How to Use Retinol

Retinol is an over-the-counter skin cream derived from a highly concentrated form of vitamin A. It's typically applied to the face in order to reverse some of the effects of aging, and can be purchased at any large pharmacy, drug store, or supermarket.^[1] If you use retinol creams correctly, they may eliminate acne, reduce wrinkles, and make skin damage less visible. If you have any skin conditions (e.g., eczema) or have any medical allergies, consult a doctor before applying retinol creams.

EditSteps

EditApplying Retinol Cream

1. Purchase an over-the-counter retinol cream. If you haven’t used a vitamin A cream on your skin before, it’s best to start with a gentle OTC cream. Retinol creams are also available in prescription-strength, but these may damage your skin if you haven’t used a vitamin-A cream before.^[2] OTC retinol creams like retinyl palmitate or retinaldehyde (both common types) are mild and great to begin with.^[3]
   
   • If you apply prescription-strength retinol cream to skin that isn’t used to it, the skin will become dry and flake off.
2. Apply retinol cream at night before bed. The retinol will work best if it’s left on your face for a long period of time (e.g., overnight) without being rubbed, bumped, or otherwise disturbed. The delicate skin on your face is also more permeable at night. So, incorporate the retinol cream into your night facial skincare routine.^[4]
   
   • For example, get in the habit of putting on a retinol cream after you brush your teeth and just before getting into bed.
3. Wash your face and wait 20 minutes for the skin to dry. Use a gentle soap and warm water from your kitchen or bathroom tap. Once you’ve washed, pat your face dry with a clean towel. Then, wait 20 minutes after washing your face before you apply retinol cream.^[5]
   
   • If you don’t wait 20 minutes and decide to apply the cream prematurely, any moisture left behind can interact with the Retinol and cause irritation, redness, and peeling.
4. Squeeze out a of retinol cream onto a fingertip. The amount you squeeze out onto your finger should be roughly the size of a pea. This is all the cream you’ll need to cover your whole face. If you use an excessive amount of retinol cream to begin with, you’ll risk drying and damaging your face.^[6]
   
   • Keep in mind that your facial skin is more delicate than skin on other parts of your body.
5. Rub the cream into your facial skin with a circular motion. Take about half of the retinol cream that’s on your fingertip and rub it lightly into your forehead. Then take the rest of the cream and, using fingertips from both hands, rub it across your cheeks and chin and around your eyes until you no longer see any product. Rub the cream in using small, circular motions.^[7]
   
6. Put on moisturizer after 20 minutes, if desired. Retinol creams are coarse and take time to absorb into your skin. So, read a book, watch TV, or wash the dishes for 20 minutes while the cream soaks in. If you apply a moisturizing lotion to your face as part of your nightly routine, apply it after these 20 minutes have passed.^[8]
   
7. Wait 3–4 days before applying retinol cream again. If the skin of your face isn’t used to having retinol cream applied to it, it can quickly dry out or begin to flake. Instead of using retinol cream every day, let your skin adjust to the new cream. So, if you first applied retinol cream on Sunday night, wait until Wednesday or Thursday night before applying the cream again.^[9]
   
   • If you have sensitive skin, try waiting a full week before reapplying retinol cream.
8. Build up to daily usage over a period of 6 months. With continued retinol usage, your facial skin will lose its sensitivity to the cream and you’ll be able to apply it more frequently. Escalate your usage gradually so your skin doesn’t flake. For example, try using it 2 times a week for 2 weeks, then 3 times a week for 3 weeks.^[10]
   
   • After that point, try applying the retinol cream daily, as long as you’re not experiencing any side effects.

EditDealing with Side Effects

1. Be prepared for some light skin peeling with normal usage. If this is your first time applying a vitamin A cream to your face, you’ll experience a few mild side effects. Skin around your eyes or on your cheeks may turn a light reddish color and feel slightly itchy or irritated. You may also notice small amounts of skin peeling off from your face.^[11]
   
   • This is normal and should stop in 2-3 days.
2. Apply sunscreen to your face when you’re outside during the day. Retinol can make your skin very sensitive to ultraviolet rays from the sun. Wearing a sunscreen will protect your skin and keep it looking fresh. So, before you step out into the sun, apply a facial sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that offers UVA and UVB protection.^[12]
   
   • Purchase a facial sunscreen at any large supermarket or at any drugstore or pharmacy.
3. Use a moisturizing cream if your skin starts to feel tight or dry. This is especially likely to happen during cold winter weather or during times of low humidity (especially if you live in a dry climate to begin with). So, increase the amount of moisturizer or moisturizing lotion that you apply to your face if you start noticing an increase in dry patches from the retinol cream.^[13]
   
   • If you don’t already use a moisturizing cream with your retinol cream, try it out and see if it makes a difference on any flaky skin.
4. See a doctor if your skin flakes severely when using a retinol cream. Some people—especially anyone with sensitive skin—find that they cannot use retinol cream long term without experiencing painfully reddened, flaky skin.^[14] If you experience this, schedule an appointment with your doctor and explain your symptoms. They may suggest that you find an alternative cream that doesn’t contain vitamin A.
   
   • If your doctor doesn’t have much experience with retinol and other vitamin-A-based creams, they may refer you to a dermatologist.

EditVideo

EditTips

• Retinol works by applying antioxidants which neutralize free radicals on the skin of your face. Free radicals speed up the process at which your skin wrinkles, so destroying them will slow down the wrinkling process and keep your skin looking younger for longer.^[15]
• People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid using retinol creams.^[16]

EditWarnings

• Retinol creams can interact negatively with other medications that you may be taking. Check with a doctor before applying any vitamin A cream if you’re taking any anticoagulants or retinoids. Also check with your doctor if you’re taking weight-loss medications like Orlistat or cancer drugs like Bexarotene.^[17]

EditRelated wikiHows

• Reduce Puffy Eyes

EditSources and Citations

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