Do I still need to exfoliate if I use retinol?Updated a year ago
It depends. In many cases, combining retinoids and exfoliants can provide faster and better results, especially if you have very specific goals, like reducing breakouts faster or targeting discoloration. However, for simple skin maintenance and age prevention, using a retinoid alone can be more than enough.
You may also want to keep in mind your risk of irritation, especially if you’re trying to perfect a skincare routine for sensitive skin. For some folks, exfoliating and using retinoids at the same time might be the ticket for clear, smooth skin, while for others it could be a recipe for irritation.
The results and effects also depend on the type of retinoids you use and their strength level, the type of exfoliant you use, how the products are formulated, and your frequency of using either product.
Most of our clients find prescription-strength retinoids too irritating for their skin, even without exfoliation. On the other hand, combining our Enzyme-Active Retinol Serum with the wash-off Double AHA Cleanser allows them to calibrate the level of exfoliation to their skin’s unique needs at any given time.
To learn more about how to put these two ingredients together (whether with our products or otherwise) check out our glycolic acid and retinol guide. Once you’re ready to start with a routine that hits the perfect balance of deep renewal and surface-level clarity, explore our skin renewing line.