Is January The Time To Start The “Sandwiching” Method in Your Retinol Routine?
Low UV levels, steadier routines and barrier-first skincare make January and February a pretty strategic time to use vitamin A.
Retinol has a reputation for being both transformative and temperamental. Used well, it can refine texture, soften the look of fine lines, improve clarity and support your long-term skin health. Used too aggressively or without the right supporting routine, it can mean dryness, irritation and a compromised barrier… all things that aren’t welcome here.
This is exactly why January and February are often considered the most strategic months to introduce vitamin A (or return to it with more intention). UV levels are typically at their lowest, routines are more consistent, and seasonal concerns like dullness, dehydration and uneven texture tend to be more noticeable. In other words: it’s an unusually practical moment to build results with fewer variables working against you.
As Clinic Lead at Face the Future, Kimberley Medd explains: “January and February are prime retinol months. Not only are people far more likely to start and stick to a consistent skincare routine at this time of year, but low UV levels create ideal conditions for introducing or increasing vitamin A with minimal disruption to the skin. As we move through late winter, it’s not about stopping retinol, but reinforcing the skin barrier to support it.”
This is the crux of modern retinol use… it’s not about pushing the skin harder. It’s about using vitamin A intelligently and supporting your barrier so you can reap all of the rewards with none of the drawbacks.
January & February - A Strategic Window For Retinol
Retinol (a form of vitamin A) works by encouraging skin cell turnover and, over time, supporting collagen production. These changes are gradual and cumulative, which is why dermatologists and skin experts consistently return to the same advice: start low, go slow, and stay consistent. January and February support that consistency in two ways. First, routines are often steadier with fewer late nights, fewer travel disruptions and more regular evenings at home. Second, lower UV exposure reduces one of the key external factors that can complicate retinol use, particularly for those prone to inflammation or pigmentation.
Kimberley highlights the seasonal advantage. “Low UV equals lower risk and better retinol results. With less sun exposure, there’s a reduced likelihood of inflammation and post-inflammatory pigmentation, which are common concerns when using vitamin A in warmer months. Skin is generally calmer in winter, making it easier to build tolerance and maintain consistency.”
That “calmer in winter” point matters. Retinol can initially increase sensitivity, and when your skin is already reactive (whether from sun exposure, heat or lifestyle stressors) the adjustment period can feel more difficult than it needs to be.
Retinol, UV Exposure and Pigmentation: The Subtle Risk Factor
Retinol can absolutely be used year-round, but January and February offer a more forgiving backdrop for introducing it or increasing frequency, because UV levels are lower. With less sun exposure in the mix, there’s typically a reduced risk of the inflammation that can sometimes happen. This matters even more if you’re prone to post-inflammatory pigmentation or uneven tone, as even mild irritation can leave a longer-lasting mark. That said, SPF still belongs in your daily routine throughout winter, since UVA rays are present all year and can penetrate through the clouds.
In addition, natural food sources of vitamin A such as organic liver, sweet potatoes, spinach and red meat are also consumed more as a ‘cosy food’ in this season.
The Winter Barrier Issue And Why It Changes Everything
Lower UV levels may be helpful, but winter brings its own challenges. Winter weather and being stuck indoors with your heating on can really compromise your skin barrier. This is where many people assume they should stop active ingredients entirely, but the more effective approach is often to pair your actives with proper barrier support. “Cold temperatures, wind exposure and indoor heating place far more stress on the skin barrier than low winter sun. This is why hydration, barrier-strengthening lipids and daily SPF are essential companions to retinol during the colder months. When the barrier is supported, skin tolerates retinol better and results are more visible,” explains Kimberley.
