Retinol is one of the most popular and effective ingredients for addressing signs of aging and acne. It works by increasing cell turnover to reveal smoother, younger-looking skin. However, retinol can also cause irritation, dryness and increased sensitivity when used alone. That’s why it’s important to pair retinol with other ingredients that can enhance its benefits while also combating its potential side effects.
Why Use Retinol at Night?
Retinol is best used at night for a few reasons:
- It makes skin more photosensitive to sunlight, increasing the chance of sunburn. Using it at night avoids this problem.
- It works best when skin cell turnover is at its peak, which happens mostly at night during sleep.
- Pairing it with certain moisturizing or soothing ingredients can minimize irritation, dryness and sensitivity. Doing this before bed allows those ingredients to work while you sleep.
Moisturizers to Use with Retinol
One of the keys to minimizing retinol side effects is pairing it with a good moisturizer. Here are some excellent options:
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a powerhouse hydrator that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. It helps replenish moisture to counteract the drying effects of retinol. Look for serums and moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid.
Ceramides
Ceramides are lipids that help form the skin’s protective barrier. This helps your skin better retain moisture and reinforces the barrier impaired by retinol. Ceramide creams and lotions are great to use with retinol.
Natural Oils
Plant oils like jojoba, almond and avocado oil contain fatty acids that mimic the skin’s natural oils. This helps supplement the oils stripped away by retinol use. Oils work best layered under a moisturizer to seal in hydration.
Petrolatum
Petrolatum is an ultra-effective occlusive that prevents transepidermal water loss. Slathering on a petrolatum-based ointment after retinol can help counter dryness.
Dimethicone
Dimethicone is a silicone that seals the skin to lock in moisture. It smoothes and fills in fine lines for a temporary plumping effect. Dimethicone-containing moisturizers and serums support retinol use.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a humectant that pulls moisture into the skin. It acts as a hydration magnet to satisfy retinol’s drying effects. Lotions and creams with glycerin defend skin against dehydration.
Cream Formula
Opting for a cream rather than a lotion provides richer hydration from more emollients and occlusive agents. The thicker texture also protects sensitive skin irritated by retinol.
Soothing Ingredients for Retinol
In addition to hydrators, soothing ingredients calm irritation and sensitivity from retinol. Some options include:
Colloidal Oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal is oatmeal ground into a fine powder that soothes and protects. It relieves itching and reduces redness caused by retinol. It’s gentle enough for daily use.
Allantoin
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant and used to calm irritation. It helps stimulate new skin cell growth while easing sensitive skin from retinol overuse.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel contains antioxidants and polysaccharides that reduce inflammation. It also helps bind moisture to skin. Aloe-containing creams can promote healing from retinol.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that builds ceramides and fatty acids in skin. This repairs the moisture barrier compromised by retinol for calmer skin.
Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants called catechins that diminish inflammation and redness. Its anti-irritant effects help counter retinol sensitivity.
Licorice Root Extract
Licorice root extract contains glycyrrhizin which has anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory properties. It inhibits inflammation pathways that drive retinol irritation.
Centella Asiatica
Also known as cica or tiger grass, centella asiatica speeds healing of sensitive, damaged skin from retinol overuse. It soothes irritation while strengthening skin.
Tips for Using Retinol Comfortably
If you’re just starting with retinol, follow these tips to help avoid irritation and ease your skin into it slowly:
- Start by using it 1-2 times per week, then gradually increase frequency based on tolerability.
- Apply only a pea-sized amount thinly over skin.
- Avoid areas like the eyes, lips and neck which are extra sensitive.
- Use lower concentration products first like 0.025% or 0.05%.
- Apply moisturizer first, let it absorb, then follow with retinol.
- Cut back if irritation occurs and resume use more slowly once skin calms.
- Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser to avoid stripping skin.
- Always wear SPF during daytime to protect photosensitized skin.
Retinol Moisturizing Routine
Here is an example nighttime routine for using retinol comfortably and effectively:
- Cleanse face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry.
- Apply hyaluronic acid serum while skin is still damp and let absorb.
- Smooth on a soothing cream containing colloidal oatmeal and ceramides.
- Apply a pea-sized amount of 0.025% retinol cream. Use less if starting out.
- Top with a thicker, petrolatum-based balm or ointment.
- In the morning, cleanse and apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen.
Products to Use with Retinol
Here are some top-rated products to pair with retinol for a hydrating, soothing regimen:
| Product Type | Name | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Cleanser | Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser | – Ultra gentle, non-irritating – Won’t strip moisture from skin |
| Hyaluronic Acid Serum | The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 | – Lightweight, oil-free serum – Hydrates without clogging pores |
| Soothing Cream | First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream | – Colloidal oatmeal instantly relieves itching – Ceramides repair moisture barrier |
| Retinol Cream | Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair | – 0.025% retinol concentration – Fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula |
| Occlusive Balm | Aquaphor Healing Ointment | – 41% petrolatum seals in moisture – Soothes flaky, irritated skin |
| SPF Moisturizer | EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 | – Sensitive skin formula with niacinamide – Oil-free, lightweight, noncomedogenic |
The Best Retinol Creams
When shopping for an over-the-counter retinol cream, look for the following features:
- Low concentration between 0.025% – 0.1% retinol to minimize irritation
- Cream formula for richer hydration
- Soothing ingredients like aloe, green tea extract, jojoba oil
- Non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic formulas
- Packaging to protect light-sensitive retinol
Here are some top options for beginner-friendly OTC retinol creams:
ROC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
– 0.1% pure retinol
– Hyaluronic acid and mineral complex hydrates
– Ceramides repair moisture barrier
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Night Cream
– 0.025% retinol ideal for new users
– Fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula
– Glycerin and glucose moisturize
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer
– 0.3% retinol complex with vitamin B3
– Hyaluronic acid binds moisture
– Niacinamide soothes irritation
La Roche-Posay Redermic R Retinol Cream
– 0.3% lipo-hydroxy acid retinol
– Ceramides reinforce barrier function
– Thermal spring water reduces sensitivity
First Aid Beauty FAB Skin Lab Retinol Serum
– 0.25% retinol paired with soothing oils
– Colloidal oatmeal relieves irritation
– Hyaluronic acid and ceramides hydrate
Retinol Alternatives for Sensitive Skin
If your skin doesn’t tolerate even low-dose retinol, consider these alternatives with less irritation potential:
Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is derived from the babchi plant. It offers retinol-like effects by stimulating collagen and cell turnover. Studies show it’s less likely to cause dryness and peeling.
Retinaldehyde
Retinaldehyde is an intermediate between retinol and retinoic acid. It provides enhanced anti-aging effects with lower risk of irritation than retinol.
Rose Hip Seed Oil
Rose hip seed oil is rich in transretinoic acid which gently exfoliates and boosts collagen with minimal redness or dryness.
AHAs
Glycolic, lactic and mandelic acid provide light exfoliation to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and unclog pores without severe irritation.
The Bottom Line
Retinol is a superstar anti-aging ingredient that can significantly improve skin. But it also comes with irritation and dryness for some. Pairing retinol with plenty of hydration and soothing ingredients is key. Follow usage tips to slowly acclimate your skin to retinol. With the right combo, you can harness retinol’s rejuvenating effects comfortably.