Start Slow and Go Small
A pea-sized drop of retinol is enough for the entire face, according to Wesley. She recommends starting slooowly. Look for a lower concentration of retinol, too. Try using retinol every other night, or every third night or even once a week then gradually build up. Celebrity Esthetician Shani Darden suggests adding one additional night every week. It's not a race.
Gohara says that rest days give skin a chance to recover between each use.
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Make Sure Skin Isn't Wet
Van Dyke says that skin that is well hydrated and even slightly damp may enhance the penetration of retinol and improve efficacy. Retinol newbies should ensure skin doesn't have any residue on it before applying the treatment to properly acclimate to the product. Once skin is adjusted to retinol, experiment with applying it to damp skin.
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Moisturize Skin
Van Dyke advises that we treat skin with kindness and look for ways to enhance the skin barrier, such as with a moisturizer rich in shea butter, cocoa butter, ceramides or similar. Healthy skin tolerates retinols well.
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Consider Layering Moisturizer
In the colder months, Wesley suggests applying a hydrating serum or light moisturizer prior to retinol to make a buffer. Or use a heavier cream on top to minimize dryness and help protect skin's natural moisture barrier.
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Mix Moisturizer Right In
Mixing retinol with an irritant-free moisturizer can also fight any weather-related dryness. Gohara says that the blending will not impact retinol's superpower anti-aging and acne-fighting ingredients, but avoid mixing in a moisturizer with ingredients such as alcohol and synthetic fragrances.
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