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How to start retinal without the peel
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Reading time: 5 minutes
Most people who give up on retinoids do so in the first three weeks, when skin can get dry, tight or flaky. That phase is avoidable if you start slowly and support the barrier. This plan is written for Retinal 0.1 Night Serum, and the same pace works for most retinoids.
The four-week plan
| Week | How often | Move on when |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Two nights, for example Monday and Thursday | Skin feels comfortable the next morning |
| Week 2 | Two nights again | Skin still feels fine |
| Week 3 | Every other night | No stinging or peeling |
| Week 4 | Every other night, or nightly if skin is comfortable | You have found your rhythm |
How to apply
- Cleanse and wait. Apply to completely dry skin, 10 minutes after cleansing.
- Use two pumps for the whole face and avoid the corners of the nose and mouth.
- Seal it in. Follow with Barrier Cream straight away.
For sensitive skin: the buffer method
If skin is sensitive, apply Barrier Cream first and retinal on top. The cream softens how much retinal reaches the skin at once, which makes the first weeks easier.
What to pause
During the first month, skip Resurfacing Night Liquid and Kaolin Pore Mask.
Never use an AHA and retinal on the same night. Together they are far more likely to irritate skin.
Signs to slow down
| What you notice | What to do |
|---|---|
| Some tightness | Normal. Carry on with the plan. |
| Stinging, visible peeling or redness that lasts into the next day | Go back one step in the plan for a week. |
Wear SPF every morning while using retinal. Daily Sheer Fluid SPF 50 is light enough to wear every day.
Frequently asked questions
Why wait 10 minutes after cleansing?
Damp skin lets retinal sink in faster, which raises the chance of irritation. Dry skin keeps the start gentle.
Can I use vitamin C while on retinal?
Yes. Keep vitamin C in the morning and retinal at night.
When will I see results?
Texture often looks smoother within a few weeks. Fine lines and tone take longer, so stay consistent for at least three months.
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The simple rule behind every routine, plus the three exceptions worth knowing.
Routines
A four-week plan for starting a retinoid, with the small changes that keep dryness and flaking under control.
