I rave and rave about some of my favourite retinoid and retinal products. This is because retinoids are some of the most effective ingredients for improving skin texture, reducing fine lines, and supporting collagen production. However, to get the best results, there are certain things you need to be mindful of when incorporating them into your routine.
If you’re using high-quality, non-irritating retinoids like SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream or Nimue Retinal Power+ Serum, you won’t experience the traditional peeling or irritation that some older forms of retinoids can cause. These advanced formulations are designed to be gentle yet highly effective, making them suitable even for sensitive skin. However, there are still some key do’s and don’ts to follow.
What to Avoid While Using Retinoids
Laser Treatments & Chemical Peels
Retinoids increase cell turnover, making your skin more active and potentially more delicate. If you’re planning laser treatments, strong chemical peels, or microneedling with radiofrequency, it’s important to pause your retinoid use beforehand.
Why? Because combining these treatments with retinoids can increase sensitivity, leading to excessive redness or irritation. If you want to maximise your results post-treatment, introduce a product like Calecim Multi-Action Cream, which helps rebuild the skin’s structural layers, restoring firmness and hydration.
Sun Overexposure
Retinoids do not make your skin more sensitive to the sun in the way that many people assume, but unprotected sun exposure is still one of the biggest causes of skin ageing and damage. If you are investing in high-performance skincare, it makes sense to protect your skin properly.
Always wear a broad-spectrum SPF every day, whether you are using retinoids or not. Nimue Sun-C SPF 40 is always my favourite. However, if you are going away on holiday to a lovely warm climate (I'm so envious!) then I would advise stopping your retinoid serum around a week before you go and of course do not use it whilst you're there.
Using Retinoids During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is best to avoid retinoids altogether. While topical application is different from oral retinoids such as Roaccutane, safety is always the priority. I know studies have shown that topical retinoids don't tend to penetrate into the bloodstream, but I would always still avoid altogether to be on the safe side.
Instead, focus on peptides and hydrating ingredients that support the skin’s natural renewal process without the use of Vitamin A. SkinBetter Science Interfuse Treatment LINES is an excellent alternative, designed to smooth expression lines and plump the skin without irritation.
Mixing Retinoids with Certain Other Active Ingredients
Retinoids work beautifully alongside many other ingredients, but some combinations should be approached with caution.
Avoid using them at the same time as strong AHAs, BHAs, or benzoyl peroxide, as these can disrupt the balance of your skin. However, a well-formulated skincare routine can incorporate multiple actives at different times of the day or on alternating days.
If in doubt, focus on hydration and barrier support alongside your retinoid, such as:
Forlle’d Refining Lotion or Forlle'd Basing Emulsion. These are both deeply hydrating products that replenishes moisture levels and strengthens the skin’s defences.
Calecim Multi-Action Cream, which supports collagen production and improves skin fullness for a firmer appearance. Always one of my all time favourites I use twice a day.
What You Can Do While Using Retinoids
Keep Your Skin Hydrated and Strengthened
Although the retinoids I mentioned here do not cause peeling or irritation, hydration is still key for optimal skin health.
Using a hydrating moisturiser will help maintain moisture levels and keep the skin feeling smooth and comfortable. I love to layer my Calecim Multi Action Cream on top of my AlphaRet Clearing Serum at night to add an extra layer of treatment.
Use Retinoids Consistently
This is why I love the SkinBetter and Nimue Retinoids. They can be used daily from the start, even for sensitive skin. Unlike older forms of Vitamin A that required a slow introduction, these retinoids have been carefully designed to deliver powerful results without irritation. Therefore you get to see the results quicker as you don't have to 'stop-start' with them.
Pair with Antioxidants for Maximum Protection
Since retinoids work by enhancing skin renewal, they pair exceptionally well with antioxidants, which help to defend against oxidative stress and environmental damage.
A powerful option is SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced, which contains an impressive blend of 19 different antioxidants to keep your skin radiant and resilient. This is a great option for someone who is exposed to a lot of free radical damage such as people who commute to work, smoke, work outdoors a lot etc.
Boost Collagen from Within
Skincare isn’t just about what you apply topically—internal support is just as important. Retinoids work to enhance skin renewal, but you can maximise these results by supporting collagen production from within.
I'm sure you know by now that Skinade Collagen Drink is an excellent addition to any anti-ageing skincare routine.
This clinically proven formula works to:
Improve skin hydration and radiance
Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Increase natural collagen and hyaluronic acid production
Enhance skin elasticity for a firmer, more youthful complexion
Unlike collagen tablets, which have low absorption rates, Skinade’s liquid formulation allows for 90-95% absorption, ensuring the highest level of effectiveness. There is nothing on the market like this because Skinade is patented.
I do love retinoids and they are one of the most effective ways to support healthy, youthful-looking skin, but they work best when combined with the right skincare routine. If you can follow my simple guidelines, you can enjoy all the benefits of retinoids without unnecessary irritation or risk.
If you're unsure where to start with retinoids or would like to try the ones I have mentioned, why not fill out my Skin Check-In form. It's completely free and we can create a bespoke skincare plan just for you. There's no need to book online, do any Zoom calls or anything like that. Just some simples quick emails and I can get you started on your new routine!
Thank you so much for reading,
Emmaline
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