$30 off $110+ w/ code BYESUMMER30; $20 off $85+ w/ code BYESUMMER20; $15 off $65+ w/ code BYESUMMER. ends 9.3. | DETAILS

free shipping and 3 free foil samples on orders $35+ | DETAILS

Your cart

Your cart is empty

Estheticians say THIS is how long you should wait to use retinol after a facial

Estheticians say THIS is how long you should wait to use retinol after a facial

At Bioelements, we’ve worked with real clients' skin in treatment rooms for decades. One question we hear all the time:

“How long should I wait to use my retinol after a facial?”

If you love your retinol but also treat yourself to regular facials, timing matters. Restarting too soon can leave you with irritation instead of improvement. Here’s exactly what to know, straight from our estheticians.

Why you should pause retinol after a facial

“A facial is like a pro-level reset for your skin,” says Beth Bialko, esthetician and Bioelements Senior Director of Education. “Whether you’ve had a corrective facial, a chemical peel or an enzyme treatment, your skin barrier has just been stimulated and renewed.”

Bialko also explains that retinol accelerates cell turnover, which is why it’s so effective for improving fine lines, breakouts, and uneven texture — but it can also amplify sensitivity post-treatment. Using it too soon can cause:

  • Increased redness

  • Flaking or peeling

  • Disrupted barrier function

  • Prolonged recovery time

“That’s why we always recommend a short break, so that your skin can fully benefit from your facial before you bring retinol back into the mix,” says Bialko.

How long to wait before using retinol after a facial

In most cases, wait 3–5 days before reintroducing retinol.

But here’s what affects that window:

  • Type of facial: A purely hydrating facial might only need a 2–3 day break. A chemical exfoliation or advanced peel likely needs longer, possible a week or more depending on level of resurfacing.

  • Your skin type: Sensitive or redness-prone skin often needs more recovery time.

  • Strength of your retinol: High-strength or professional-level retinol requires a longer pause than low-concentration versions. If prescribed, consult your doctor on when to resume after a facial. 

“If you’re unsure, ask your esthetician before you leave the treatment room,” says Bialko. “We can give you a personalized retinol restart date based on what was used on your skin.”

Signs your skin is ready for retinol again

Don’t just watch the clock, watch your skin. You’re ready to restart when:

  • No lingering redness, heat or tenderness

  • Skin feels calm and hydrated, not tight

  • Any post-treatment flaking has subsided

  • Your daily moisturizer and SPF feel comfortable, without stinging

How to reintroduce retinol after a facial

Even if you’ve been using retinol for years, treat your post-facial restart like a fresh introduction.

“Ease in by applying your retinol every other night (or even every third night) during your first week back,” says Bialko. “Pair it with barrier-supportive care, like a hydrating serum and calming moisturizer, to keep dryness and irritation at bay.”

Bialko also recommends trying a retinol alternative to help you slow down the race against time without risking skin irritation.

“And finally, don’t skip SPF during the day,” says Bialko. “Retinol plus freshly renewed skin means heightened sun sensitivity – daily skin protection is always a non-negotiable.”

Previous post

Peel Breaker Sample
Peel Breaker Sample

Added to Bag
In Cart
Pore Thing Sample
Pore Thing Sample

Added to Bag
In Cart
vc10 dark spot solution Sample
vc10 dark spot solution Sample

Added to Bag
In Cart
vc10 daily glow Sample
vc10 daily glow Sample

glow-getting serum with triple-sourced antioxidant 10% vitamin C

Added to Bag
In Cart
vc10 eye bright contour Sample
vc10 eye bright contour Sample

clinical eye creme with triple-sourced antioxidant 10% vitamin C

Added to Bag
In Cart
vc10 Nightly Bright Sample
vc10 Nightly Bright Sample

overnight brightening creme with triple-sourced antioxidant 10% vitamin C

Added to Bag
In Cart
oxygen boost barrier treatment Sample
oxygen boost barrier treatment Sample

Added to Bag
In Cart
Time Sensitive Sample
Time Sensitive Sample

retinol-free, multi-benefit serum for delicate skin with bakuchiol, peptides + deep hydrators

Added to Bag
In Cart
Hydroplunge Sample
Hydroplunge Sample

hyper-saturating immersion mask for dehydrated skin with sugar beet + hyaluronic acid

