Use It Right

With retinoids, technique decides whether you get results or just redness:

• Apply to dry skin. Damp skin drives the product in faster and stings more.
• Buffer it. A plain moisturizer on top, or under, eases irritation.
• Skip the active stack. Do not layer it with acids in the same routine.

Most people who quit retinoids do not have bad skin; they used the product the wrong way.