How to Use Retinol: 10 Do’s and Don’ts for Singapore Skin
By Janet, 100% Pure Singapore | Updated November 2026
Key Takeaways
- Use retinol at night only, and wear sunscreen every morning.
- Start two or three nights a week, with a pea-sized amount.
- Always follow with a moisturiser.
- Don’t use retinol on the same night as strong exfoliants.
- Avoid retinol if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Retinol can do great things for your skin. It helps skin look smoother, brighter and more even over time.
But it works best when you use it the right way. Most problems people have with retinol, like redness and peeling, come from how it’s used, not the product itself.
Here are the simple do’s and don’ts, with a few extra tips for Singapore’s sun and humidity.
How do you use retinol for the first time?
Start with two or three nights a week. Use a pea-sized amount on clean, dry skin, then follow with a moisturiser. Wear sunscreen the next morning.
After a few weeks, if your skin feels fine, you can slowly use it more often.
THE DO’S
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Do use retinol at night only
Retinol supports your skin’s natural renewal process, so fresher skin comes through. That newer skin is more sensitive to the sun.
That’s why retinol belongs in your night routine. Use any retinol product in the evening only.
Do wear sunscreen every single morning
This one matters even more in Singapore. Our UV levels are high all year, even on cloudy days.
Apply sunscreen every morning while you’re using retinol. Reapply if you’re outdoors, sweating or swimming.
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Do start slowly
Your skin needs time to get used to retinol. Start with two or three nights a week for the first few weeks.
If there’s no irritation, move to every other night, then nightly if your skin is happy.
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Do follow with a moisturiser
A moisturiser helps cut down dryness and irritation. It doesn’t stop retinol from working.
In our humid weather, a light gel cream works well. The Black Tea Grass Jelly Moisturizer feels light and won’t sit heavy on the skin.
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Do patch test first
Before using a new retinol on your whole face, try a little on your jawline or behind your ear for a few nights.
If there’s no redness or stinging, you’re good to go.
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Do watch how your skin reacts
Some dryness or light flaking in the first few weeks is normal. It usually settles as your skin adjusts.
If your skin stings, burns or stays red, use it less often. If it doesn’t settle, stop and speak to a doctor or pharmacist.
THE DON’TS
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Don’t use retinol with strong exfoliants on the same night
AHA, BHA and enzyme exfoliants can be too much when layered with retinol, especially at the start.
Use them on different nights instead. For example, use an exfoliating serum like the Apple Enzyme Resurfacing Serum once or twice a week, on nights you skip retinol.
Also avoid retinol for a few days before and after facial peels, waxing or laser treatments.
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Don’t use too much
More retinol doesn’t mean faster results. It usually just means more irritation.
A pea-sized amount is enough for your whole face. Use a separate eye product for the eye area.
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Don’t use retinol if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding
Doctors usually recommend avoiding vitamin A products during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Stop if you’re trying to get pregnant, too.
If you want a gentler option, ask your doctor about bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative.
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Don’t skip sleep
Retinol works overnight, while your skin repairs itself. Late nights and poor sleep can leave skin looking dull, whatever products you use.
Aim for a consistent bedtime. Your skin will thank you.
Using retinol in Singapore’s weather: 3 extra tips
- Sweat and heat: if you’ve been outdoors all day, cleanse well at night before applying retinol.
- Aircon: long hours in aircon can dry skin out. Add a hydrating layer under your moisturiser if your skin feels tight.
- Haze season: if your skin feels more sensitive during haze, cut back to fewer retinol nights until it settles.
Which retinol product should I use?
It depends on your skin and where you’re using it:
- Beginners or dry skin: Retinol Rosehip Face Cream
- Normal to oily skin: Multi Vitamin PM Potent Serum
- Eye area: Multi Vitamin Eye Treatment
- Neck and chest: Retinol Restorative Neck Cream
For a full breakdown, read our guide to the best retinol for your skin type.
A simple night routine with retinol
- Cleanse and pat skin dry.
- Apply a pea-sized amount of retinol.
- Tap a small amount of eye treatment around the eyes.
- Finish with your moisturiser.
In the morning, cleanse, moisturise and apply sunscreen.
The bottom line
Retinol is easy to use well once you know the rules. Use it at night, start slowly, moisturise and never skip sunscreen.
Be patient. With consistent use, you’ll see smoother, brighter-looking skin over time.
Shop retinol skincare at 100% Pure Singapore, with local delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I use retinol as a beginner?
Start with two or three nights a week. If your skin feels fine after a few weeks, slowly increase to every other night, then nightly.
Should I apply retinol on wet or dry skin?
Apply it to clean, dry skin. Damp skin can make retinol feel stronger and more irritating.
Can I use retinol in the morning?
No. Retinol should be used at night only. Wear sunscreen every morning while using it.
Can I exfoliate while using retinol?
Yes, but not on the same night. Use your exfoliant once or twice a week, on nights you skip retinol.
s peeling normal when starting retinol?
Some light dryness or flaking in the first few weeks is common. If it stings, burns or stays red, use it less often or stop and check with a doctor.
