And sure, you too can simply merely apply retinol after you have moisturized, with out utilizing the sandwich approach, if you happen to discover that works simply effective for you. “You should use moisturizer earlier than or afterward to counteract a few of the negative effects [of retinol],” confirms Dr. Shah.

However irrespective of the way you apply retinol in your skin-care routine — whether or not it is earlier than, after, by dilution, or utilizing the sandwich technique — integrating a moisturizer into your routine when utilizing the vitamin A by-product may help scale back the danger of irritation if you happen to’re delicate.

Do not overdo it with retinol

This tip really cannot be careworn sufficient. Sure, retinol can be utilized extra usually and in larger amount as time goes on, however dermatologists recommend beginning small with only a pea-size dollop two or three nights per week. That is so the pores and skin can grow to be accustom to the energetic ingredient, making it extra tolerable over time.

“If all the pieces goes nicely after about two weeks and also you’re experiencing no dryness, redness, or flaking, you may regularly enhance the frequency of utility of the retinol to each different night time for per week or two, then nightly,” says Dr. Gilbert. “The rule of thumb is: Pull again on what number of nights you are utilizing retinol if you happen to’re getting irritation or dryness, and transfer forward if you happen to’re doing effective.”

Do not suppose you will not reap retinol’s advantages if you happen to’re not utilizing it nightly, both. Gilbert says that research have proven it is potential to nonetheless get seen outcomes from utilizing the vitamin A by-product solely 3 times per week.

Keep away from different harsh components when utilizing retinol

When utilizing a retinol, Dr. Marchbein says it is best to keep away from sure skin-care components like glycolic and different alpha hydroxy acids, which might contribute to dryness and irritation. When you’d nonetheless like to include them in your routine, use them on the nights you aren’t utilizing retinol. It is additionally suggested to not combine retinol with benzoyl peroxide, which is usually used to deal with pimples breakouts, as the 2 components neutralize one another, which causes each to be much less efficient.

Basically, Dr. Marchbein advises pairing retinol with light formulations just like the aforementioned cleansers, in addition to soothing lotions, like Kiehl’s Extremely Facial Moisturizer, which additionally accommodates pores and skin barrier-strengthening squalane.

Kiehl’s Extremely Facial Moisturizer

Attempt the brief contact technique for retinol

A very attention-grabbing tip from Dr. Shah is to attempt what she calls “brief contact utility.” It is a approach that entails making use of retinol, letting it sit on the pores and skin for a couple of minutes, then washing it off. “As your pores and skin adjusts, you may regularly enhance the time and finally go away it on in a single day,” says Dr. Shah. She additionally reiterates that you just solely want to make use of a very small quantity. “The scale of a pea is adequate for the entire face.”

Be affected person when utilizing retinol

It takes time for the vitamin A by-product to deal with pimples, darkish spots, or some other pores and skin considerations you need to right. Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and affiliate medical professor of dermatology on the Yale Faculty of Drugs, says that usually you may count on to begin seeing leads to as little as six weeks or so long as three months.