If you’re wanting to try retinol since you’d heard it’s the anti-ageing powerhouse, but you’re worried about it exacerbating your sensitive skin, you are not alone. While this ingredient is renowned for its age defying and skin renewing abilities (and for very good reason!) it can also be too strong for those prone to redness, irritation or even dryness. But does this mean you should avoid retinol altogether? Definitely not! With the right approach, even sensitive skin types can reap the benefits of this skincare superstar! The key to retinol and your skin is choosing the right product – not every retinol product is created equal! You also need to know what to pair retinol with when it comes to your skincare routine to keep your skin happy!

Whether you’re looking to fight fine lines, improve your skin’s texture, fade dark spots, or all of the above! Keep reading for everything you need to know about retinol and the best tips for sensitive skin.

What is retinol?

Retinol is one of the most powerful proven ingredients in skincare, the “holy grail” when it comes to anti-ageing or so the beauty experts say! Retinol is actually a form of Vitamin A that works by speeding up cell turnover, essentially encouraging our skin to shed old, damaged cells and replace them with fresh healthy ones!

What makes retinol so effective?

Retinol is a true multi-tasker! It has been proven to smooth fine lines, fade dark spots and improve skin texture. Its key benefits include;

• Retinol stimulates collagen production keeping skin firm and youthful.
• It unclogs pores, reducing breakouts, making it effective for acne-prone skin.  
• Retinol is a champion in tackling hyperpigmentation. It can lighten dark spots, sun spots, and even out skin tone by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for discolouration.
• It works deep within the skin to enhance radiance and even out tone. 

Sounds amazing right? The catch? Retinol can be a little too powerful for some, especially those with sensitive or reactive skin.

Why does retinol irritate sensitive skin?

Retinol’s fast-paced cell renewal can cause temporary dryness, redness, and flaking, a process often called the “retinol purge.” As it penetrates the skin, retinol stimulates collagen production and exfoliation, but for those with a weaker skin barrier, this process can be too harsh, causing irritation and inflammation. Retinol also reduces oil production, which can lead to dehydration, making sensitive skin feel even more fragile.

But don’t worry! With the right formula and technique, you can build up your skin’s tolerance while still enjoying all of retinol’s anti-ageing and skin-smoothing benefits!

How to use retinol if you have sensitive skin

1. Choose the right retinol strength

Not all retinol products are created equal. If you have sensitive skin, start with:

• Encapsulated retinol as it slowly releases into the skin, reducing irritation.
• Low-strength retinol gentle enough to introduce gradually.
  
  

2. Start slow because less really is more

Think of retinol like a workout for your skin, you don’t start with heavy weights on day one! Apply a pea-sized amount just 1-2 times a week at first. If your skin tolerates it slowly increase frequency.

3. Apply retinol at night

Unfortunately, when it comes to retinol, exposure to sunlight can significantly degrade its effectiveness making it less potent, this is because UV rays break down the retinol molecule rendering it less able to work on your skin. More importantly retinol makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight increasing the risk of redness, irritation and sun damage. As previously mentioned, retinol works by accelerating cell turnover, which means fresh new skin cells are more exposed and vulnerable to UV rays. Therefore, it's best to apply retinol at night! By doing so the ingredient can go to work undisturbed, maximizing its benefits and promoting skin repair while you sleep!

3. Always use a moisturiser

Hydration is key to reducing irritation. If it’s just a retinol cream you are using, apply it to your skin at night and use a nourishing moisturiser rich in hyaluronic acid in the morning. If it’s a just retinol serum you’re looking to apply, make sure you use a good moisturiser both morning and night. By applying a thin layer of moisturiser before and after your retinol serum will help buffer its potency while still delivering results.

4. Never skip SPF!

Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, so daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is non-negotiable. Without it, you risk undoing all the benefits by exposing fresh skin to UV damage.

5. Watch for signs of overuse

If you notice excessive peeling, stinging, or irritation, take a break and focus on repairing your skin barrier with ceramides, niacinamide, and hydrating serums.

How long does retinol take to work?

Results from retinol skincare can vary. Some people may notice improvements in a few weeks, days even, while others might take a couple of months. Generally, it takes at least 12 weeks to see significant changes in terms of reduced fine lines, improved texture, and diminished dark spots. Consistency is key, and it's crucial to be patient as the benefits of retinol often accumulate over time. Once you see results you will never look back!

What ingredients can you pair with retinol without irritation?

To minimise irritation while using retinol, pair it with hydrating and soothing ingredients that strengthen the skin barrier. Some great options include:

Hyaluronic Acid – Deeply hydrates and prevents dryness
Niacinamide – Calms redness, reduces sensitivity, and strengthens the skin barrier
Ceramides – Restore moisture and reinforce skin’s protective barrier
Peptides – Support collagen production and repair the skin
Squalane – Provides lightweight hydration without clogging pores
Centella Asiatica (Cica) – Soothes inflammation and promotes healing
Aloe Vera – Hydrates and reduces irritation

Avoid pairing retinol with strong exfoliants (AHAs, BHAs) to prevent excessive irritation.

The best retinol products for sensitive skin

We highly recommend Pevonia’s Micro-Retinol® range. Every product in the range which includes Micro-Retinol® Foaming Cleanser, Micro-Retinol® Essential Toner, Micro-Retinol® Serum and Micro-Retinol® Essential Moisturiser utilizes a specialized technology to create Retinol micro-particles that get delivered deep into the epidermis. This means complete product absorption, no skin irritation, and immediate results!

It’s a great, safe, and side-effect free alternative to using prescription Retinoic Acid. What’s more, every product in the Micro-Retinol® line contains a powerhouse trio of carefully combined Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Micro-Retinol®! The addition of Vitamin C and E not only ensures Micro-Retinol®’s stability, but also that the skin’s nutrients and density are renewed and preserved!

Just remember with a little patience and the right approach, your skin will thank you for introducing this anti-ageing wonder ingredient into your skincare routine.