Buying guide
The best retinol for beginners and sensitive skin
The retinol starter routine
Introduce it slowly and buffer it with moisture.
- 1
Cleanse
Cleansing Gel 8oz
skinbetter scienceMild, non-stripping, twice daily.
$48 - 2
PM retinoid
AlphaRet Overnight Cream 30 mL
skinbetter scienceA pea-sized amount at night, three nights a week to start, building to nightly as tolerated.
$145 - 3
Moisturize
Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment 50 mL
skinbetter scienceA rich moisturizer for dry or compromised skin, which is what retinoid skin feels like in the first weeks.
$150 - 4
Protect
HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF36
AlastinRetinoids increase sun sensitivity. Daily SPF is not optional.
$79
How they compare
| Product | Best for | What it is | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AlphaRet Overnight Cream 30 mL skinbetter science |
Most beginners | Retinoid plus AHA in one overnight step | $145 | |
| Renewal Retinol .25 Alastin |
Very sensitive skin, gentlest start | Lipid-encapsulated retinol, lower strength | $74 | |
| Renewal Retinol .5 Alastin |
Ready for the next step | The higher strength of Renewal Retinol | $74 | |
| AlphaRet Clearing Serum 30 mL skinbetter science |
Oily, blemish-prone skin | AlphaRet as a serum | $145 | |
| Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream 30mL skinbetter science |
Already used to a retinoid | Stronger AlphaRet with more glycolic acid | $135 |
Day by day
General guidance. Your provider's aftercare instructions come first.
Why retinol irritates, and how to avoid it
Retinoids speed up cell turnover, which is why they work and why they can cause dryness, flaking and stinging early on. Starting a few nights a week, using a pea-sized amount and moisturizing well prevents most of it.
A retinol alternative for sensitive skin
If even a gentle retinoid is too much, focus on the other two pillars, an antioxidant in the morning and daily sunscreen, and talk to a provider about which option suits your skin.
When not to use retinol
Retinoids are not for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Stop five to seven days before a peel, laser or waxing and tell your provider.
Questions people ask
What strength of retinol should a beginner start with?
A lower strength or a buffered formula, a few nights a week. AlphaRet and Renewal Retinol .25 are both good starting points.
Can I use retinol every night as a beginner?
Not at first. Build up over about a month.
Is AlphaRet good for sensitive skin?
Many people with sensitive skin start with it because it combines a retinoid and an AHA in one step. Introduce it slowly.
Should I moisturize before or after retinol?
After, in most cases. If your skin is very sensitive, a thin layer of moisturizer first can buffer it.
Treatment at BHRC
Aging skin treatments
Not sure which retinoid suits you? Ask at your next appointment.
Keep reading
Products are dispensed by Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center, an authorized retailer. This guide is general education, not medical advice. Follow the aftercare instructions from your own provider.
