Ingredients like retinol (which encourages shiny new skin cells, minimizing hyperpigmentation, fine lines and breakouts) and exfoliating acids (like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and lactic acid) can be harsh when overused. If your skin is already dry, thanks to the cooler weather, using either could make parched skin worse. For fall and winter, especially if your skin gets aggravated easily, Dr. Ahmed suggests applying your moisturizer (it should be something quite bland and simple) 30 minutes before products containing these active ingredients, to create a thin barrier. You’ll still get the intended effects, just not the irritation.
