I eased into using retinol, so my skin was never irritated or experienced dryness. This was my first retinol product, and I noticed an improvement in my skin's texture. My pores looked clearer, and the surface of my skin was smoother. I also had less acne (still experience hormonal acne). Peak use is still only 3 to 4 days per week. I don't use on nights that I use a vit C sleeping mask.