After diligently doing your research and trialing different products, you've finally found a retinoid product — i.e. retinol, adapalene, tretinoin, etc. — your skin doesn't hate. That means it's full speed ahead to glowing skin, right? Not so fast. Yes, using a product that contains retinoids is half the battle, but the other half is using the right products that don't contain retinoids. The complementary products in your regimen are just as important — these are the products that will help you get the most out of the hero ingredient so that your skin is the best it can be. After all, why even use a retinoid when you're also using products that ultimately counteract its effects? Ahead shop the retinoid moisturizer we recommend as well as the skin-care products that work best alongside it.
1 Retinoid Moisturizer
A retinoid moisturizer is a good starter retinoid product (compared to a serum, for example) since you're using the active ingredient alongside hydrating ones. It's also a good option for those with sensitive skin, since it may allow you to skip the need for using the retinol sandwich method.
A gentle moisturizer like the Olay Retinol24 + Peptide Night Face Moisturizer ($30) deeply penetrates and hydrates the skin, even as the retinoid complex gets to work. Over time, the fragrance- and dye-free formula will help address fine lines and wrinkles, smoothness, brightness, firming, dark spots, and pores.
2 SFP 40 Serum
Sun protection is crucial if you use retinoids, since retinoids can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays. Always use retinoids at night and apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher the morning after use.
This EleVen by Venus Williams Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 40 ($48) is an SPF and serum in one to give you an extra boost of hydration. It protects from harmful UVA/UVB radiation, while also supporting the skin thanks to a slew of nourishing ingredients like allantoin, coconut and vanilla fruit extracts, ginger lily extract, and mandarin. Bonus: it also works well as a primer under makeup.
3 Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer
It's never a bad idea to flood your face with moisture on your retinoid "off" days, since the ingredient can be drying. There are certain ingredients dermatologists recommend pairing with retinoids, like hyaluronic acid for example, to help enhance its efficacy and counteract any drying effects.
A whipped gel cream like the Glow Recipe Plum Plump Refillable Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer ($39) will help hydrate and balance the skin to keep it looking plump and glowy. This one is packed with both multi-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid to really lock in moisture.
4 Barrier-Restoring Serum
Good skin is nothing without a healthy moisture barrier — it's what's responsible for keeping your skin looking and feeling hydrated. On your retinoid "off" days, consider using a serum that's specifically formulated to help maintain barrier function.
The Kristina Holey + Marie Veronique Barrier Restore Serum ($115) helps balance moisture levels in the stratum corneum by trapping water molecules instead of letting them absorb into the lower layers of the epidermis. In other words, it's an essential for radiant, hydrated skin.
5 Gentle Cleanser
Even if you're not on a retinoid regimen, a gentle daily cleanser is the one skin-care product every routine needs.
Cleanse your skin and support the skin barrier with the soothing Paula's Choice CALM Ultra-Gentle Cleanser ($19). It's formulated to be extra-mild for those with sensitive skin and won't leave your complexion feeling tight or stripped.
6 Silicone Face Mask
Rather than introducing more products or ingredients into your regimen (keeping it simple really is key when you're using retinoids), why not focus on getting the most out of everything you are using? That's where a silicone mask comes in handy.
Wearing a face mask like the Nurse Jamie FaceWrap ($30) for 20 minutes after you finish applying products on your "off"
day can help your skin better absorb them. It doesn't contain any ingredients (it's just the silicone) and instead is designed to be used alongside your existing moisturizers or serums to help create an intensive — essentially occlusive — environment for locking the moisture in.