Added to Bag
In Cart
Dewluxe Sample
Dewluxe Sample

facial oil with occlusive argan, squalane + sea kale for dewy hydration

Added to Bag
In Cart
Dewluxe for Body Sample
Dewluxe for Body Sample

Added to Bag
In Cart
Urban Undo Cleanser Sample
Urban Undo Cleanser Sample

deep purging copper + clay cleanser to undo pollution, makeup and sebum

Added to Bag
In Cart
Sensitive Skin Cleansing Oil Sample
Sensitive Skin Cleansing Oil Sample

A 2-in-1 makeup remover + cleanser with soothing, reparative plant and olive oils

Added to Bag
In Cart
Sensitive Eye Smoother Sample
Sensitive Eye Smoother Sample

Strengthens, brightens + de-puffs

Added to Bag
In Cart
Barrier Fix Daily Hydrator Sample
Barrier Fix Daily Hydrator Sample

Whipped hyaluronic acid + silver ear mushroom calms reactive skin

Added to Bag
In Cart
Sleepwear Sample
Sleepwear Sample

Overnight creme for dry to combination skin with calcium, retinol + peptides

Added to Bag
In Cart
Sleepwear for Eyes Sample
Sleepwear for Eyes Sample

Overnight age activist eye creme to moisturize and nourish thin fragile skin

Added to Bag
In Cart
Quick Refiner Sample
Quick Refiner Sample

Leave-on gel exfoliator with powerful AHAs

Added to Bag
In Cart
Quick Refiner for Eyes Sample
Quick Refiner for Eyes Sample

Wrinkle-reducing, gentle AHA + lactic acid peel for eyes

Added to Bag
In Cart
Multi-Task Eye Creme Sample
Multi-Task Eye Creme Sample

A light and non-greasy daytime eye creme designed to brighten, target puffiness and ease fine lines

Added to Bag
In Cart
Plump Start Sample
Plump Start Sample

Antioxidant concentrate to improve fullness and smooth lines

Added to Bag
In Cart
Really Rich Moisture Sample
Really Rich Moisture Sample

Ultra-emollient creme moisturizer to saturate very dry skin

Added to Bag
In Cart
Moisture x10 Sample
Moisture x10 Sample

Super hydrating hyaluronic acid facial serum

Added to Bag
In Cart
Measured Micrograins + Sample
Measured Micrograins + Sample

Multi-action facial scrub for all skin types, including sensitive

Added to Bag
In Cart
Remineralist Daily Moisture Sample
Remineralist Daily Moisture Sample

A pollution-neutralizing, hydrating lightweight lotion for modern day aging skin

Added to Bag
In Cart
Beyond Hydration Sample
Beyond Hydration Sample

Gel moisturizer for oily skin refreshes without shine

Added to Bag
In Cart
Moisture Positive Cleanser Sample
Moisture Positive Cleanser Sample

Rich facial cleanser for dry skin

Added to Bag
In Cart
Collagen Rehab Sample
Collagen Rehab Sample

Face + lip mask to rehabilitate aging, lined and exhausted skin

Added to Bag
In Cart
Radiance Rescue Sample
Radiance Rescue Sample

Instant-radiance mask for face and eyes

Added to Bag
In Cart
Pumice Peel Sample
Pumice Peel Sample

Manual microdermabrasion treatment in a jar

Added to Bag
In Cart
Age Activist Clinical Youth Serum Sample
Age Activist Clinical Youth Serum Sample

All-in-one youth serum to brighten, hydrate, smooth, minimize pores, improve lines, and firm

Added to Bag
In Cart
Decongestant Cleanser Sample
Decongestant Cleanser Sample

Lathering gel cleanser for oily skin

Added to Bag
In Cart
Makeup Dissolver Perfected Sample
Makeup Dissolver Perfected Sample

Non-stinging makeup remover

Added to Bag
In Cart
CreateFirm Sample
CreateFirm Sample

Advanced anti-aging facial serum

Added to Bag
In Cart
Recovery Serum Sample
Recovery Serum Sample

Moisture-binding ceramide facial serum

Added to Bag
In Cart
Skin Editor Sample
Skin Editor Sample

Leave on AHA peel creme to target texture, dullness, congestion, discoloration, lines and more.

Added to Bag
In Cart
Kerafole Sample
Kerafole Sample

Deep purging facial mask that reveals fresh, radiant skin

Added to Bag
In Cart
Crucial Moisture Sample
Crucial Moisture Sample

Emollient creme moisturizer for dry skin to improve the look of lines

Added to Bag
In Cart
Absolute Moisture Sample
Absolute Moisture Sample

Lightweight facial moisturizer for combination skin to balance and smooth

Added to Bag
In Cart