10/09/2026
Retinol is one of the most powerful ingredients in skincare. We have said it many times at Skin Brilliance and we mean it every time.
But using it incorrectly can lead to irritation, peeling and that frustrating feeling that it just does not work for you. And most of the time, it is not the retinol that is the problem. 🌿
Here are the six most common mistakes we see.
1️⃣ Applying it in the morning. Retinol breaks down in sunlight and makes your skin more sensitive to UV. Night time only. And SPF 50+ every single morning without exception. 💙
2️⃣ Mixing it with too many other actives at once. Retinol is powerful on its own. Layering it with strong ingredients like Vitamin C, Glycolic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide at the same time can overwhelm the skin. If your skin is sensitive, alternate your actives on different nights instead. ✨
3️⃣ Using it during pregnancy. Retinoids are generally not recommended during pregnancy or while trying to conceive. If this applies to you, speak with your skin therapist about safe alternatives that still address your concerns. 🌸
4️⃣ Not pausing before professional treatments. Retinol needs to be stopped three to seven days before skin needling, peels, laser, IPL, waxing or epidermal levelling. Your skin is more sensitive during these treatments and continuing retinol increases the risk of irritation and complications. Your therapist will always guide you on this. 🌿
5️⃣ Using too much. A pea-sized amount covers the whole face. More product does not mean faster results. It means a higher chance of redness and peeling. 🤎
6️⃣ Giving up too soon. A little dryness or flaking in the first few weeks is completely normal while your skin adjusts. Drop back to two or three nights a week, focus on hydration and build up gradually. Stopping altogether means starting the adjustment process all over again every time you restart. ✨
Every single one of these mistakes is avoidable. And at Skin Brilliance we take the guesswork out of it completely. We recommend the right formulation and strength for your skin, guide you on how to introduce it and let you know exactly when to pause around treatments.
Your skin does not need more products.