Being gentle might mean you have to step down in other areas of your skincare.
Skip your exfoliator, since retinol already shifts dead skin cells. If you decide to keep exfoliating, use a gentle solution and minimise application to about once per week. Stop if you notice your skin becoming sensitive.
You’ll want to
avoid chemical exfoliants like
AHAs and BHAs, too, since they can be harsh on your already sensitive skin.
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise. Again, a gentle hydrating lotion is best.
The debate’s still out on whether you should apply moisturiser before or after retinol.
Applying retinol, then moisturiser, has a greater absorption rate. Some experts recommend waiting about 20 minutes to allow the full effects of the retinol to take place.
Applying moisturiser first will create a light barrier and is potentially useful for sensitive skin. You might want to introduce your retinol even more gradually by mixing a few drops into your facial moisturiser.
This will dilute it and give particularly sensitive skin the chance to adapt. Then, if all goes well, you can increase the concentration.