RETINOL 101 | beginners guide & everything I wish I was told 

I'm male 26 years old. I never really cared about skin care or my skin in general until maybe mid last year. All I pretty much did was clense at night and that was it (really bad I know). At that point I noticed my skin aging and my facial features in general just looking pretty old. I thought that it was just a fact of life and since I am a guy, I was never really pressured into good skin or anything. Then at some point, I noticed I looked really old and wondered if anything could be done. Then I learned that you were supposed to actually take care of your skin. I didn't want to spend too much time into it, just searched up the bare essentials routine. It basically turned into: 1. Cleanse/wash face, I clense at night, water only in the morning (only need to clense once a day and I'd rather do it at night after a day of work) 2. Moisturise morning and night 3. Serum (I use a vitamin C serum in the day, and retinol at night) 4. This one should be no. 1 in reality but... Sunscreen. Protect your skin from the gahd damn sun. This is probably the most important and most underrated for people who don't think about skin care. That was it. I just did it. I didnt care if my skin improved. I didn't have any expectations, I just wanted to know I tried and that my skin could be you know... Not neglected. I've been consistently on this routine for about a year but consistently since the beginning of the year. My skin has improved so much, I didn't even know how much more confident i would become with good skin. I feel like I look much younger and more attractive. Things I never really cared about but will never take for granted again. I've since better understood my skin and why you need to moisturise it and protect it from the sun. Everything else is sort of bonus. Retinol is like magic though.

If I could recommend one skincare video it’s this one. I get my tretinoin from apostrophe and I felt totally guided by them to find something that worked amazing for me. My acne is GONE and I can def tell my skin aging has slowed (turning 30 in a month)! I am a diehard tret fan. They started me off on a lower concentration and now I’ve upped to the same as yours. Thanks so much for this advice. The people need to hear it!

Thank you for sharing your struggles with acne. I can relate as I’ve had acne all my life and now with added fine lines. I started Retin-A again for the third time a few months ago as well. The last time I used it, the results were amazing. It was the best skin I ever had. The tips you gave are excellent, esp. about starting slow. One thing I would add though is to wait 20 min after washing your face before applying. Retin-A is truly amazing and is better and more effective than any expensive face cream. I’m so glad you made a detailed video about this. More people need to know.

I can TRULY relate to this video. Knowing how other people experience what I have makes me feel so much better. Only we acne sufferers can understand how it truly feels. I’ve been super conscious and traumatized my whole life. Growing up, I was humiliated in front of the class with my professor asking my bf at the time if he had been rubbing his beard on my face that I have broken out so bad. I was also not allowed to be exposed to the front office of the hotel during my internship because of my acne. I was rejected from an airline interview,telling me that I can come back and apply again if and when my acne goes away. What hurt me the most was when I was sent back inside my house by my auntie because she said I was so ugly. Note that I’ve taken accutane 3 times in my life. But it just kept coming back. IT WAS NOT EASY. Now that I’m in my 30’s i finally accepted how my face looks. I’ve built my confidence back by meditating and practicing self love. I try my best to stay away from toxic people in my life who put me down. I am a flight attendant now and yes I do get stared at for my acne and scars. But I know as well that so many people see me for who I am on the inside. Your inner beauty and mind will always outshine all the pretty faces out there!! Having said, I am currently using the vit C sylimarin serum and retinol from Skinceuticals. I am at that stage where I wake up to maybe 1-2 pimples a week rather than everyday. I am also currently on my 3rd month, and I did want to give up in the beginning as I was purging and getting huge cystic acne. I hope and pray that I can wake up to that day where I am flawless and pimple free too!! Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I really means a lot to us!

I found you when I was researching differin and followed your blog experiences because I SWEAR to you, your story is mine EXACTLY! From the awful experiences with retinoids and cracking skin and cycles of quitting, etc to now swearing by Tretinoin. And I follow basically the same regimen and have the same advice for anyone starting retinoids. I will say that even up until a year ago I had great skin but still got inflamed pimples even with Tretinoin. Once I incorporated azelaic acid with the Tretinoin- GAME CHANGER. Now I have hardly any acne even during my period or they are teeny tiny bumps that flake off AND I’m told that I’m aging backwards. 37 and look much younger according to most. It sucks we had to struggle the way we did but look how much knowledge we have gained from it! Had I not found your blog all those years ago, I may have not given retinoids a chance and may be still struggling. Also for anyone starting out, minimum is good BUT hydrating toners and serums with cica and Propolis helped me MASSIVELY through retinization without causing more issues on my skin. Just less inflamed during this process. That was essential. Lastly, what foundation, powder and lip products are you wearing here???