Essentially, this means your retinol routine is only as good as the skincare around it. Some of the best barrier-supporting ingredients to look for alongside retinol include:
Ceramides to support barrier structure
Hyaluronic acid to draw water into the skin (particularly helpful when your heating and cold air are pulling moisture out)
Squalane for lightweight lipid support
Glycerin for hydration and comfort
Panthenol to soothe
Niacinamide can be helpful for barrier resilience, if tolerated
Why Dullness And Texture Can Feel More Noticeable in winter
Mid-winter skin often looks and feels different, not necessarily worse, just more obviously affected by the season. Dehydration can make texture feel rougher, radiance can appear muted and the surface of the skin may look less even. This is where retinol can be especially satisfying, because it supports cell turnover and helps refine the look of uneven texture over time. “Retinol works to accelerate cell turnover and improve skin clarity, so improvements tend to feel more immediate and rewarding during low UV months,” says Kimberley.
The “Sandwiching” Method
There is a persistent misconception that buffering retinol makes it less effective. In reality, the opposite is
actually true. A retinol routine that your skin can tolerate is the routine you’ll maintain, and consistency is what delivers results. Kimberley explains: “Low UV season is the perfect time to reinforce the ‘sandwiching’ method. Buffering retinol doesn’t dilute its effectiveness, it protects the skin so you can continue using it regularly. Applying a light moisturiser before and after retinol cushions the skin, reduces dryness and supports consistency, which is far more important than using a higher strength.”
How to use the sandwiching method:
Cleanse gently and pat the skin dry
Apply a light layer of moisturiser
Apply retinol (a pea-sized amount for the entire face)
Apply moisturiser again
This approach is particularly useful if you’ve got sensitive, dry or dehydrated skin, if you’re new to retinol entirely or anyone increasing strength or frequency.
So, How Often Should You Use Retinol in Winter?
More is not always better with vitamin A… especially in colder months, when the skin barrier is already under environmental pressure. For most, two to three nights per week is more than enough to see meaningful improvement, without triggering irritation. “A low UV skincare routine should focus on a gentle cleanser, a light but nourishing moisturiser and daily SPF - even on overcast days. In the evening, winter is not the time to overdo actives. Using retinol two to three nights per week is enough to see meaningful improvement while keeping the skin barrier intact, particularly during colder months,” adds Kimberley.
A simple winter retinol schedule:
Week 1 and 2: use 2 nights per week
Week 3 and 4: use 3 nights per week
After this: increase only if your skin feels comfortable and stable
On non-retinol nights, keep your routine intentionally minimal: cleanse, moisturise, and focus on hydration and barrier support.
Other Retinol Alternatives Worth Considering In Winter
Not everyone tolerates retinol easily, and for some, winter is the season when skin becomes more reactive. The good news is that there are some great modern formulations that offer several, less irritating alternatives. “Low UV months are also an excellent time to explore retinol alternatives such as Bakuchiol (a plant-derived ingredient) or next-generation vitamin A derivatives. These provide visible smoothing and firmness with significantly less irritation, making them ideal for winter skin that’s already under environmental stress,” says Kimberely.
The Most Common Retinol Mistakes That Can Undermine Your Results
Retinol is effective, but it's not very forgiving when used incorrectly. Here are a few things to be mindful of:
Applying too much. A pea-sized amount is plenty. Anymore can increase irritation without actually increasing results.
Using retinol on damp skin can increase absorption and sensitivity so you’re best applying to dry skin.
Combining with too many actives. Retinol layered with exfoliating acids (like AHAs and BHAs), vitamin C, or physical, grainy scrubs can overwhelm your barrier.
Skipping moisturiser. This one’s a big no-no.
Neglecting SPF. UV exposure can not only worsen irritation and pigmentation risk, but it also slows progress.
The Well Edit Conclusion
January and February can be a really great time to start (or restart) your retinol routine thanks to the combination of conditions that support vitamin A use…. low UV exposure, more consistent routines and an opportunity to focus on your barrier health.
If there’s one key thing to remember though, it’s that it works best when it’s treated as a long-term strategy, not a short-term fix. Choose a strength your skin can tolerate, use it two to three nights per week, support the barrier, and commit to daily SPF.
Words by Samantha Nice for The Well Edit
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