How to Use Retinol: Best Practices 🧪

Skincare Secrets
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What Exactly Are Retinoids?

Initially pioneered in the 1950s to treat severe acne and other topical conditions, by the 1980s retinoids were recognized as highly effective for anti-aging. Now they’ve gone mainstream thanks to the development of more refined and gentler formulas.

These Vitamin A derivatives are celebrated for their powerful anti-aging benefits but they’re far from an ordinary night cream. At beautíMod, we believe there’s a real need for better education around how retinoids work, the different forms they come in and how to use them safely. Because while they can transform your skin, using them incorrectly can temporarily damage the skin barrier.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different variations of retinoids, best practices for incorporating them into your routine, and the key mistakes to avoid so your skin barrier stays healthy and protected.

Chemically speaking, retinoids are derivatives of Vitamin A. They vary in strength, effectiveness, and purpose. Some are available over the counter, while others require a prescription. Choosing the right one depends on your skin type, tolerance, and goals. As always, consult your dermatologist before making any changes to your routine.

Below are 8 best practices when using retinoids:

1. Start Slowly: Use The 1-2-3 Rule :white_check_mark:

Your skin needs time to build tolerance. Try this approach:

  • Week 1: Apply once a week
  • Week 2: Apply twice a week
  • Week 3: Apply three times a week

If your skin adjusts without irritation, you can continue increasing gradually. Consistency is key: if you stop for weeks or months, you’ll need to restart the 1-2-3 rule.

2. Support Your Skin Barrier :droplet:

Retinoids speed up cell turnover, which can leave your skin fragile if you’re not careful. Using harsh cleansers or skipping moisturizer is a recipe for a damaged skin barrier, leading to:

  • Redness and inflammation
  • Increased breakouts
  • Loss of hydration
  • Premature aging instead of rejuvenation

What to do instead:

  • Use an ultra-gentle cleanser
  • Follow up with moisturizers containing ceramides and hyaluronic acid to nourish and lock in moisture
  • You generally should not slug (apply an occlusive product like Vaseline) directly after applying retinol because it can increase the retinol’s penetration, leading to irritation and redness

3. Protect With Sunscreen :sun_with_face:

Retinoids make your skin more sensitive to UV rays. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning, and avoid direct sun as much as possible, especially on the days following retinoid use.

4. Apply Only at Night :crescent_moon:

Sunlight breaks down retinoids, making them ineffective. Apply in the evening, and follow these steps for best results:

  • Cleanse with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser
  • Wait about 5 minutes for your skin to fully dry (wet skin can increase irritation)
  • Apply a pea sized amount in a thin, even layer

5. Keep It Simple on Retinoid Nights :lotus:

Avoid combining retinoids with other exfoliating ingredients such as:

  • AHAs, BHAs, PHAs
  • Fruit enzymes
  • Bamboo extract or other manual exfoliants

Over-exfoliation = irritation. Stick to your retinoid + gentle cleanser + nourishing moisturizer. My preference is to keep my skincare routine as stripped down and minimal as possible, but if you do choose to mix, opt for these hydrating ingredients:

  • Peptides
  • Ceramides
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Niacinamide

6. Less Is More :lotion_bottle:

Don’t overdo it. A thin layer is all you need. Always read the product instructions carefully, and remember: stronger isn’t always better. If your skin feels raw or overly dry, switch to a lower-strength formula.

And of course, when in doubt, consult your dermatologist or aesthetician before making any changes to your routine.

7. Don’t Ever Apply to Eyelids :eye:

Even if the product is labeled for eyes, never apply retinoids to your eyelids. Doing so can contribute to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and dry eye disease.

If you’re using a retinoid-based eye cream:

  • Apply only to the undereye area
  • Keep it a safe distance from the lash line
  • Use sparingly, in a very thin layer

As always, check with your dermatologist or aesthetician before implementing into your routine.

8. Don’t Apply to Broken Skin or Active Blemishes :star:

Retinoids can worsen irritation if used on cuts, raw spots or breakouts. Stick to intact skin and allow blemishes or wounds to heal before applying.

Final Thoughts:

Retinoids are one of the most effective tools in skincare, but only when used properly.

Remember: post-retinoid recovery is just as important as the treatment itself. Much like in life, finesse often succeeds where force does not. Applied patiently and regularly, retinoids encourage collagen production and cellular turnover, resulting in a smoother, healthier complexion.

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