Thank you thank you thank you for sharing your retinol journey story! 💗 I've been looking forward to this video so much! I am 33 years old and just started my retinol/vitamin c routine this month. 🤞Hoping they make a difference in the stubborn age spots I have developed the last couple of years! 😭 Now I know why my mom always told me to wear sunscreen! Lol I've watched your channel since your early early days but have been recently especially drawn back to you. I love how open, real, and compassionate you are. Thank you for sharing your experiences and feelings on all sorts of topics, I really learn a lot and love listening to you! So calming, reassuring, well spoken, and honest. I rarely post comments on anyone's channel but just wanted you to know that! You, Gothamista, and Doctorly are my skincare video obsessions! ❤❤❤

I’m 38 years old and still suffer from acne thank you for this!!

Love the breakdown of this! Very informative

I went to the doctor for the first time in a while and brought up concerns for jawline acne. She ended up prescribing a tretinoin cream for night and benzoyl peroxide gel for the day. I remembered this video a few months ago and decided to revisit! Thanks for the routine and encouragement, and I felt called out because I literally thought “my skin is tough and can take this every day” right before watching the video. 😅

Helpful info. I think I will try it ! Glad you had great results, your skin looks beautiful! Thank you!

I always hated how brutally honest my Korean aunties and uncles and parents were… made me so insecure about every single little pimple!

Wooo excited to hear your experience and expertise with it!

Thank you for explaining the tapering period so honestly, really appreciate this!

This is so helpful! This is the best retinol educational video I’ve seen. Thank you!

Thank you for sharing! I tried a drugstore retinol cream this summer and ended up with red burned skin… obviously because I had no phase in period AND I wore it with just one application of sunscreen and zero makeup… I only learnt why after, but I was too nervous to try again. Your suggestions are giving me confidence to start over, but this time more cautiously! 💛

This video helped me so much! Thank you, Jen 😊

Love your top with the necklace together. So pretty!

You are Awesome! I really appreciate and Thank You for sharing your experience and knowledge, and for breaking everything down in an easy to follow and understandable way ❤

Slowly using retinol too! Happy to have found this!

Before I started using retinol OTC product, I also tried to repair my skin barrier to prep it by using La roche posay B5 Balm as a night face mask for 20 mins and wipe off (then only apply night routine). Retinol dries up your skin so it is also important to moisturise ur skin really well. Cerave and cetaphil are good products with ceramides for example.

Tretinoin has stunning results as showcased here on RU-vid. So I am excited to compare ans perhaps rotate them in a routine. Thanks for sharing!

Loved the video!❤ Thank you for all the effort you put into this.💓 May I ask when you felt good enough to start adding the vitamin C? At the end of the 1st month or 3rd? And would you recommend the same building up schedule with Differin? Thank you!

Thank you so much...now i see why i had rash all over my face, i was using glycolic acid every other night when i started my retinol.i had to stop everything and repair my barrier with La roche posay B5 baume,just stick to retinol twice a week, hylaunoric acid in the morning due to my dry skin and just moisturizer other nights.❤

YAY!! You finally made this video! I've been waiting for this! Thank you!!

Due to severe depression, I didn’t really wash my face. Finally decided to take care of my skin. My purge using AHA/BHA vitamin C has lasted 3 months-one day my face was smooth again. Still purging on my chin, but it’s healing. I almost lost my mind-thought I ruined my skin indefinitely. Worth the wait!

