Retinoids have earned their reputation for a good reason. As one of the most researched ingredients in skincare, they’re a go-to for improving the look of fine lines, uneven tone, texture and breakouts. But there’s one thing that matters just as much as which retinoid you use: whether you can actually stick with it.
If you’ve experienced a very flaky week after trying to start a new retinoid, and now it’s collecting dust on your nightstand…then it’s not really doing much for you. The goal is to find a retinoid and a routine your skin can tolerate consistently, because that’s when the results can really start to happen.
Why Consistency Matters with Retinoids
When it comes to retinoids, more intense does not always mean more effective for your skin.
If you can comfortably use a prescription-strength retinoid regularly, great, but if every attempt leaves you with redness, dryness, peeling and a week-long break, it may be worth adjusting your approach. A gentler retinoid that can be used consistently makes more sense than a stronger formula your skin only tolerates every once in a while.
This is also why Barefaced is big fans of retinaldehyde (also called retinal). This powerful vitamin A derivative gives you serious retinoid benefits while often being easier for skin to tolerate
What Can Retinal Do for Your Skin?
With consistent use, retinal can help:
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Soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles
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Improve the appearance of uneven tone and texture
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Smooth rough-looking skin
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Brighten the look of sun-damaged or dull skin
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Keep pores clearer and support blemish-prone skin
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Promote smoother, firmer, healthier-looking skin over time
Basically, there’s a reason Barefaced talks about it so much.
How to Start Using Retinal
One of the biggest mistakes is going from zero to nightly because you’re excited to see results. Of course, we get the temptation, but your skin will usually do much better with a slower introduction. So, here’s what we recommend:
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Begin a few nights per week on non-consecutive nights.
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Gradually increase your frequency as your skin becomes comfortable.
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Apply your retinoid at night to clean, dry skin.
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Follow with moisturizer to support hydration and keep your skin barrier happy.
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If your skin starts feeling overly dry, tight or irritated, pull back on frequency.
A little dryness or adjustment can happen when you first introduce a retinoid, but your skin should not feel like it’s fighting for its life. Redness, peeling and irritation are not proof that the product is working harder.
Our Rule of Threes
If you’re introducing retinal to your routine, Barefaced likes to keep things very simple:
Month 1: Every third night
Month 2: Every other night
Month 3: Work toward nightly use. If this is too much, simply keep alternating nights.
There’s no complicated calendar math required. And remember, everyone’s skin is different, so if yours needs more time at one stage, give it more time.
Looking for a Retinal? Meet RetinAL Skin, Enhanced
The enhanced RetinAL Skin delivers the same retinal results you want, but now with even more support for skin tolerance. This formula pairs retinaldehyde with time-released encapsulation to help deliver it gradually, while added soothing ingredients keep skin feeling calm and comfortable as you build consistency.
You still get the benefits of retinal for smoother texture, more even-looking tone and softened fine lines, just in a formula designed to make the adjustment period feel a little less dramatic. And because consistency is what gets you results, that extra support matters.
For the full breakdown of what changed with the enhanced RetinAL Skin, read our guide here.
Ingredients You’ll Love Pairing with Retinal
Bakuchiol and Skin Soothers
If retinal is doing the nighttime heavy lifting, Overachiever is the extra calming daily support.
This multitasking serum is made to support a healthier skin barrier while minimizing the look of redness and sensitivity. It includes bakuchiol, a gentle retinoid alternative, to help improve the 10 visible signs of aging like fine lines, dull tone and uneven texture
Here’s how to use them together:
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Morning: Overachiever
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Evening: RetinAL Skin Therapy
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Non-retinal nights: Overachiever can be used again if your skin wants the extra support
Can You Use Glycolic Acid with Retinal?
Yes, but this is where you want to resist the urge to throw every active ingredient at your face on the same night. Retinal and glycolic acid can work beautifully in the same routine because they tackle skin concerns at different levels. Retinal works below the surface to help support firmer-looking skin over time, while Glycolic Acid works on the outer layer.
Glycolic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid, or AHA, that loosens and removes dead skin buildup to help:
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Smooth the look of rough texture
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Brighten dull-looking skin
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Improve the appearance of uneven tone
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Keep pores from feeling as congested
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Help the rest of your routine apply more evenly
In the Barefaced routine, you’ll find Glycolic Acid in Toning Pads, Toning Pads II and Polishing Pads.
How to Add Both to Your Routine
For Toning Pads and Toning Pads II, introduce them gradually in the morning and then increase use as your skin adjusts. Polishing Pads are a stronger exfoliation step, so we recommend using them on separate nights from retinal. The goal isn’t necessarily to choose between exfoliation and retinal, but to give each one its own night to do its job. And of course, your exact schedule can always change based on your skin.
A Few Retinal Rules
Use your retinoid at night.
Retinal belongs in your evening routine.
Wear SPF every day.
This one is non-negotiable, retinoid or not.
Give it time.
Skincare changes happen through consistency, not overnight miracles.
Don’t chase irritation.
If your skin is consistently red, peeling or uncomfortable, that’s your cue to adjust your routine, not push harder.
Keep the rest of your routine supportive.
Hydration, barrier support and sunscreen make a big difference when you’re using active ingredients.
The Bottom Line
The best retinoid routine is not the strongest one you can survive…it’s the one your skin can stay consistent with. Start slowly, pay attention to your skin and build from there. With the right retinal and a little patience, you can get the results without making redness, peeling and irritation part of the deal. At the end of the day, good skincare should work with your skin, not test your relationship with it.
