The Right Order To Apply Retinol And Moisturizer - L'Oréal Paris

What Is Retinol?

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that’s often sold in the form of a topical cream or serum that’s used to target a variety of different skin concerns. You can use retinol for forehead lines, eye wrinkles, uneven skin tone, dark spots, and rough skin texture, just to name a few.

Retinol works by promoting skin cell turnover, which can help refine the skin’s surface and minimize the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin discolorations. In a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), topical formulations containing retinoids (a term used to describe vitamin A-based skincare products) showed improved epidermal thickness, improvement of the epidermal barrier, and reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

However, in order to enjoy these benefits, it’s important to choose a gentle yet effective retinol product that is dermatologist-tested and non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog your pores), like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Night Serum, 0.3% Pure Retinol. This anti-aging serum with retinol, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin is suitable for all skin types and can help your skin appear smoother, more luminous, and refined.

When Should I Start Using Retinol?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, retinol can address a wide range of skin issues, including acne blemishes, post-blemish marks, skin discoloration, fine lines, and wrinkles. The ideal time to start using retinol can vary from person to person—it all depends on your skin concerns and skincare goals.

For example, the Cleveland Clinic recommends using retinol to help address breakouts and post-blemish marks, which can be common in teens and young adults. When it comes to using retinol for anti-aging, it may be ideal to take a proactive approach—we recommend starting a retinol routine before visible signs of aging become prominent (like wrinkles, fine lines, laxity, and dullness). However, you can start using retinol anytime, even after these signs of aging show up.

When in doubt, speak with your doctor or dermatologist about the best time to start using retinol for your skin’s needs.

How Often Should I Use Retinol?

Retinol is a powerhouse ingredient, but it also has the potential to irritate your skin, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Because of this, retinol should be introduced into your routine gradually, building up to daily application over time as your skin adjusts. Many people start by using retinol products once a week, then bump up the usage every few weeks, based on how their skin reacts.

While you may be eager to compare those retinol cream before and after pictures, it’s important to remember that results take time. With consistent retinol use, you may expect to see results after approximately three months, but results can vary. It’s important to resist the temptation to apply more retinol than is instructed on the label. Not only will this not give you faster results, but it may do more harm than good—resulting in red, flaky, and irritated skin.

Is Retinol Good for Your Skin?

When used correctly, topical retinol can have numerous benefits for your complexion. As mentioned above, this ingredient helps support your skin’s natural exfoliation process, which can result in a visible reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness.

This ingredient can do a lot of good for your complexion. However, if it’s causing irritation then you may need to decrease usage or potency. In these cases, we recommend speaking with a board-certified dermatologist for advice on whether or not retinol is right for you.