Big note: Experts caution against exfoliating and using retinoids (particularly tretinoin) in the same routine because both can cause irritation—especially when used one right after the other.

Can I exfoliate while using retinol?

Because retinol makes your skin more sensitive, you want to make sure you don't over-exfoliate or irritate your complexion. But you can use your retinol and your exfoliating products together in harmony.

Should you exfoliate before or after retinol?

Note: we recommend only applying retinol at night due to photosensitivity. For exfoliants, if it's a product that exclusively exfoliates (like Eminence's Dermafoliant) use it at night right after you cleanse. Exfoliating masks will also be applied right after you cleanse.

How often should you exfoliate when using retinol?

Exfoliate: 2-3x a week

As a rule of thumb, aim to exfoliate 2-3 times per week unless you have dry or sensitive skin. If that's the case, start with just one weekly exfoliation and take it from there.

What can you not mix with retinol?

Don't Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. AHA and BHA acids are exfoliating, which can dry out skin and cause further irritation if your skincare routine already includes retinol. As for benzoyl peroxide and retinol, they cancel each other out.

Can I use niacinamide with retinol?

Pairing the two ingredients is safe and can make retinol easier to use. Niacinamide helps hydrate the skin, which reduces the risk of irritation caused by retinol. Niacinamide and retinol can be combined in one product or used as separate products.

Do I need AHA if I use retinol?

Myth #3: Retinol works better without AHA or BHA exfoliants

You may be surprised to find out that research has shown that retinol combined with exfoliants like AHAs helps fade hyperpigmentation in skin, and improves the results you get from both ingredients on the skin.

Can I use retinol every night?

Retinoids work best if you use them daily. Specifically, they should be used at night because some types are deactivated by light and air. It's important to start slowly and allow your skin time to adjust. Using too much too quickly can cause redness, dryness, and irritation.

Do you need to wash retinol off in the morning?

Rouleau says the best time to use a scrub is in the morning. Overnight you've loosened up dead skin cells with your glycolic acid or retinol products, making the morning a perfect time to brush them off.

What is retinol uglies?

But a little-known side effect of retinoid is something colloquially known on internet message boards and the beauty world as the “retinoid uglies.” Known as a skin-care “coming of age” phase, it's an adjustment period (the timing is different for everyone) when your skin “purges,” often resulting in excessively red ...

Should you moisturise after retinol?

A formula with retinol, like the L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Eye Treatment, should be applied after your serums and before moisturizer due to its consistency.

Can I use retinol and hyaluronic acid together?

It's perfectly safe and okay to use hyaluronic acid and retinol together. Using skin care products that contain these ingredients together shouldn't cause any interactions or side effects. Hyaluronic acid and retinol are one of the most popular skin care combinations.

Can you use a BHA with retinol?

If you have time, you can use hydroxy acids and retinol sequentially. After applying an AHA or BHA product, wait for 30 minutes to allow your skin's pH to return to normal, and then apply the retinol product.

Can I use salicylic acid with retinol?

Combining Salicylic Acid and Retinol

While using salicylic acid and retinol in your skincare regimen is perfectly safe and can make it more effective, it may lead to dry skin when used too frequently.

Can I use retinol everyday?

Retinol can be used every day but needs time to work

After you've built up your skin's tolerance to retinol, it's perfectly safe to use every day. Even users in their 20s can see improvements to their skin when retinol is part of their daily routine.

What order do I put retinol on?

Quick Tips for Incorporating Retinol into Your Beauty Routine

1. Mix your retinol with your moisturizer, or apply your moisturizer first and then your retinol.
2. Always use sunscreen the morning after you apply retinol. Your skin will be especially sensitive to sunlight, so it's important to protect it.

Can you mix retinol niacinamide and hyaluronic acid?

Much like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid is another ingredient that can be teamed with retinol for a routine that can really pack a punch. Each skin hero diminishing fine lines and wrinkles, kick starting collagen production and leaving the complexion glowing, healthy and full of bounce.

Can I use salicylic acid with retinol and niacinamide?

Yes, you can, but ensuring you apply them in the correct way. When using salicylic acid and retinol together you will find they are both great at combating any skin concerns that include breakouts or blemishes.

Can you combine retinol and vitamin C?

The truth: You can use vitamin C with retinol and retinoids. Get them as separate products so you can tailor the concentration of each and use them at the right time of day. Although vitamin C can be used day or night, it is ideal for daytime use, while retinol and retinoids should be applied at night.

Is retinol or salicylic acid better for acne?

“Vitamin A derivatives help to clear acne, as they help to regulate skin cell turnover,” says Marisa Garshick, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City. Unlike salicylic acid, which exfoliates dead skin cells and dissolves clogs, and benzoyl peroxide, which kills acne-causing bacteria, retinoids work from the inside out.

What goes on first retinol or hyaluronic acid?

No matter which form you choose to incorporate your hyaluronic acid, it should be close to the final step in your routine. If you are using it in serum form, you'll apply it immediately after your retinol. If it is part of your moisturizer, it will be your last step.

How do you use retinol on a skincare routine?

Always apply Retinol products at night, as sunlight can diminish their power. If you're a prescription-strength user, use Retinol as the first layer on your skin after washing your face with a cleansing cream and before applying your anti-aging moisturizer.

Should I put retinol on my neck?

Retinoids, which are topical vitamin A-based derivatives, may help reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing collagen production. If you use retinoids on your face, extend the treatment area to your neck and chest at night.

Can retinol make hyperpigmentation worse?

“If the retinol you're using is too strong for your skin causing inflammation, darker skin tones may have a higher risk of discoloration, or hyperpigmentation, from the use of it," she adds. Dr. Icecreamwala recommends starting with a retinol that is 0.3 or 0.5 percent.

How long should I wait to apply moisturizer after retinol?

And now another rule to keep in mind: Many prescription-strength retinoids suggest users wait upwards of 20 minutes post-cleansing before putting retinol on their skin and 20 more minutes before putting anything else on, according to Reddit.