Long story, short
- Start Retinol every three days, and if your skin tolerates it well after three weeks, move up to every other day, then every day — after 12 weeks you should see results and can consider a stronger formula.
- As a rule: the more irritated your skin is, the less frequently you should apply Retinol. A degree of trial and error is expected until you find your optimum routine.
- Do not use Retinol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are planning to wax (stop at least a week before), or are already using a prescription keratolytic from your dermatologist.
- Retinol works on anti-ageing, acne, hyperpigmentation, and pore-unclogging — making it arguably the hardest-working ingredient in your skincare routine.
Retinol is the gold standard of over-the-counter anti-ageing skincare. Loved by experts, proven to work and suitable for all skin types – it’s arguably the hardest-working ingredient in your skincare routine.
You probably know how Retinol works and you likely know what this Vitamin A powerhouse does to skin — but the rulebook for how often you should use Retinol can confuse even the most knowledgeable beauty expert. Until now.
Retinol is no ordinary skincare ingredient. Proven to be the most effective over-the-counter anti-ageing ingredient, it also works on acne and acne-prone skin, improving hyperpigmentation, breakouts, unclogging pores and leaving skin looking smoother and clearer. It even boosts elasticity.
Yet there’s a fear factor around Retinol — especially when it comes to knowing what else you can combine it with in your skincare routine. We put your most frequently-asked questions to Consultant Dermatologist Dr Andrew Markey MD FRCP. If smart (but simple) skincare solutions are your thing, you’re in the right place:
How often should you use Retinol?
Unless a brand specifically says differently – if your skin is tolerating Retinol well after three weeks of use every three days, move up to every other day, then every day. After 12 weeks you should be starting to see results and able to move onto something stronger.
If your skin is tolerating Retinol well after three weeks of use every three days, move up to every other day, then every day.
As a rule, the more irritated your skin is, the less frequently you should apply Retinol. If your skin responds well, you can start applying this cell-renewing ingredient every night. A degree of trial and error is expected until you find your optimum Retinol routine.
When should you NOT use Retinol?
You should not use Retinol if:
You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
You want to regularly wax an area of skin (discontinue use for at least a week before waxing).
You’re already using a prescription Keratolytic from your dermatologist. (In which case, get their advice first, before you start.)
Footnotes
Reviewed by Consultant Dermatologist Dr Andrew C Markey MD FRCP.
