How should I start using this cream if I've never used retinol before?

Because this cream contains retinol, your skin needs time to build tolerance. Begin by applying it just two to three evenings a week for the first two weeks — for example, Monday and Thursday — and use a basic fragrance-free moisturiser on the other nights. If you notice no persistent redness, flaking, or stinging after two weeks, increase to every other night. After another two weeks without irritation, you can move to nightly use if your skin feels comfortable.

Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin. Wait a minute or two after cleansing so the skin isn't damp, which can increase retinol penetration and irritation. Avoid the eye area entirely; the skin there is thinner and more reactive. In the morning, cleanse gently and apply a dedicated broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher — the UVA/UVB filters in this cream provide some daytime protection but are not a substitute for a proper sunscreen, especially from April to September when UV index is higher.

If you experience persistent irritation (burning that lasts more than a few minutes, visible peeling, or new breakouts in unusual areas), drop back to twice a week and hold there for a month before trying to increase again. Some people never tolerate nightly retinol and do well long-term on an every-other-night schedule. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or using prescription retinoids or acids (like glycolic or salicylic), consult a dermatologist or pharmacist before adding this product.