Retinol is a popular skincare ingredient that can help improve the appearance of fine lines, pigmentation, uneven skin tone and uneven skin texture. Autumn is the ideal time to start using it or to reintroduce it after the summer months. The key is not to rush and to give your skin time to adjust.
- Start by using it 1–2 times a week.
- Apply retinol in the evening to clean, dry skin.
- If your skin tolerates it well, gradually increase the frequency of use.
- When you're just starting out, avoid using it in the same evening routine as strong exfoliating acids.
- Don't forget to keep your skin hydrated.
- Apply SPF 30 or higher every morning, even during autumn.
Serums & oils
Facial creams
Cleansers
Why is autumn the best time to introduce retinol into your skincare routine?
After summer, pigmentation, uneven skin tone and uneven skin texture may become more noticeable. Autumn is therefore an ideal time to gradually introduce retinol into your skincare routine.
However, cooler weather can also make your skin drier. That's why it's important to combine retinol with hydrating skincare and remember to apply SPF every morning.
What is retinol and what can it do for your skin?
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that is widely used in skincare. It helps support the skin's natural renewal process and stimulates collagen production.
With regular use, your skin can appear smoother and more even-looking. Retinol is mainly used to improve the appearance of fine lines, pigmentation, uneven skin texture and blemishes.
Results won't appear overnight. When it comes to retinol, consistency and patience are what matter most.
Retinol for wrinkles and uneven skin texture
Retinol is particularly popular in anti-ageing skincare. By supporting collagen production, regular use can soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin texture.
There's no need to wait until wrinkles become more noticeable. What matters most is your skin's current needs.
Retinol for pigmentation
Retinol is also used to improve the appearance of pigmentation and uneven skin tone. It supports skin cell renewal and can gradually help create a more even-looking complexion.
If pigmentation is one of your concerns, it's important to use UV protection as well. Products such as our day creams with UV protection for pigmentation-prone skin can be an excellent addition to your morning routine.
How to start using retinol correctly
If you've never used retinol before, start slowly. Using it every day from the very beginning may unnecessarily irritate your skin.
Retinol is not recommended during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, consult your doctor before using it.
Apply retinol in the evening to clean, dry skin. A small amount is enough; always follow the instructions provided with your specific product. Then apply a moisturiser.
Looking for the right product? Discover our range of retinol skincare products.
If you have sensitive skin, you can try the so-called sandwich method. Apply a thin layer of moisturiser first, then retinol, and finish with another layer of moisturiser. This provides extra hydration and may make retinol more comfortable to use.
How often should you use retinol?
Your skin needs time to gradually adjust to retinol:
- Start by using it 1–2 times a week. See how your skin responds.
- If everything is going well, gradually increase the frequency.
- Stop using it if significant irritation occurs. If your skin burns intensely, becomes very red or starts peeling severely, stop using retinol and focus on gentle hydration. If the reaction is severe or persists, consult a dermatologist.
A little dryness may occur at the beginning. However, intense burning or severe redness is not the intended effect of using retinol.
What should you avoid combining with retinol?
There's no need to worry that you "can't" use almost any other skincare products with retinol. The most important thing is not to overload your skin with too many powerful active ingredients at once.
If you're new to retinol, keep your evening routine as simple as possible.
Retinol and vitamin C
Retinol and vitamin C can both be part of the same skincare routine, but it's easier to use them at different times of the day.
The ideal routine is:
☀️ Morning: Cleanser → Vitamin C → Moisturiser → SPF
🌙 Evening: Cleanser → Retinol → Moisturiser
Retinol and AHA/BHA acids
AHA and BHA are exfoliating acids that help remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. These include ingredients such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid.
If you use them in the same evening routine as retinol, the combination may be too strong for sensitive skin.
It's easier to alternate them on different days. Use retinol one evening, exfoliating acids on another, and dedicate some evenings to hydration only. If you're just starting with retinol, there's no need to include exfoliating acids in your routine at all.
If the manufacturer has already combined retinol and acids in a single product, always follow the recommended directions for use.
What should you combine with retinol?
Retinol works best when paired with skincare products that help keep your skin hydrated and help prevent dryness.
Ingredients that work well with retinol include:
- Hyaluronic acid – helps maintain skin hydration.
- Ceramides – support the skin's protective barrier.
- Glycerin – helps bind moisture in the skin.
- Niacinamide – commonly used in soothing and barrier-supporting formulations.
- Moisturisers and hydrating serums.
You don't need to use all of these ingredients at the same time. A simple moisturising routine that your skin tolerates well is perfectly sufficient.
Complete your retinol routine with the right hydration. Explore our range of hydrating skincare.
Retinol and SPF: don't skip protection, even in autumn
SPF is one of the most important steps in your morning skincare routine when using retinol. And this doesn't only apply during summer.
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every morning to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Use a sufficient amount of product. If you're spending a longer time outdoors, reapply approximately every two hours, and also after swimming, heavy sweating or wiping the product off.
SPF is especially important if you're using retinol to target pigmentation or signs of skin ageing.
Retinol belongs in your evening routine, while a day cream with SPF belongs in your morning routine.
The most common mistakes when using retinol
There's no need to overcomplicate retinol. The most common problems occur when we try to speed up the results.
- Using retinol every evening right from the start – your skin needs time to adjust.
- Applying too much product – more product doesn't mean faster results.
- Using too many active ingredients at once – combining retinol, acids and exfoliants in the same evening routine may irritate your skin.
- Not using enough hydration – always pair retinol with a moisturiser or hydrating serum.
- Skipping SPF – UV protection is essential, even during autumn and winter.
- Expecting results within a few days – retinol takes time and consistent use.
A simple autumn skincare routine with retinol
Not sure where to include retinol in your routine? It can be really simple.
Morning without retinol
Gentle cleanser → Hydrating / Vitamin C serum → Moisturiser → SPF 30–50
Evening with retinol
Make-up removal and cleansing → Retinol on dry skin → Hydrating or barrier-supporting cream
Evening without retinol
Gentle cleanser → Hydrating serum → Richer face cream
If your skin becomes drier or more sensitive during autumn, there's no need to add more active ingredients. Instead, use retinol less frequently and give your skin extra hydration.
SMALL STEPS. BIG RESULTS. 🤎
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can retinol be used every day?
Yes, provided your skin has gradually adjusted to it and the specific product is designed for daily use. However, beginners should start by using it 1–2 times a week.
Can retinol be used during summer?
Yes. Retinol isn't just for autumn and winter. Daily UV protection is essential all year round, especially during summer.
Is it normal for my skin to peel after using retinol?
Mild dryness or slight flaking may occur when you first start using retinol. However, if your skin burns intensely, becomes very red or starts peeling severely, stop using retinol. If the reaction is severe or persists, consult a dermatologist.
Can retinol be combined with hyaluronic acid?
Yes. Hyaluronic acid helps keep the skin hydrated, making it an excellent companion to retinol.
What's the difference between retinol and retinal?
Both belong to the same family of vitamin A derivatives. Retinal is one conversion step closer than retinol to the active form of vitamin A. However, for most people, the most important thing is choosing a product that their skin tolerates well.
Can retinol be used during pregnancy?
No. Retinoids, including cosmetic products containing retinol, are not recommended during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, consult your doctor before using retinol.
At what age should you start using retinol?
There is no single "right" age. What matters most is your skin's individual needs – whether you're concerned about fine lines, pigmentation, uneven skin texture or blemishes.
The most important things when using retinol are introducing it gradually, keeping your skin well hydrated and applying SPF 30 or higher every day. Explore our retinol skincare range.