Should You Use Retinol Before or After Moisturizer?

You asked me whether retinol should be used before or after moisturizer? The answer is — both are right or appropriate. Wait, don’t get confused, I’m going to explain it to you.

You may have heard a lot of mixed reactions about “should retinol be used before or after moisturizer?” but you can’t figure out which one is correct. No worries — I’m here to explain it to you. Whether you should use retinol before or after moisturizer depends on two things:

1. How long have you been using retinol?
2. What is your skin type?

Based on these few things, it is determined whether you should use retinol before or after moisturizer.

Today, I will explain how and when to use retinol according to your skin type and skincare routine. And I will also recommend which retinol will be best for your skin type and which moisturizer will work well with it. So let’s begin.

Should you use retinol before or after moisturizer?

Why should you use retinol before moisturizer?

Retinol is primarily a treatment method. Usually, most dermatologists will advise you to apply retinol before moisturizer. And I myself also recommend applying retinol before moisturizer, unless you have sensitive or dry skin. If you are someone who has been using retinol for a long time and your skin is tolerant enough for retinol use, then you can use retinol before moisturizer. Because I explained below:

• Increases product effectiveness
  When retinol is applied directly to the skin before moisturizer, it can penetrate deeper into the skin. This way, you will get the maximum benefits of retinol.
• Works as an active ingredient
  Retinol is an active ingredient, meaning it works specifically on the skin (such as rejuvenation or acne control). So, using it directly will benefit your skin more.
• “Clean Skin First” method
  We all mostly know this common saying in skincare: first apply light and thin products, then heavier products. Retinol is usually in the form of a light serum or cream, so it should be used first.

If you want to use the Best Korean Cleansing Oils on the market, you can read the article.

I would like to share with you a product that I have been using and benefiting from for a long time:

The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane

Why should you use retinol after moisturizer?

We all know how effective a skincare product retinol is. But retinol is somewhat strong, and if not used correctly, it causes side effects. Especially for those who are new users, have sensitive skin, or are suffering from dry skin, using retinol directly is somewhat risky. It can cause irritation, redness, or flakiness on the skin. So if you are someone like that, then, like other skincare specialists, I also advise you to use retinol after moisturizer. I myself used this method when I first used retinol. That way, you will get the following benefits:

• Reduces irritation or side effects on the skin: If you apply moisturizer first, it creates a protective layer on the skin. As a result, retinol cannot directly penetrate deep into the skin, which reduces irritation. This is called the buffering technique.
• Safe for sensitive skin: If your skin is very sensitive, using retinol after moisturizer helps your skin gradually become tolerant to the strength of retinol.
• Suitable method for new users: If you are using retinol for the first time, then your skin is not yet used to this ingredient. So instead of using it directly, applying it after moisturizer helps it work gradually on your skin and reduces side effects.

If you have sensitive skin or are a new retinol user, you can try this product that I recommend.

La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol B3 Serum

How to use retinol properly?

Almost all of us have included retinol in our skincare routine. But not knowing when and how to use it can lead to unpleasant results. So now I will tell you how to use retinol properly.

First, cleanse your face with a gentle face wash and wait a few minutes to let your face dry completely. Remember, to get the maximum benefit from retinol, you must always start with clean and dry skin. After that, if you are a new retinol user or your skin is dry or sensitive, apply a light moisturizer before using retinol. This will act as a buffer and protect your skin.

And if you are not a new retinol user or don’t have dry and sensitive skin, then after cleansing and drying the skin, you will apply retinol. After that, before applying moisturizer, you will wait about five minutes for the retinol to absorb into your skin. This allows retinol to penetrate deeply into your skin and increases its effectiveness. Remember, before applying retinol, simply dry your skin well and wait about five to ten minutes.

Precautions when using retinol:

• Retinol is an ingredient that easily breaks down in sunlight and makes the skin photosensitive. So do not use retinol during the day. If you do use it during the day, then you must apply sunscreen after applying retinol.
• If you are new, start by using it two days a week (for example: Monday and Thursday).
• Gradually increase usage as your skin builds tolerance.
• Never apply retinol on wet skin.
• While using retinol, it is better not to use Vitamin C, AHA, BHA, or Benzoyl Peroxide at the same time.

Why should you use moisturizer with retinol?

Before explaining why it is important to use moisturizer with retinol, let me tell you why I use moisturizer. Listen. When I use retinol, after some time, it causes some dryness on my skin and makes it feel tight. And when I first started using retinol, it used to cause dryness, tightness, burning sensation, and slight redness on my skin. To avoid all these side effects, I now use moisturizer after applying retinol. I hope you understand why using moisturizer after retinol is important. Still, I will explain a few more reasons below:

1. Reduces dryness and irritation:
   Retinol can reduce your skin’s natural oil, which can make your skin feel dry and tight. Moisturizer reduces this dryness and keeps the skin hydrated.
2. Protects the skin:
   Moisturizer creates a protective layer on your skin, which protects the skin from the irritation caused by retinol and prevents the skin from becoming overly sensitive.
3. Increases retinol tolerance (Buffer Method):
   For new users, using moisturizer before or after retinol makes retinol work a bit slower but reduces side effects. This is called buffering.
4. Maintains the skin barrier:
   Retinol can weaken the skin’s natural barrier. Moisturizer helps to restore that barrier, keeping the skin healthy.

Considering everything, you should use a light, alcohol-free, and fragrance-free moisturizer while using retinol. This way, your skin will tolerate retinol better and you will get better results. Considering your skin care, I suggested a best moisturizer for retinol.

La Roche-Posay Double Repair Moisturizer