If you’ve ever wanted the benefits of retinol without the drama, such as chronic redness, peeling, and stingy tightness, then the retinol sandwich method is worth a try. It’s exactly what it sounds like: you create a “sandwich” by applying your retinol serum between two layers of moisturizer. That extra cushion helps slow the delivery of retinol into the skin so it’s gentler. This is especially effective if you have sensitive skin or you’re new to retinoids.
Below, we’ll break down what the retinol sandwich is, why it’s useful, and exactly how to use it morning and night. We’ll also talk about where to apply retinol, how to apply retinol for best results, and how this approach fits into a practical, sustainable skincare routine.
Also, because product choice matters, we’ll show you how to incorporate four Eight Saints favorites to your daily skincare regimen:
- Daydreamer Restorative Face Moisturizer (a soothing natural moisturizer)
- Smooth Sailing Retinol Serum
- Chase the Sun SPF Moisturizer
- Up the Anti Anti-Aging Cream
What is The Retinol Sandwich Method?
Think about the “sandwich” as a buffer to skin protection. You apply a gentle natural moisturizer first to slightly hydrate and condition your skin. Then you apply your retinol serum. Finally, you add another thin layer of moisturizer over the top. Those creamy bookends help reduce the chance of irritation while still letting the retinol do its job effectively.
This trend popped off on social media because it’s simple and it works. It’s especially great for people who usually can’t tolerate retinol. To be clear, you’re not diluting retinol in the palm of your hand or mixing it into cream. Instead, you’re layering it. That difference matters, because layering preserves the formula’s integrity while adding comfort.
You might also hear the phrase moisture sandwich. That’s a broader idea and term. However, it basically means that you trap water in the skin by layering hydration and occlusion ( toner, serum, cream). The sandwich method retinol is a specific version for retinol nights (or careful retinol mornings), using moisturizer as a buffer before and after the active.
Why This Method is Great for Sensitive Skin
Retinol is famous for results and side effects. The common complaints that go with using retinol - flaking, redness, and tightness - come from going too hard, too fast, on skin that’s not prepared. By cushioning retinol, you slow the penetration slightly and make the process more forgiving for your skin. There is a better chance of sticking with it long enough to see smoother texture, brighter tone, and the look of firmer, clearer skin.
If you’ve tried retinol before and tapped out in a week two, the retinol sandwich method gives you another path for use. It’s not cheating. Actually, it’s about smart pacing. And smart pacing is how you win with activities, especially if “sensitive skin” is your middle name.
The products:
- Daydreamer Restorative Face Moisturizer: A plush, calming, natural moisturizer it works perfect as the bread in your sandwich. In fact, it gives you that comfy cushion without feeling heavy or greasy.
- Smooth Sailing Retinol Serum: A targeted retinol serum designed to smooth texture, soften the look of lines, and even tone. The retinol serves as the “filling” that does the real work.
- Chase the Sun SPF Moisturizer: This makes a great daytime top layer. Retinoids can make skin more sun-sensitive, so this SPF moisturizer is essential if you use retinol in your skincare routine.
- Up the Anti Anti-Aging Cream: This is a richer night cream to lock things in and support barrier comfort as you sleep.
The Same-Moisturizer Option
Don’t have the time and don’t want to juggle multiple creams? You can definitely sandwich the retinol serum between two applications of the same moisturizer. We suggest using the Daydreamer as your base and your top coat. Use it morning or night. It's simple to do and easy on the skin.
How to Use Retinol (The Practical Stuff No One Tells You)
Do you want to learn how to use retinol in real life? It’s an easy process.
- Start using retinol two nights a week. If skin behaves after two weeks, move to three. Work up to every other night or nightly only if your skin stays calm.
- Use the classic “pea-sized” amount for the whole face. There’s no reason to use more.
- In a sandwich the process is this, it’s moisturizer → retinol → moisturizer. If you’re not sandwiching, retinol usually goes on clean, dry skin after cleansing (and after a simple hydrating serum, if you use one).
- If you’re prone to irritation, make sure your skin is dry before applying retinol. Damp skin can increase penetration and sensitivity which will lead to irritation.
- The corners of the nose, sides of the mouth, and under-eye area can be extra reactive when exposed to retinol. You can put a tiny dot of Daydreamer there first as a micro-buffer before applying retinol even if you’re not doing a full sandwich.
- Always carry out a small test behind the ear or along the jawline for a few nights to ensure that your skin doesn’t have a reaction to the retinol.
Where to Apply Retinol
If you're wondering where to apply retinol, we suggest that you focus on areas where you want to see change: forehead, cheeks, nose, chin, avoiding the immediate eye contour and the corners of the lips until you know what your skin can handle. Extend to the neck sparingly at first. The neck can be extra sensitive to retinol; try an every-third-night schedule there or use more buffering with Daydreamer.
