A Beginner’s Guide to Building a Retinol Skincare Routine
Your path to smoother, healthier-looking skin starts here.
Retinol is one of the most trusted ingredients in skincare—and for good reason. With consistent use, it can visibly improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and promote a brighter, more even complexion. But for beginners, incorporating retinol into a routine can feel intimidating. Will it irritate your skin? How often should you use it? Can you combine it with other products?
At E. Burnham, we make it simple. Our retinol-based skincare line is designed to be both effective and gentle, so you can build a routine that works for your skin type and lifestyle.
Here’s how to get started.
Step 1: Start With a Gentle Cleanser
Product to Try: Retinol Vitamin C Face Wash
Brighten and refresh your skin with our Retinol Vitamin C Face Wash—a gentle yet effective daily cleanser that combines the power of retinol with antioxidant-rich vitamin C. It helps remove impurities, supports a more even skin tone, and leaves your complexion feeling clean, smooth, and revitalized—perfect as the first step in your retinol routine.
Tip: Use lukewarm water—never hot—to avoid stripping your skin’s natural barrier.
Step 2: Tone to Balance and Refresh
Product to Try: Retinol Facial Toner
A toner can help rebalance your skin’s pH and sweep away any leftover residue. Our toner contains botanical extracts and is alcohol-free, making it suitable for daily use—even on sensitive skin.
Step 3: Introduce Retinol Slowly
Product to Try: Retinol Ultra Skin Care Créme (Day or Night)
If you’re new to retinol, less is more. Start by applying a pea-sized amount of our Retinol Créme two to three nights per week. As your skin adjusts, you can gradually increase frequency.
Our formula is enriched with skin-loving ingredients like aloe, glycerin, and sunflower oil to cushion and hydrate your skin while retinol works its magic.
Step 4: Lock In Moisture
Product to Try: Retinol Ultra Rich Night Créme with Aloe
Hydration is key when using retinol. A rich moisturizer helps soothe the skin and restore moisture lost during exfoliation. This night créme is formulated to deeply nourish your skin while you sleep, leaving it soft and supple in the morning.
Step 5: Don’t Forget Your Eyes
Product to Try: Retinol Ultra Rich Eye Créme
The skin around your eyes is delicate, but that doesn’t mean you have to skip retinol. Our Eye Créme is specially formulated with botanical hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and carrot seed oil to help reduce puffiness and improve the look of fine lines—without irritation.
Step 6: Use Sunscreen Daily
Product to Try: Retinol Ultra Skin Care Créme Day Defense
This lightweight daytime moisturizer features a small amount of sunscreen to offer added daytime protection, but it is not a substitute for a dedicated sunblock. While it helps defend the skin from incidental sun exposure during daily activities, we recommend pairing it with a broad-spectrum SPF for full sun protection—especially when spending extended time outdoors.
Final Thoughts
Building a retinol routine doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By starting slow and using high-quality, nourishing products like those in our E. Burnham collection, you can enjoy all the benefits retinol has to offer—without the guesswork.
Ready to get started?
Explore our complete retinol collection and build your personalized routine today.