Given retinol’s potential side effects, it isn’t wise to start using it right before a big event (such as a vacation or a wedding). Unlike a hydrating face mask or a facial massage, a retinol serum is not a last-ditch effort.
Kikam recommends having a buffer of at least four weeks between the time you stop using a retinol serum and the big occasion—though, for some, even more lead time may be needed.
That goes for switching up your retinol serum, too. Casale noted that upgrading to a more-potent formula—like moving from a gentle, over-the-counter retinol to a prescription treatment—can trigger a second round of the dreaded “retinol uglies” or “retinol purge.”
Even after the adjustment period has passed, avoid using retinol right after skin procedures, like microneedling or laser treatments, or if you’re on oral retinoids, like Accutane. And if you use any prescription topicals, or you’re nursing or pregnant (or planning to be), consult your doctor before adding retinol to your routine.
Finally, never apply retinol to sunburned or otherwise compromised skin (including cuts or rashes). “When the skin is already irritated or damaged, applying retinol—which increases cell turnover—can further disrupt the healing process and potentially prolong recovery,” Fahs said.
Phew, that was a lot. It’s no wonder people are intimated by retinol (I know I was). But luckily there is light at the end of the tunnel. With patience and a bit of grit, six to eight weeks after you start to use retinol, your skin should undergo physiological changes, Kikam said, leading to increased resilience and relief from dryness, sensitivity, and irritation. By the end of this onboarding phase, she said, most people notice improved skin tone and texture—something to hold onto through the tough times.
So if you decide to pick up a new retinol product, you’ll hopefully be a little bit more prepared for what’s to come. Because with skin care, as with life, foresight brings peace of mind.
This article was edited by Hannah Rimm and Maxine Builder.
