Retinol for Beginners: How to Start Without Irritation

Retinol is the ingredient estheticians recommend most for fine lines, uneven texture and breakouts. It is also the one clients are most nervous about. Here is how to start retinol the smart way, so you get the results without the redness and flaking.

What retinol does

Retinol is a form of vitamin A. It encourages faster cell turnover, which helps smooth texture, soften the look of fine lines, refine pores and fade the look of uneven tone. Results build over weeks, so consistency matters more than strength.

Step 1: Start low

If you have never used retinol, begin with a lower concentration such as SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 or Vivier Retinol 0.3%. When your skin has adjusted, typically after a couple of months, you can move to 0.5 and later 1.0 (SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5, Retinol 1.0).

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3Vivier Retinol 0.3%SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0

Step 2: Go slow

Use a pea-sized amount at night, two or three times a week to start. Increase gradually to every other night, then nightly if your skin is comfortable.

Step 3: Buffer and hydrate

Apply retinol to dry skin, then follow with a moisturizer. A barrier-supporting moisturizer like Dermalogica UltraCalming Barrier Repair helps keep skin comfortable.

Dermalogica UltraCalming Barrier Repair

Step 4: Never skip SPF

Retinol makes skin more sensitive to the sun. Wear broad-spectrum SPF every morning, even in winter. Mineral options like SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 and Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50 are favourites with retinol users.

SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50

Sensitive skin? Try an alternative

If traditional retinol is too much for your skin, consider a gentler alternative such as Yon-Ka Retinol-Like Bi-Serum or browse our bakuchiol skincare.

Yon-Ka Retinol-Like Bi-Serum

Who should check first

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, using prescription skincare or have a skin condition, speak with your doctor before starting retinol.

Browse every retinol product we carry, or email our estheticians at support@avantilespa.com for a personalized recommendation.