Retinol creams are also available at prescription strength, but only use them if your dermatologist recommends them since they can cause more irritation.
Develop a regular skincare routine at night so you don’t forget to apply retinol.
Avoid using retinol when you have wet skin since it could cause more skin irritation. Treat under-eye wrinkles with eye cream instead since your skin there is more sensitive and retinol may irritate it. [4] X Research source
Avoid using more retinol than you need to since you could make your skin feel irritated and red. You do not need to wash retinol off after you apply it.
If you have sensitive skin, wait a full week before you use retinol products again.
It may take a few weeks or months for noticeable results from retinol. Just stay persistent and continue using it if it’s not causing any irritation. As long as you keep using retinol correctly, you can control acne and minimize your pores. [9] X Expert Source Kaveri Karhade, MDBoard Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 11 January 2021. Continue using retinol even after you get rid of acne to help new breakouts from coming in.
If you have sensitive skin, use a sunscreen that has titanium dioxide or zinc oxide for even more protection. Even if you aren’t going outside, apply [lotion with added SPF] to keep your skin protected from future dark spots and sun damage.
If you’re already using the lowest-concentration retinol you can find and you’re still getting irritation, stop using it as part of your skincare routine and contact a doctor or dermatologist to find alternative solutions.
Stop using hydrocortisone as soon as your skin heals since using it continuously can cause your skin to get thinner.
Avoid using retinol when you do a chemical peel since it will dry out your skin as it tries to heal.