My skin has gone through so many changes in the last few years and I’ve been thinking about trying retinol for YEARS but my dry sensitive and now acne prone skin is screaming at me to try something else. I kept waiting for the “right time” to try it but there will never be a right time! I think I will finally give retinol a shot! This was super informative and exactly what I was looking for. Thanks Jen ❤

Thank you for this reality experience and I am starting my Retinol 0.2 last night that is why I'm here to get knowledge how to apply it and consistency is the key. New friend here from the Philippines.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!! i have really been considering tretinoin and was so worried at what it would do to my skin, thank you for explaining it sooo clearly! One question I have is, will any dermatologist give you a prescription? Do I need to have any issues in order for them to recommend it?

I think I’m need to start using retinol, kind of scared but excited 🤗

This is so interesting! I had terrible acne from 10 all the way to mid 30s till I finally found a cleanser with ceramides + salicylic acid, and treated with azelaic acid (which helps build that skin barrier) and retinal (I use medik8). It took me some time to realise that not all types of retinol are equal E.g. retinal has more acne improving properties. And it’s really counter-intuitive, but retinol is really an ingredient where LESS IS MORE. It’s better to use a lower strength one regularly, than a strong one which makes one breakout.

You can do ponytail braid. You can do a hair tutorial video, Jen.

Thank you so much for clarifying this issue retinol takes 3 months to purge your skin. I am in week 9 of using retinol once weekly and still purging with few zits and the hyperpigmentation is still yet to fade ❤ I got so terrified that the purging process takes 6-8 weeks but it really depends differently on everyone

thank you so much this is the best video on this topic I'm at minute 5 and can already tell

Hi Jen can you do a video on sunscreens you use and how you re-apply over makeup please:) Also can you recommend your favorite vitamin c?

Thank you for sharing! I wonder how bad it is during that 1-3 months phase(I m scared!) during that, do you recommend using acne cream tho? Or just let it be? My skin currently don’t have a lot of acne, should I still try it?

Thank you so much for giving me hope❤

Best video ever

Very interesting topic.., I’m 37 years old and I still have breaking out! But I just starting using retinol, serum C and moisturizer 21:36 !

Omg I happened to see you here. I love the layered hair cut of yours and definitely I’ll be cutting very long hair. And now I’m watching your video of retinol. My dermatologist prescribed me with Tretinoin 0.05% cream. But I’m kinda skeptical to use. Now that I am watching you I think I’m going to use starting tonight. May I ask what kind of moisturizer and sunscreen do you use? Thank you very much with this video and I’m confident I can start use this now. 😘 Hope you post more beautiful videos

I asked my dermatologist for a tretinoin prescription and she suggested getting an OTC medical grade 1% retinol, and once I can handle using that daily, then I could bump up to prescription strength. Thinking my skin was tough and that I could handle it, I used it every day and on the 3rd day my skin was like "hell no!". So yeah...Im now easing myself into it.

I had acne as a teen but it all stopped about age 15 i think, and then I just had dry skin which was clear but I never did skincare until about 20, when I lived in Japan and loved the skincare there. But never knew about any the retinol, vit c or other actives at all until 2020, when skincare blew up all over the internet, which was when I was like 27. I did start the contraceptive pill in my teens though, for periods... or lack of them coming regularly, so I think that stopped my acne as my acne phase only lasted from 12-15. I still take it and I never get acne. I do like retinol for the anti aging though

Jen where does my beloved sheet mask fit in to the retinol regimen? I m a sheet mask junkie. I adore them. I probably have 60 in my refrigerator right now, lol

Adapalene (Differin) is actually stable under sunlight, so it’s safe to use during the day (tretinoin and some other formulations are NOT stable under sun so they should be PM only). Also, Retinoids don’t thin your skin (some people claim that because they increase cell turnover), but they actually thicken your skin over time

Actually i started retinol a few days ago. I have had acne issues since puberty as well. However it started reducing once i entered my 20's and started a skincare routine. N the retinol i use is a serum with 0.05% i think n i think my skin is holding out good. I think it's alr showing some difference as well. It's pretty thick n oil like so it takes a while to absorb in the skin but it's pretty good i think maybe coz my skin isn't sensitive i have no issues as if yet. I usually apply other serums as well like vitamin c, niacinamide or salicylic before the moisturizer.

