How to Introduce Retinol into Your Skincare Routine

If you grew up with dial up internet in your home…it might be time to start using retinol.

Retinol is like the highlighter of the skincare world. Go in too heavy-handed and it's obvious you've overdone it, but hit the sweet spot and skin positively glows.

Whether you’re just starting your retinol journey or wanting to up the ante, this is what you should know about retinol and how to carefully incorporate the powerhouse ingredient.

To bring it back to the basics, retinol is a form of vitamin A – part of a bigger family of compounds called retinoids. Over time, this helps smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles, fade dark spots, and create a more even looking, radiant complexion.

Confused by all the skincare jargon? Here’s a quick guide of terms to know:

• Skin cycling: A routine that rotates products over a four-night cycle – alternating active ingredients on some nights with “rest nights” focused on hydration and barrier repair.

• Retinol sandwich method: Layer hydrating moisturiser, then retinol, then another layer of moisturiser – like a cushion that helps soften the impact and reduce dryness when you’re starting out.

• Purging: The brief “adjustment phase” where breakouts may appear is temporary – and a sign your retinol is starting to work.

• Actives: The key ingredients in skincare that target specific concerns, like retinol for fine lines or vitamin C for brightness. They’re more potent than hydrators, so it’s best to start slow and balance with moisturiser and SPF.

• Niacinamide (vitamin B3): A multitasking ingredient that helps strengthen the skin barrier, even tone, and reduce the look of pores. It’s calming, hydrating, and pairs perfectly with actives like retinol.

• Bioavailable: A stabilised form of an ingredient that’s easy for your skin to absorb and actually use.

The star active might be one of the most popular mainstays in the world of skincare, but it's also one of the most misunderstood; it requires careful education, research and understanding to reap the countless rewards. It’s simply not a case of more is more, jumping in too quickly can result in mild irritation, including redness and dryness.

Purging is also a temporary side effect of using vitamin A that actually proves it’s working. Although “The Purge” might remind you of a certain horror movie, it’s not as scary as it sounds.

As it works, it can bring any underlying impurities or clogged pores to the surface – leading to a potential breakout^[1]. This is temporary, but if you have questions or concerns, we recommend chatting to a healthcare professional.

The mantra is go low and slow. Begin with a low concentration once or twice a week and skin cycle between your other products. You can also adopt the “retinol sandwich” method for an extra buffer. Try these tricks for around a month then gradually increase to see how your skin responds. It’s recommended to use it at night before you go to bed. And as always, make sure to use sunscreen (SPF 50+ for the best protection) during the day as retinol can increase the skin's sensitivity to light.

This stabilised, bioavailable blend delivers hydration for up to 24 hours^[2] while working to smooth the skin’s surface, brighten tone and soften the look of fine lines.

The formulas are the same – it just comes down to how you prefer your retinol delivered:

• Retinol24 Night Moisturiser: A rich cream that cocoons skin overnight, leaving it soft and cushioned by morning.

• Retinol24 Night Serum: A lightweight, fast-absorbing serum that sinks in quickly, ideal if you like a weightless finish or prefer layering products.

Both are fragrance-free, dye-free, and designed to give you smoother, radiant-looking skin with consistent use.

The lightweight, fragrance-free formula sinks in quickly, making it the perfect choice if you want concentrated results without heaviness. Retinol24 was designed for first-time retinol users as an entry point into the world of retinoids, but this new iteration is better suited to those who have been using retinol for a while. If you’ve been using the original formulation since it launched, think of this new one as the next step in your retinol journey.

Retinol doesn’t have to be intimidating. It’s about finding the right formula, starting slow, and staying consistent. OLAY’s Retinol24 range is designed to meet you wherever you’re at – whether you’re just beginning with a gentle night cream, prefer a lightweight serum, or are ready to upgrade to the new Retinol24 MAX Night Serum for faster results. Shop in-store and online at Chemist Warehouse today.

^1. Healthline. Yes, Retinol Is Safe – When Used Correctly. Here’s How to Get Started.^2. Consumer agreement after 1 night usage, 110 females, UK, 2022.^3. Consumer agreement after 28days usage, 33 females, China, Jun 2019.^4. 7-night SPBT consumer agreement study, Singapore, March 2023. 44 healthy females aged 18–66. Participants used Olay Retinol24 base moisturiser/serum nightly for 7 consecutive nights. Results based on self-assessment questionnaire using a balanced 7-point scale at baseline and after 7 nights.^5. With twice a day application.

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