What not to do when using retinol if you want it to work

Retinol is one of the most studied active ingredients due to its effectiveness in cosmetics. Continued use improves skin texture, reduces wrinkles, improves acne, and evens skin tone.

Despite its benefits, it is one of the ingredients that is often incorporated incorrectly into the routine, which can generate side effects.

Starting with too high a concentration of retinol

Retinol isn't an ingredient to start with at full strength. The skin needs time to adjust, because high concentrations can cause irritation, redness, and peeling before the product can show results.

The recommended way to introduce retinol is at low concentrations, between 0.1% and 0.3%, and to apply it two or three nights a week for the first month. As the skin adapts, the frequency can be gradually increased. This adaptation process, known as retinization, is normal and necessary.

Results are achieved when the skin receives the treatment properly and consistently.

La Roche Posay

RETINOL B3 serum

Anti aging & anti wrinkle treatment

From £ 28.45

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Vichy Laboratoires

LIFTACTIV B3 anti-spot retinol night cream

Anti aging & anti wrinkle treatment - Anti blemish treatment

From £ 31.50

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Apply retinol without sunscreen the next day

This is the mistake that most compromises the effectiveness of retinol.

The active ingredient increases the skin's sensitivity to solar radiation, which means that without sunscreen, the benefits of retinol are nullified and the skin is exposed to damage that accelerates aging.

Sunscreen is a must in any routine that includes a retinol cream or serum. Sun protection isn't optional or just for beach days. Your skin needs daily protection while using retinol, regardless of the weather or season.

Avène

SOLAIRE CLEANANCE solar SPF50+

Sunscreen for face

From £ 13.65

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Cantabria Labs

HELIOCARE 360° fluid pigment solution sunscreen SPF50+

Anti blemish treatment - Sunscreen for face

From £ 19.73

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Combining retinol with incompatible active ingredients

Retinol is a potent active ingredient and doesn't mix well with all other ingredients. Combining it in the same routine with exfoliating acids (such as AHAs or BHAs) or with vitamin C can cause irritation and negate the effects of both products.

The general rule is simple. Retinol is applied at night, alone, to clean, dry skin. If you use other active ingredients like vitamin C, it's best to leave them for the morning. For more sensitive skin, the "sandwich" technique—applying a thin layer of moisturizer before and after the retinol—helps reduce irritation without compromising effectiveness.

How to incorporate retinol into your routine without making these mistakes

Starting with a low concentration, being consistent, and never skipping sunscreen are the three pillars of a successful retinol routine. Patience in the first few weeks is what determines whether the product delivers results or ends up forgotten in a drawer.

Dry or sensitive skin benefits from formulas that combine retinol with soothing ingredients like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid. This combination helps minimize potential irritation and boost skin hydration without compromising the active ingredient's effectiveness. More resilient skin types can progress to higher concentrations more quickly.

At Perfume's Club you will find serums and creams with retinol of different concentrations, designed for each skin type and each level of adaptation to the active ingredient.