# Using retinol *correctly.*

> Retinol is the best-proven anti-ageing ingredient – and the most often misused. Starting concentration, slow introduction, combination with sunscreen

- Source: https://www.vivaderm.de/guide-how-to-use-retinol-en.html
- Language: en
- Publisher: VIVA DERM, Privatpraxis für ästhetische Medizin, Rosastraße 6a, 45130 Essen, Germany, +49 1520 8367711
- Responsible physician: Katayoun Mostaghimi (Fachärztin für Allgemeinmedizin)
- Updated: 2026-10-15

Most people give up retinol after two weeks – because of redness and flaking that could have been avoided. How to get started.

## Slowly, in the evening, with protection.

**What retinol does:** as a vitamin A derivative it speeds up cell renewal, stimulates fibroblasts to form collagen, normalises keratinisation and lightens pigment spots. Effects on fine lines and skin texture are proven in studies over decades. Retinol is converted in the skin via retinal into retinoic acid (tretinoin) – hence it is milder but slower than prescription tretinoin.

**Getting started:** 0.1–0.3 % retinol, twice a week in the evening on dry, cleansed skin, a pea-sized amount for the whole face, sparing the eye area and mouth corners. After four weeks every other evening, after eight weeks daily – if the skin allows. Increase the concentration after three months at the earliest.

**The 'sandwich method':** with sensitive skin first a light moisturiser, then retinol, then moisturiser again. Reduces irritation, costs a little efficacy – ideal for starting.

**Sunscreen is mandatory:** retinol makes the skin more light-sensitive and is itself broken down by UV. Every morning SPF 30–50, in winter too. Anyone not using sunscreen should not use retinol.

**Do not combine:** on the same evening no fruit acids (AHA/BHA), no benzoyl peroxide, no high-dose vitamin C – alternate on different days or morning/evening. Not in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Pause one week before peels, microneedling and waxing.

**With irritation:** pause, barrier care, restart more slowly. Mild redness and flaking in the first weeks ('retinisation') are normal, burning and eczema are not.
**When tretinoin:** with pronounced sun damage, acne or if retinol achieves nothing after six months – on prescription via dermatology, with the same slow-introduction principle.

## The essentials.

- **Start:** 0.1–0.3 %, 2× a week
- **Increase:** after 3 months at the earliest
- **Mandatory:** daily sunscreen
- **Not:** pregnancy, with acids on the same evening

## Important note.

This text is general information. It replaces neither a medical examination nor the consultation required before any treatment under German law (§ 630e BGB). Whether and which treatment is suitable for you can only be said after examination and consultation. No treatment results are promised.

## Frequently asked questions.

**How long until I see something?**

Smoother texture after 8–12 weeks, fine lines and spots after 3–6 months. Retinol is a long-term therapy.

**Retinol or bakuchiol?**

Bakuchiol is milder and in small studies similarly effective against fine lines; the data are much thinner though. An option for pregnant women, otherwise retinol.

## Related.

- [Skincare: what works](https://www.vivaderm.de/guide-skincare-what-works-en.html) – Guide
- [Sun protection](https://www.vivaderm.de/guide-sun-protection-en.html) – Guide
- [Pigment spots](https://www.vivaderm.de/guide-pigmentation-melasma-en.html) – Guide

## Sources

- [German Society of Dermatology (DDG)](https://derma.de/)
- [DermNet – dermatology reference](https://dermnetnz.org/)
- [American Academy of Dermatology](https://www.aad.org/)
- [PubMed – biomedical literature database](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)
- [NHS: non-surgical cosmetic procedures](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/non-surgical-cosmetic-procedures/)
- [Medical Association North Rhine – patient information](https://www.aekno.de/patienten)
- [§ 630e BGB – duty to inform before treatment (German Civil Code)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__630e.html)

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This page is general information and does not replace medical consultation and informed consent (§ 630e BGB). No guarantee of results. Prices are guide prices per GOÄ. Quoting with attribution (VIVA DERM, Essen) is expressly permitted.