And sure, you may also simply merely apply retinol after you’ve got moisturized, with out utilizing the sandwich method, in case you discover that works simply wonderful for you. “You should utilize moisturizer earlier than or afterward to counteract a few of the uncomfortable side effects [of retinol],” confirms Dr. Shah.

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

Do not overdo it with retinol

This tip actually cannot be confused sufficient. Sure, retinol can be utilized extra typically and in better amount as time goes on, however dermatologists recommend beginning small with only a pea-size dollop two or three nights every week. That is so the pores and skin can turn out to be accustom to the lively ingredient, making it extra tolerable over time.

“If all the pieces goes effectively after about two weeks and also you’re experiencing no dryness, redness, or flaking, you possibly can progressively improve the frequency of utility of the retinol to each different evening for every week or two, then nightly,” says Dr. Gilbert. “The rule of thumb is: Pull again on what number of nights you are utilizing retinol in case you’re getting irritation or dryness, and transfer forward in case you’re doing wonderful.”

Do not suppose you will not reap retinol’s advantages in case you’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 every week.

Keep away from different harsh substances when utilizing retinol

When utilizing a retinol, Dr. Marchbein says it is best to keep away from sure skin-care substances like glycolic and different alpha hydroxy acids, which may contribute to dryness and irritation. In case 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 substances neutralize one another, which causes each to be much less efficient.

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

Kiehl’s Extremely Facial Moisturizer

Strive the quick contact methodology for retinol

A very fascinating tip from Dr. Shah is to strive what she calls “quick contact utility.” It is a method 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 possibly can progressively improve 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 dimensions of a pea is ample 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 every other pores and skin considerations you wish to appropriate. Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and affiliate medical professor of dermatology on the Yale Faculty of Medication, says that usually you possibly can anticipate to begin seeing ends in as little as six weeks or so long as three months.