Thinking about incorporating retinol into your skincare routine? Girl, welcome to the glowing-skin A-team! Retinol is like that one friend who tells it to you straight—yes, the truth can be a little harsh at first, but soon you realize it was just what you needed. Before you join the ranks of glowing skin enthusiasts, let's talk about what to expect when you start using retinol for the first time so you’re fully prepared for the timeline ahead.

Week 1-2: The “Slow and Steady” Approach

First things first—don't go all in like you’re binge-watching your favorite series. Start SLOW. Retinol is incredibly powerful and needs a little getting-to-know-you period with your skin.

Begin by using it once or twice a week, preferably at night. This will give your skin a chance to adjust to its new BFF without freaking out. Also, a warning: skipping sunscreen during the day is NOT an option. Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, so slather it on like your glow depends on it (because it does).

Week 3-4: The Skin Drama Begins (Don’t Panic)

You might start noticing some flaking, dryness, and… yes, possibly purging (cue those pesky breakouts). But hear me out—this is totally normal! Retinol is prompting your skin to shed its old, tired layers, so be patient. Those minor inconveniences now mean baby-soft, radiant skin later.

Quick skincare fix? Hydration is your secret weapon. Chug that water like you’re hitting a New Year’s resolution and pair it with the Maria Kane Nourishing HA Peptide Serum for a hydration boost that’ll make your skin go ahhh.

Week 5-8: Repair and Rehydrate

Congrats! The initial drama is calming down, and now we’re moving into the repair-and-replenish era. Your goal in this phase is to strengthen your skin barrier—because while it’s been dealing with all this new you energy, it needs a little extra TLC.

• Cleanse Gently: No gritty scrubs or harsh cleansers! The Maria Kane Soothing Peptide Cleanser is a game-changer for washing off the day without stripping your skin.

• Lock in Moisture: A great moisturizer is key during this time. Meet the Maria Kane Barrier Replenishing Cream, which hydrates while supporting a healthy, happy skin barrier.

• Skip the Drama: Since your skin is still adjusting, stick to calming, fragrance-free products to avoid irritation.

Month 3 and Beyond: The Glow Up is Real

By Month 3, you’re officially part of the retinol glow squad. You’ll start to notice smoother texture, brighter skin, and the softening of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol encourages cell turnover and collagen production, which is skincare speak for "you’re going to look amazing."

At this point, you can start increasing your usage to every other night or even nightly if your skin’s playing nice. Keep up the hydration, layer your sunscreen, and LOVE looking at yourself in the mirror!

Retinol Recap

• Start slow (patience = glowing skin).
• Expect some dryness, flaking, or purging in the first month.
• Hydrate inside and out (hello, Maria Kane skincare line).
• Commit to your sunscreen like your face depends on it (because it does).
• Stick to it, and by Month 3, you’ll be bragging about your skin to anyone who will listen.

Want to make your retinol ride extra smooth? Shop our favorite retinol (Hello, Overnight Youth Booster), and our retinol-friendly skincare essentials like the Soothing Peptide Cleanser, Nourishing HA Peptide Serum, and Barrier Replenishing Cream—your skin will thank you later.