When should you use retinol?

Retinol is a slow-acting molecule, requiring time to penetrate the appropriate skin layer. For this reason, it is often recommended to use retinoid products in the evening, allowing your cell renewal to get a boost overnight. Retinol can also make the skin slightly thinner and more sensitive, making it vulnerable to the sun during the day. Therefore, always use sun protection during the day in combination with retinol.

How to use retinol

How often should you use retinol? It is important to introduce retinol gradually, allowing your skin to adjust. Start with one retinol product, using it every other day for the first week. Can you use retinol every day? Yes, but only once your skin has fully adapted to it. If you notice that your skin is still unsettled after two weeks, we advise you to stop using it and consult our experts.

Additionally, it is crucial to keep the skin well-hydrated when using retinol, as it renews the skin and can therefore cause dryness. Opt for a richly nourishing product with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to maintain your skin’s moisture levels.

What should not be combined with retinol?

If you are pregnant, we recommend avoiding retinol. This is because retinol can make the skin more sensitive to UV light, potentially causing skin discolouration and pigmentation spots.

Be cautious of over-exfoliation as well. Retinol exfoliates from within, and another exfoliator or peel – which works more on the skin’s surface – can irritate and weaken the skin. Good Genes by Sunday Riley and the Enzyme Exfoliator by Susanne Kaufmann are gentle exfoliators that work well with retinol.