Think of the face in “zones.” Dab tiny dots across the forehead, cheeks, chin, and nose, then connect them with gentle strokes. This gives even coverage without over-applying in one spot.
How to Apply Retinol (Technique Tips)
Applying retinol correctly requires less rubbing and more pressing. Instead of aggressive massaging, gently smooth or press the serum into the skin with light, even pressure. Give it a minute, then add your top moisturizer. If your skin stings, pause and add another thin layer of Daydreamer immediately.
Remember these three top things:
- Comfort
- Consistency
- Speed
What to Pair With a Retinol Sandwich and What to Skip
Okay, you are probably wondering what to pair with retinol and what to skip.
Great partners to go with retinol include the following:
- Hydrating serums (glycerin, hyaluronic acid) before your first moisturizer layer.
- Barrier-supporting creams like Up the Anti or Daydreamer over top.
- Sunscreen, always Chase the Sun SPF Moisturizer in the morning makes it effortless.
Be cautious with when using retinol:
- Strong exfoliating acids (glycolic, high-strength lactic) and scrubs on the same night.
- Benzoyl peroxide layered at the same time as retinol (can be too much for many people).
- Fragrance-heavy products or essential oils if you’re easily irritated.
You can still exfoliate, just do it on “off” nights. Many people like a rhythm of “retinol night, then a rest night, then a gentle exfoliation night and a rest night,” and repeat.
Morning vs. Night: Which Is Better?
Are you wondering when is the best time to apply retinol? Most dermatologists advise nighttime retinol use of retinol. However, if your lifestyle makes nights inconsistent, a retinol sandwich in the morning with Chase the Sun SPF Moisturizer is a workable option. It works especially well with gentler retinol formulas. The key is to monitor your skin and be ruthless about sun protection. Don’t skip on the daily use of SPF.
If you prefer to play it classic, keep retinol at night and let your mornings focus on hydration and SPF.
Troubleshooting Tips
Below are a few problems you might run into when using the sandwich method.
- Peeling around the mouth or nose: Use a thicker initial buffer (a little more Daydreamer) and cut back to two retinol nights a week.
- Stinging on application: Apply retinol over fully dry skin, and increase the moisturizer on both sides of the sandwich.
- Breakouts in week one: Some people get “purging” as cell turnover speeds up. Stick to the schedule for two to four weeks unless you see true irritation (angry, painful, spreading). If that happens, pause, moisturize, and restart slower.
- Greasy feel in the morning: Use a little less of the top moisturizer or choose a lighter layer of Daydreamer instead of a heavier cream if your skin is naturally oily.
Why the Sandwich Method Works (the Simple Science)
Irritation isn’t just about the use of retinol, it’s about the dose and the rate of delivery. The first moisturizer layer creates a micro-film that slightly slows how fast retinol sinks into your skin. The top layer helps seal in hydration and reduces transepidermal water loss, which is often why skin feels tight and looks flaky during retinol use. The combination lets your skin build tolerance without losing the benefits or experiencing irritation.
Putting It All Together
If retinol has always felt like too much, the retinol sandwich method gives you the best of both worlds: results with comfort. It’s beginner-friendly, barrier-supportive, and flexible enough to suit different lifestyles.
In the morning, you can layer Smooth Sailing Retinol Serum between Daydreamer and Chase the Sun SPF Moisturizer.
At night, you can tuck it between Daydreamer and Up the Anti Anti-Aging Cream. And if you love keeping things minimal, you can sandwich the retinol serum between two applications of the same moisturizer. Daydreamer before and after is a great one-jar solution.
When you’re ready to try it, start slow, keep the amounts small, and listen to your skin. That’s the real secret of how to use retinol successfully. With a little patience and the right layers, you’ll see why this viral routine has real staying power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sandwich method retinol approach only for sensitive skin?
No. The sandwich method is ideal for sensitive skin, but anyone who wants a gentler ramp-up can use it, especially in dry climates or during winter.
Can I still use exfoliating acids?
Yes, just not on the same night. Alternate to avoid over-exfoliation.
Do I need to use a “natural moisturizer”?
You don’t have to use a natural moisturizer, but a calming natural version like Daydreamer is perfect for buffering without extra irritation.
Where to apply retinol if I’m nervous?
Start with the forehead and cheeks. Avoid creases and corners at first. Expand as your skin adjusts.
How to apply retinol around the eyes?
Keep it outside the orbital bone unless your skin is very tolerant. You can buffer the under-eye with Daydreamer only.
Is morning retinol safe?
It can be, as long as you finish with Chase the Sun SPF Moisturizer and reapply sunscreen during the day. Many still prefer night use, that’s okay too.
Try the retinol sandwich for a month. Keep it simple and keep it cushioned, but let your skin show you what consistent, gentle retinol can really do.