Retinol can increase photosensitivity, however, which means your skin may become more vulnerable to the sun’s harmful UV rays while using it. That’s why experts recommend applying retinol at night and being diligent about wearing sunscreen the next day. You may experience some irritating side effects too, like redness, dryness, itchiness, peeling, and flaking. Thankfully, there are ways to build your tolerance to potent products, including those that contain retinol and you should notice fewer side effects over time.

If you have dry skin, retinol creams and lotions are probably the best option for you, Dr. Houshmand explains. They’re more likely to contain hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides, which help your skin retain moisture, even when using a drying ingredient like retinol, Aanand N. Geria, MD, FAAD, the founder of Geria Dermatology in New Jersey, tells SELF. A retinol concentration of 0.5% or lower is a good starting point for people with dry skin, he says.

People with sensitive skin will also benefit from using a cream, Dr. Potozkin says, as they tend to be more moisturizing and soothing, and thus less likely to cause a reaction. Dr. Geria recommends looking for products that contain encapsulated retinol, which is formulated to be less irritating than other forms. For folks with super finicky skin, he also recommends starting at a lower retinol concentration between 0.1 to 0.5%.

People with oily or acne-prone skin can give retinol creams a try, but they may prefer the texture of a lighter-weight product like a serum or gel, Dr. Geria says. Dermatologists specifically like adapalene, a synthetic retinoid you can get over the counter, for the treatment of acne. Dr. Geria says you can also use retinol to complement other acne-fighting ingredients in your routine, like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or niacinamide. (You may use a salicylic acid cleanser in the morning, say, and then a gentle face wash paired with your retinol product at night.) He advises starting with a product that has a retinol concentration between 0.5 and 1%. Anything higher than that “can be irritating and may cause more breakouts,” he notes.

It can take anywhere from several weeks to six months of regularly applying retinol to notice changes in your skin overall, and you’ll likely need up to 12 months to see significant improvements in fine lines and wrinkles. The time it takes to see results will also vary depending on the concentration of retinol in your product, as well as how often you use it.

At first, you’ll want to take it slow: Your skin may “purge” by breaking out more than usual or feel flaky, dry, or straight-up angry. Applying retinol every other night to begin with, and using a product with a low concentration before building up, will help you find the frequency that works best for you.

Below, you’ll find dermatologist-approved retinol products from brands like RoC, SkinCeuticals, Differin, and Paula’s Choice.