Over-the-counter retinol products can be a great option for retinol newbies, since they're gentler than prescription strength retinoic acid. At first, a pea-sized amount of retinol should be applied to the face once or twice a week, allowing skin time to adjust to its effects. Retinol should also be applied at night, since sunlight will degrade the retinol and minimize its effects. Plus, since we sweat and touch our skin less while sleeping, it allows the retinol to work on your skin uninterrupted.

Over time, your skin can tolerate products with a higher retinol amount. Until you work up to a stronger cream or a daily habit, there are things you can do to keep your skin happy while adjusting to retinol. It's important to use plenty of sunscreen, since some dermatologists believe your skin can become more sensitive to sunlight while using retinol. Frequent use of moisturizer can offset any redness or peeling.