So if you were considering incorporating a retinoid into your skincare routine, now's a very convenient time to do so.

This isn't quite true: Retinol is technically a type of retinoid, or a chemical compound derived from Vitamin A. .

Retinol isn't the only type of retinoid available over the counter, though: There's also retinyl palmitate, which is less potent than retinol, and retinaldehyde, which is more potent.

First, determine what type of retinoid is best for your skin.

If your skin isn't sensitive and you really want to go for it, Avène makes a retinaldehyde and glycolic acid combo called TriAcnéal.

Shani Darden, a skincare expert and esthetician whose Retinol Reform is a celebrity favorite, recommends applying your retinoid once a week to start, then increasing the frequency by one day each week as long as the irritation remains minimal.

FYI staying home & social distancing is a great opportunity to add retinol into your skincare routine without it totally ruining you for a week or two.

Pausing exfoliation — chemical and physical — is also advisable, though Darden says lactic acid (which is in her products) pairs well with retinol as a gentle exfoliant

Skin flare-ups like dryness, flaking, and acne can cause a lot of stress — even if you know they're only temporary — and it may not be worth it to take on a big skincare project if you fear it might affect your mental health during social distancing. 

Sure, it's nice that others won't be able to see any retinoid mishaps you run into, but at the end of the day, skincare isn't for others