Retinol and retinoid creams

Retinol and retinoid creams start with how skin reacts in the first days. Cleveland Clinic describes the ingredient this way: "Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is an ingredient added to skin creams, lotions and serums." DermNet gives the ranking a reader can check against their own product: "Adapalene is the least irritating topical retinoid, and tretinoin the most."

Irritation and peeling in the first days

• The skin you apply it to: Retinol on damp skin, is irritation higher?
• The amount: Pea-sized retinol amount, is that enough?
• The first night: How do I start retinol without irritation?
• The first week: Retinoid peeling in week one, is that normal?

The schedule you settle into

• The time of day: Should retinol be applied at night?
• The schedule: Skin cycling with retinoids, how does it work?
• The wait for results: Retinol takes how long to work?

Choosing a product, and pregnancy

• The choice of product: Retinoid or retinol, which should I use?
• The question to settle before you start: Can I use retinol while pregnant?

Further guidance on creams and sun care

Dermatologist guidance is available in Dermatologist-Approved Tips for Healthier Skin from Cleveland Clinic and in skin care guidance from the AAD. Houston Methodist publishes a skin care routine guide, and the Skin Cancer Foundation publishes its sunscreen guidance.

A sign that keeps returning, or a question about pregnancy, is the point to take it to a licensed clinician.