Ingredient · Night
Retinol
On the label as: retinal, retinoids, adapalene
Smooths fine lines and unclogs pores over months.
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that speeds up how skin renews itself. Over three to six months it smooths fine lines and texture, keeps pores clear and fades marks.
The same speed-up causes dryness and peeling in the first weeks, which is why the way you start matters more than the strength you buy.
Who it suits
Fine lines, uneven texture, clogged pores and acne marks, from the mid-20s on.
How to use it
- Night only, on dry skin after cleansing.
- A pea-sized amount for the whole face.
- Two nights a week for two weeks, then every other night.
- Moisturiser on top; sunscreen every morning.
Avoid retinol and every retinoid in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
What to pair it with
Retinol + Niacinamide
Work well together
Niacinamide calms the dryness retinol can cause. Layer them, or use a product with both.
Retinol + Hyaluronic acid
Work well together
Hyaluronic acid keeps skin comfortable while retinol works.
Retinol + Ceramides
Work well together
A ceramide moisturiser over retinol cuts down on peeling.
Retinol + Sunscreen
Work well together
Retinol makes skin more sun-sensitive. Sunscreen every morning is part of using it.
Retinol + Vitamin C
Use one in the morning, one at night
Vitamin C in the morning under sunscreen, retinol at night. Each works better that way.
Retinol + Benzoyl peroxide
Use one in the morning, one at night
Benzoyl peroxide can break some retinoids down. Benzoyl peroxide in the morning, retinol at night.
Retinol + AHA
Use on different nights
Both exfoliate. Together they can sting and peel. Use them on different nights.
Retinol + BHA
Use on different nights
Both dry the skin. Alternate nights, or keep salicylic to a morning face wash.
Everything else pairs fine with retinol: apply the thinnest product first.
