Always wear sunscreen during the day, as retinol can increase skin sensitivity.
Pro Tip: Follow with a hydrating moisturizer to reduce dryness or irritation.
What Products and Ingredients Pair Well With Retinol
To maximize benefits and minimize irritation, pair retinol with hydrating, barrier-supporting, and antioxidant-rich products:
-
Moisturizers with Ceramides or Squalane: Strengthen the skin barrier and lock in hydration.
Try: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 or EltaMD PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer -
Hyaluronic Acid Serums: Provide deep hydration and plump the skin.
Try: iS Clinical Hydra-Cool Serum, Environ HA Intensive Hydrating Serum -
Niacinamide: Soothes redness and irritation while supporting barrier health.
Try: Mega Serum, Creme Iso Placenta or Creme Hydravit's -
Antioxidants (Vitamin C, Ferulic Acid, or Resveratrol): Use in the morning routine to protect skin from environmental stressors.
Try: iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance+ (Vitamin C + antioxidants), Environ Vita-Peptide C-Quence Serum 1–4 or SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic -
Gentle Cleansers: Avoid harsh foaming or exfoliating cleansers on retinol nights to reduce irritation.
Try: Danucera Cerabalm (used as a nourishing cleanser or mask) or Biologique Recherche Lait Dermo-S (a soothing, gentle milk cleanser).
Retinol Routine Example
Morning:
-
Gentle cleanser
-
Antioxidant serum (Vitamin C or Ferulic Acid)
-
Moisturizer
-
SPF 30+
Evening (Retinol Night):
-
Gentle cleanser
-
Optional hydrating serum (hyaluronic acid)
-
Retinol (pea-sized amount)
-
Moisturizer
Tip: If irritation occurs, apply moisturizer first, then retinol or reduce frequency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use retinol with other active ingredients?
A: Yes, but be cautious. Avoid layering strong acids (AHAs/BHAs) with retinol on the same night. Instead, alternate nights or use in the morning for acids and at night for retinol.
Q: Can I use retinol during the day?
A: No, retinol is light-sensitive and should only be applied at night. Always pair daytime routines with SPF.
Q: How long until I see results?
A: You may notice initial improvements in texture and hydration within 2–4 weeks. Full anti-aging benefits, including collagen production and fine line reduction, can take 8–12 weeks.
Q: Is retinol safe for sensitive skin?
A: Yes, if introduced gradually. Start with a lower concentration and pair with hydrating, barrier-supporting products.
Q: Can pregnant or breastfeeding individuals use retinol?
A: No. Retinol is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consider gentler alternatives like bakuchiol.
Q: Can I use retinol on my neck and chest?
A: Yes, but start slowly and apply a smaller amount, as the skin in these areas is thinner and more sensitive.
For those looking to achieve smoother, brighter, and more youthful skin, retinol is a proven and highly effective option. When introduced gradually and paired with barrier-supporting products, it delivers visible results with long-term benefits.
For expert-approved options and complementary products, explore the full retinol collection ore schedule a complimentary consultation to get the best recommendation from our skin experts.
