Retinol works by penetrating to the middle layer of the skin, boosting the production of skin cells and collagen. By doing this, it presents the look of fresher, newer skin without actually exfoliating. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, "exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the outer layer of your skin." While retinol does increase the skin cell turnover process, it actually doesn't reduce dead skin cells found on the surface of the skin.
Although retinol takes a few weeks to work, if you notice that you still have some texture after abandoning your exfoliant for a more powerful retinoid, then you need to incorporate it back into your routine. Both chemical exfoliants and retinols are powerful, so it's possible to use them in the same routine, but you should proceed with caution. Using them only a few minutes apart has the potential to irritate your skin, ultimately causing damage to your skin barrier. Instead, you can try 3-day skin cycling.
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