here's how to start using retinol
I’m sure you’ve heard derms, aestheticians, and even influencers (although please don’t build a skincare routine around Tik Tok recommendations) wax poetic about retinol. This does-it-all ingredient has impressive benefits: reduces acne, regulates skin cell turnover, stimulates collagen, brightens the skin and, most notably, reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pores and dark spots. Sounds great right? But what about the irritation, flakes and even breakouts that can come with retinol use…those don’t sound great. So let’s dive into how you can minimize those side effects and skip to the glowing results.
If you are cool with having a red and flaking complexion, feel free to push through the anticipated reaction phase and start things off with a bang. However, if you’d like to keep your skin feeling happy and your shirts free of skin flakes, ramp up your retinol usage slowly. Remember a 1-2-3 method. Use 1 night a week for 1 week, if you feel good, then 2 nights a week for 2 weeks (and leave 2-3 nights in-between applications), if that feels good, then bump up to 3 nights a week or every other night! This isn’t a race, so if you feel dry or irritated, skip a few days or scale things back until your skin recovers.
So how exactly do you fit it into your routine?
Wash your face, tone, and apply an eye cream to protect that delicate skin.
If you use an evening antioxidant serum like Resveratrol BE or Daily Power Defense, apply that.
Wait until your skin is dry (damp skin deepens penetration and with retinol that’s a recipe for discomfort) and then apply a pea size amount for the entire face. Be mindful not to go above the occipital bone and keep application light on the neck as that area can be more sensitive.
Apply your moisturizer. If you’re really sensitive, mix your retinol with an equal amount of moisturizer to dilute it out and lessen the potential for irritation.
Remember to apply a broad-spectrum SPF in the morning.
Something else to note: when first starting retinol, it’s advised to avoid exfoliating ingredients in the same routine such as alpha or beta hydroxy acids and physical exfoliants like scrubs. Use those in the morning and your retinol in the evening, or skip them that day altogether if you’re nervous.
Be consistent and stick with your routine. Retinol doesn’t deliver results quickly, it takes time to work its magic…we’re talking three to five months. So find one you love, be patient, and I promise, the results are worth it.