I give this type of advice to people going on Accutane. Can you believe that the derm I had back then just wrote me a script and basically shooed me out of the office? With ZERO instructions on anything (except not to get pregnant)!! Didn't even tell me that sunscreen is ESSENTIAL when on Accutane. It's essential other times as well, but ESPECIALLY when on this drug, as it is rather brutal on your whole body. I'm always happy to discuss everything with people regarding skincare and will answer every question asked because I believe that transparency is important. I'm in my mid-40s and have always had really terrible skin, so I have a lot of skincare knowledge. I still get acne despite my age, and obviously have no desire to go on Accutane again, so have begun using Differin. I remember your skincare routine video from a number of years ago when you also mentioned using sulfacetamide cleanser, clindamycin and DIfferin. Thanks for sharing your POV for retinol and for explaining the Retinization process, that was really helpful!!

I have hyperpigmentation. My dermatologist recommends tretinoin but each time I try, my skin gets so dry and crack I give up. I’ve bee warned a number of times it will get easier but I give up too easily. I’m going to try to stick with your process. Thanks for the video.

So helpful! Sharing w loved ones

Thank you for sharing your experience with acne. I remember in my school times I'm always hiding bunches of acnes on my forehead, beneath my bangs. How foolish I am to keep those thick bangs & when I finally decided to grow my bangs long & finally revealing my forehead (I was 23 & working in a bank), my acne slowly gone, but at the cost of "comet holes" all over my forehead due to my naughty hands pinching my acnes 😂 Now I'm 30 & the "comet holes" are still there no matter how flawless I put my makeup on. Your skin now looks soooooo much better than mine! And you even have a baby (I thought you're still in your 20s! 😍) hopefully retinol could help making my skin as beautiful as yours ❤

thank you for this video, and for breaking it down for us! What about Skinceuticals Retinol 0.3% (OTC) - does that need to be converted into retinoic acid by the skin or does it immediately start working?

Hi Jenn, can you do a video on sunscreen that works for you? Thank you

Great video

Great video as always! I rarely had acne growing up, but ever since I turned 24 (3 years ago) I started having adult acne and it's especially bad since I'm in grad school and am stressed all the time. Do you think over the counter retinols like the ordinary 0.5% is good or do I have to go to a dermatologist to get a prescription retinol?

Hi, do you use makeup remover to clean off the sunscreen before washing your face or can you just use a simple cleanser?

really helpful, thank you

So I bought a retinol serum today from Derma E, and I bought a Vitamin C moisturizer. However, what you’re saying is I shouldn’t apply that moisturizer after I apply retinol? But I can use a vitamin c moisturizer during the day?

I've acne prone and now wrinkly, so yeah like you I've never had a phase where my skin is clear. And I want to try retinol but I cannot live with without my acne spot treatment and salicylic acid moisturizer. Do I have to skip these 2 and stick with basic moisturizer for the first month? Can anyone help?

Good video 👍🏽

Hi there! I’m currently going back on tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide at the moment and I do think purging is happening and I feel the most insecure I’ve felt in awhile.. do you have any advice on when I should use benzoyl peroxide along side with tret?

Thank you so much for this video T^T huhu I'm purging rn and my self esteem got so low. Is it normal to have redness? and my skin kinda feels hot but its not painful

Can you use different retinol serum and creams on different days ? Or should one finish one product first before trying different ones

Do you find that it helps with hormonal acne? I use retin-A but my chin still breaks out

Do you use any hydrating/ anti aging serum beyond the retin a? And if i dont have access to retin a, would differin be okay to use long term in place of retin a? Thanks so much for all your helps and advice Jen :)

I’ve been using retinol for several years for anti aging not acne. I find that there are times I have to back off of it. Right now I’m using it 3 times per week because my skin is so stingy. I’ll do the 3xs for a month or so then go back up to every night slowly. I’ve had to do this several times over the last 3 years. I think as I age my skin is just thinner and more sensitive. To be fair I’m a lot older than you, old enough to be your mom. 🤷‍♀️

My moisturizer has hyaluronic acid in it, is it okay to use with Differin gel?? I want to start Differin, I don't have acne problems really but I want to get those anti aging benefits! But I want to use it correctly!

