Retinol at night: a beginner's guide

Retinol works, and it works slowly. Almost every bad experience with it comes from starting too strong, too often, on skin that was not ready.

Two nights a week is a real routine

Starting twice a week for the first month is not a cautious version of the routine. It is the routine. Frequency can rise once skin stops reacting, and for many people it never needs to go past three nights.

• Apply to completely dry skin, not damp.

• A pea-sized amount covers the whole face.

• Moisturise afterwards, every time, without exception.

What is normal and what is not

Mild dryness and some flaking in the first weeks are expected. Stinging that lasts, persistent redness or raw patches are not. That is a signal to pause for a week and restart at a lower frequency.

Retinol rewards consistency, not intensity. The people who see results are the ones who never had to stop.

Sunscreen in the morning is not optional alongside retinol. It is part of the same routine.