What Is a Retinoid?
Retinoids are a family of ingredients derived from vitamin A. Retinol is the form most commonly found in over-the-counter skincare, while stronger retinoids such as tretinoin are generally available by prescription.[1]
Retinoids work by affecting processes within skin cells and increasing cell turnover. In simple terms, they help skin cycle through older cells more efficiently. They are also associated with collagen production, which is one reason they are commonly used to address concerns like fine lines, uneven tone, texture, and acne over time.[1]
That increased activity is also why your skin may need time to adjust. Dryness, peeling, redness, or sensitivity can happen, particularly when first starting a prescription retinoid.[1]
The rest of your routine does not need to work harder than your prescription. Instead, focus on keeping your skin clean, moisturized, and protected.
Start With a Gentle Cleanser
If your prescription is already doing the heavy lifting, your cleanser does not need to.
Start with a gentle cleanser that removes sunscreen, makeup, oil, and daily buildup without leaving your skin feeling stripped.
Superfood Nourish Cleanser is a simple first step. Its gentle, pH-balancing formula cleanses without adding another strong active to your routine.
Think clean skin, not squeaky-clean skin.
Make Moisturizer a Priority
Moisturizer becomes especially important when you are using a prescription retinoid.
U.S. Dermatology Partners recommends pairing retinol with moisturizing ingredients such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which can help address some of the dryness that often comes with retinoid use.[2]
This is where Tri Lipid Replenish Treatment fits in.
Made with 1.5% ceramides, 4% pomegranate sterols, and 1.8% fatty acids, Tri Lipid is designed to moisturize and help replenish the skin barrier.
Your nighttime routine can stay simple: Superfood Nourish Cleanser, Prescription Retinoid, Tri Lipid Replenish Treatment
If your dermatologist has given you specific instructions for applying your prescription, always follow those first.
What About Peptides?
Peptides can also have a place in a retinoid routine.
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins found naturally in the skin. Certain peptides are used in skincare as signaling ingredients. Retinoids work through a different pathway, so the two do not necessarily have to compete for a spot in your routine.[3]
U.S. Dermatology Partners also includes peptides among the ingredients that can pair well with retinol.[2]
For a straightforward option, No Needles Renew Serum combines peptides with hyaluronic acid and 4% niacinamide to help hydrate, smooth the look of skin, and support the skin barrier. It can be used in the morning or before your prescription retinoid at night if your skin tolerates the combination well.
Peptide-X Advanced Serum is another option, but there is an important difference. Along with peptides and niacinamide, Peptide-X contains 5% PHA, a polyhydroxy acid that gently exfoliates.
Because prescription retinoids can already make skin more sensitive, combining them with exfoliating acids may be too much for some skin types. U.S. Dermatology Partners recommends caution when pairing retinol with exfoliating acids because the combination can increase irritation.[2]
If you want to use Peptide-X with a prescription retinoid, consider giving the two products some space instead of immediately layering them together every night.
For example:
AM: Vitamin C, Peptide-X, Moisturizer, SPF
PM:No Needles, Prescription Retinoid, Tri Lipid Replenish Treatment
You could also alternate Peptide-X and your prescription on different nights if your skin is more sensitive.
Don't Forget Sunscreen
Your retinoid may go on at night, but SPF is still an important part of the routine the next morning.
U.S. Dermatology Partners recommends daily sunscreen when using retinol, especially because retinoids can make skin more sensitive to sun exposure.[2]
Tinted Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 gives you broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection with a 100% mineral formula featuring 16.5% zinc oxide.
Use it as the final step in your morning routine and as directed with other sun protection measures.
Be Careful With Too Many Actives
A prescription retinoid does not need a long list of other strong ingredients around it to work.
In fact, adding too much too quickly can make your routine harder to tolerate.
U.S. Dermatology Partners recommends caution when combining retinol with exfoliating acids and suggests separating ingredients like vitamin C and retinol between your morning and nighttime routines.[2]
If your skin is feeling dry, tight, or irritated, that may be a sign to simplify instead of adding something new.
Prescription retinoids can already accomplish a lot on their own. The products you pair with them should make your routine easier to stick with, not more complicated.
Keep cleansing gentle, prioritize moisture, protect your skin from the sun, and introduce additional actives gradually. And because prescription retinoids are medications, your dermatologist’s directions should always come first.
Sources
[1] Florida Medical Clinic, “What Does Retinol Do?” https://www.floridamedicalclinic.com/blog/what-does-retinol-do/
[2] U.S. Dermatology Partners, “Best Ingredients to Pair and Avoid With Retinol.” https://www.usdermatologypartners.com/blog/ingredients-to-pair-with-retinol/
[3] North Biomedical, “Retinol and Peptides.” https://northbiomedical.com/articles/retinol-and-peptides/
SkinCeuticals P-TIOX is a trademark of L'Oréal. Brandefy is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by L'Oréal.