Hi Jenn, Over 10 years ago, you introduced me to adapalene/differin and i went to my doctor and asked them for it and they had no idea what it was and they just prescribed me it., I am still using it today and i want to thank you. I'll be taking up your adivce on retinols as i go in to my early 30s! Could you possibly do a video on treatments for sun damage? (i am wearing sunscreen but paying for my past mistakes!) All the love to you and your family xx

i started on differin everyday thinking it would be ok since i was using another, much gentler, retinol beforehand. All my acne went away so fast, but then after a week there was so much purging! What do i do? how do i know, how much i should dial back usage or if i should just stick it out now

My current skincare routine consists out of using an exfoliator once a week, a mask once a week and an AHA/BHA peel once a week. If I were to begin incorporating retinol in my routine, I should stop applying these things until my skin has gone through the retinol transformation process?

@frmheadtotoe How strong were the retinol products you used and what was your skin type at the point that you went back to it? Trying to figure out if I can get to 1% eventually or if I’ll always need to keep it to a lower percentage due to my sensitive combo skin.

I've started to use retinol about 2 weeks ago, and already, my skin is looking so much smoother and no lie, my pores have gone smaller!!! This s**t is crazy! But with using Vitamin C, I would say avoid using it in the morning... Dermatologists say to avoid using vitamin c while using retinol, but if you must.. then you HAVE to use sunscreen. Using vitamin C without protecting your skin with sunscreen is a big no no

Which moisturizer do you recommend?

Thank you 😭😭😭

Is it possible to start retinol and don't face the purging?

If i only get acne on my cheeks, is it ok to just use it on my cheeks?

What about niacinamide? Can you pear it with Retinol after the “purging” period? (I’m also in my 30’s) and Hyaluronic acid?

After cleansing, do you use a toner or skin softener before the moisturizer?

can i use tretinoin on my crow's feet area? i'm never sure how close i can get in the eye area

Any vitamin c recommendations?

hello, anyone? which should be used first in my routine, retinol first then hydrating lotion? or hydrating lotion first then retinol?

Can you share what brand name of retinol cream are you using?

Hey, I have a question, is it okay to use the cetaphil oily skin cleanser as my cleanser? Because it contains citric acid but all of my other cleansers contain citric acid too :(

What night moisturizers do you recommend.

Omg I remember you Rebecca whampler your Sister in law

why does my skin look oily after use of the retinol? Almost looks like the aftermath of a sunburn... Is that my skin repairing itself?

are there any recommendations for retinols for beginners? Im 20, turning 21 soon and i’m not sure where to start

Can you use benzoyl peroxide with retinol at the same time

It's not the only anti aging product! Red light therapy is legit aswell!

Did you purge when you started retinoids?

what retinol products can I use as a beginner with sensitive skin and a mild acne prone one...? or can I go straight to retinAL? Please I must but under or below 20$😭🙏

I'm 14, and I don't have much acne most of the time. I heard retinol can help fade freckles which is what I am desperately trying to do. Not sure if retinol actually fades freckles so yk if anyone has any recommendations 😭😭 I'm also trying to get rid of my forehead wrinkles. Do you recommend using retinol at my age?

Retinol isnt recommended for women who are pregnant, was wondering if you have any alternatives to suggest

Can I use retinol around the corners of my lips because I saw some videos people saying not to use retinol around the corners of eyes nose and lips, it is not good and will dry out and darken these areas but what if I want to apply retinol around my lips to get rid of lip lines, please reply me beause I am scared to use now

Vitamin A!

How do you look the same from when I watched you years ago 😍

"....up until my 30s" you look so young 😭😭

what do you mean by different? different product?

Does someone know if the COSRX the retinol 0.5 oil is good for beginners with retinol? My skin tolerates oils very well, but I know nothing about retinol besides this videos lol

I fucked up by jumping straight in and using it once a night :,/ my skin has been a trooper and was fine for like the first 10 days until I started getting weird pimples under my skin, it’s also so dry and overall this all feels like I’ve done a huge mistake…. Makes me feel really insecure and so dumb Subsided to using it once every 5-7 days now, but damn, I do feel regretful. My skin was almost perfect before but then I got too greedy :\

where to buy retin A?

Anti aging dosen’t exit…… better aging yes….

That's not true about retinol. Not everyone can use a retinol and according to my derm there are many options and ingredients for anti-aging though retinol may be preferred, it's not the only one. ingredient.