Can I Use Retinol or Retinal Every Night, or Should I Alternate?

If you’ve added retinol or retinal to your skincare routine, you might be wondering: Can I use these powerful ingredients every night, or do I need to alternate? Since both are Vitamin A derivatives, they deliver impressive anti-ageing benefits like smoothing wrinkles, evening skin tone, and boosting radiance — but they can also cause irritation if overused.

In this guide, we’ll explore how often you should use retinol and retinal, the key differences between them, and how Murad’s advanced formulas make nightly use possible for many skin types.

 

Retinol and Retinal: What’s the Difference?

Both retinol and retinal are forms of Vitamin A, but they convert to active retinoic acid at different speeds:

• Retinol: A gentler option, ideal for beginners and those with sensitive skin. Found in Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum.
• Retinal (Retinaldehyde): Works one step closer to retinoic acid, meaning faster results but stronger potency. Featured in Murad Retinal ReSculpt™ Overnight Treatment.
  
  

Both are highly effective, but their strength and tolerance levels differ.

 

Can You Use Retinol Every Night?

The short answer: Yes — if your skin can tolerate it.

Murad’s Retinol Youth Renewal Serum is formulated with Retinol Tri-Active Technology, combining fast-acting, time-released, and booster retinols. This makes it gentle enough for nightly use while still delivering powerful results like:

• Reduced fine lines and wrinkles
• Brighter, more even skin tone
• Improved firmness and radiance
  
  

Tip for beginners: Start with 2–3 nights per week, then build up to nightly use as your skin adjusts.

 

Can You Use Retinal Every Night?

Retinal is stronger than retinol, so nightly use depends on your skin’s resilience.

The Murad Retinal ReSculpt™ Overnight Treatment is designed for more advanced ageing concerns like sagging skin and deep wrinkles. While it delivers rapid results, many people find starting with every other night helps prevent dryness or sensitivity.

Over time, as your skin builds tolerance, you may be able to use it nightly.

 

Should You Alternate Retinol and Retinal?

For most people, alternating is a smart approach — especially if you’re introducing retinal for the first time. Here’s how you can do it:

• New to Vitamin A? Start with retinol 2–3 nights a week.
• Intermediate users: Alternate between retinol and retinal on different nights.
• Advanced users: Use retinal nightly if your skin tolerates it, or combine with retinol for areas needing extra care (e.g., retinal on the face, retinol eye serum around the eyes).
  
  

This flexibility lets you enjoy the benefits of both while minimising irritation.

 

Best Practices for Using Retinol & Retinal

To get the best results without overloading your skin:

1. Cleanse with a gentle option like Murad Essential-C Cleanser.
2. Apply your treatment:
• Retinol Youth Renewal Serum for beginners or maintenance.
• Retinal ReSculpt™ Overnight Treatment for advanced anti-ageing.
3. Moisturise with Murad Intense Recovery Cream to calm and hydrate.
4. Always use SPF during the day, since Vitamin A increases sun sensitivity.

 

Conclusion: Nightly or Alternating — It’s About Your Skin

So, can you use retinol or retinal every night? Yes, but it depends on your skin’s tolerance. Retinol is generally gentle enough for nightly use, while retinal may require alternating until your skin adjusts.

Whether you’re starting your Vitamin A journey with Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum or ready to upgrade to Retinal ReSculpt™ Overnight Treatment, Murad offers dermatologist-developed formulas that balance power with comfort.