How Do You Use Retinol the Right Way in Your Routine?

There comes a time in every skincare lover’s journey when one powerful little word keeps popping up retinol. It’s everywhere. In serums, night creams, and expert recommendations. But for many of us, the idea of adding retinol into our routines feel a little intimidating.

We’ve all heard the horror stories: dry, peeling skin, redness, or that infamous “retinol purge.” But here’s the truth when introduced properly, retinol can be one of the most transformative ingredients in your skincare lineup. It’s a gold-standard active that helps to soften fine lines, smooth uneven texture, brighten dull skin and even tackle breakouts.

At Ella & Jo, we believe that skincare should be empowering, not overwhelming. So, if you’re wondering when to start using retinol or how to apply it without irritating your skin, you’re in the right place. In this Skin School guide, we’ll walk you through how to use retinol the right way step by step. From how it works and when to begin, to expert-approved dos and don’ts, consider this your go-to retinol roadmap. Ready to glow? Let’s get into it.

What Is Retinol?

Retinol is one of those skincare ingredients that seems to have a bit of mystery and magic around it but at its core, it’s simply a derivative of Vitamin A, a nutrient essential for healthy skin renewal.

When applied topically, retinol speeds up cell turnover, which means it helps your skin shed old, dull cells more quickly and replace them with fresh, new ones. This gentle resurfacing action is also what makes retinol so effective at boosting collagen production, smoothing skin texture, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.

Retinol also helps to: -

• Brighten uneven skin tone and dullness

• Fade pigmentation and sunspots

• Unclog pores and reduce breakouts

• Improve overall skin clarity and radiance

No wonder it’s often called the gold standard of skincare ingredients because it can be quite active, retinol pairs beautifully with hydrating, nourishing skincare to keep your barrier happy and healthy. We love layering it with our Nourish & Glow Superfood Oil packed with antioxidants and skin-repairing botanicals, it helps lock in moisture and soothe any sensitivity.

When Should You Start Using Retinol?

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “too young” or “too late” to start using retinol, the good news is there’s a perfect starting point for everyone.

Most skin experts recommend introducing retinol in your late 20s to early 30s as a preventive step. At this stage, it helps maintain collagen levels, keep skin smooth, and delay early signs of ageing. Think of it like skincare insurance a proactive way to protect your glow.

But if you’re in your 40s or 50s, it’s never too late. Retinol can act as a corrective treatment, helping to soften established lines, improve elasticity, and restore radiance that may have dulled over time. It also supports the skin’s natural renewal process, which slows as we age.

For those navigating menopausal or hormonal skin changes, retinol can be especially beneficial. As oestrogen levels drop, skin often becomes thinner, drier, and more prone to pigmentation. Retinol helps by encouraging cellular renewal and supporting skin resilience from within.

How to Apply Retinol into Your Skincare Routine?

Retinol might be powerful, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. The secret to success lies in how you use it and a little patience goes a long way, here’s a simple, step-by-step ritual to help you apply retinol correctly and safely: -

Step 1 – Cleanse Gently

Start with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser that removes impurities without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry. Retinol works best on clean, dry skin but avoid harsh or exfoliating cleansers on retinol nights to prevent overdoing it.

Step 2 – Apply Retinol 

Less is more! Apply a pea-sized amount of your retinol serum to your face focusing on areas where you want to see improvement, like the forehead, cheeks, and chin. Be sure to avoid the delicate corners of your eyes, nose, and lips, as these areas are more prone to sensitivity.

Step 3 – Follow with Moisturiser or Night Cream

After your retinol has absorbed (usually within a minute or two), apply a hydrating moisturiser or barrier-repairing night cream. This helps to seal in the retinol and buffer any potential dryness or irritation. If your skin is extra sensitive, try the “retinol sandwich” method moisturiser, retinol, then moisturiser again.

Step 4 – Use SPF Every Morning

Always, always apply broad-spectrum SPF the next morning. Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, so daily sun protection is non-negotiable even on cloudy days.

Frequency Matters: Start Slow

If you're new to retinol, ease into it by using it just 2–3 nights per week to begin with. As your skin adjusts, you can slowly increase frequency but there’s no rush. Think of it as a long game with glowing results.

Benefits of Retinol for Skin

If skincare had a VIP list, retinol would be right at the top. It’s one of the most well-researched and dermatologist-recommended ingredients on the market and for good reason. Often referred to as the “gold-standard” active, retinol has the power to transform skin with consistent, long-term use so, what exactly does it do?

Whether you’re looking to soften fine lines, clear up congestion, or restore a healthy glow, retinol has a little something for everyone. Here's how it works its magic:

1. Reduces fine lines & wrinkles
   Retinol stimulates collagen production, the protein responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump. With regular use, you’ll notice smoother skin and softened expression lines.

2. Improves texture & smoothness
   By speeding up your skin’s natural cell turnover, retinol helps to shed dead skin cells more efficiently, revealing a fresher, more refined surface underneath.

3. Brightens dull skin & fades pigmentation
   If your complexion feels a bit lacklustre, retinol can help. It’s brilliant for evening out skin tone, fading sunspots, and adding that much-missed radiance back into your face.

4. Unclogs pores & reduces breakouts
   Struggling with congestion? Retinol can help keep pores clear and regulate oil production, making it a great option for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.

5. Supports mature skin & visible ageing
   As we age, our skin’s natural renewal process slows down. Retinol helps to encourage renewal, improving elasticity, tone, and overall skin health especially beneficial during perimenopausal or menopausal years.

The best part? You don’t need an overly complex routine to experience these results. With the right product and a bit of patience, retinol can completely elevate your skin confidence.

Dos and Don’ts of Using Retinol

Retinol may be a skincare superhero, but like all powerful ingredients, it comes with a few ground rules. Because it works at a deeper level in the skin, using it incorrectly can lead to dryness, sensitivity, or irritation especially if your skin isn’t used to active ingredients.

But don’t worry with a few simple dos and don’ts, you can enjoy all the glow without the guesswork.

Do:

• Apply retinol at night – Sunlight can degrade retinol and make it less effective, so always use it as part of your evening routine.

• Start slowly – Begin with 2–3 nights a week to build tolerance, then gradually increase as your skin adjusts.

• Always follow with SPF in the morning – Retinol can make your skin more sun-sensitive, so daily sun protection is non-negotiable.

• Keep skin hydrated – Pair retinol with nourishing serums, moisturisers, or face oils to buffer the active and support your barrier.

Don’t:

• Combine with harsh exfoliants – Avoid using AHAs, BHAs, or scrubs on the same night, as this can increase sensitivity and irritation.

• Overuse it – More is not better! A pea-sized amount is plenty for your entire face.

• Apply too close to sensitive areas – Steer clear of the eye contours, corners of the nose, and lips unless your product is specifically formulated for these zones.

Ready to start your retinol journey? Support your skin with hydrating and barrier-strengthening essentials from Ella & Jo explore the collection today.