Retinol is an exceptional skincare ingredient, capable of improving cell turnover, decreasing breakouts, and aiding collagen production. While retinol may make your skin sensitive or cause discomfort initially, the results far outweigh this temporary inconvenience.
Start small by applying a pea-sized amount of an over-the-counter formula with low percentage, twice weekly at first and progressively increase usage based on your skin’s tolerance.
Apply it at night
Retinol is one of the most potent anti-aging ingredients on the market, capable of diminishing fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, among many other advantages. Nearly all skin types can benefit from its use; it is just essential that users understand its correct application to get maximum benefit out of this powerful ingredient. We consulted dermatologists on their tips on incorporating Retinol into beauty routines – how and when should it be applied.
As with any new skincare product, starting slow and gradually increasing retinol use daily is recommended to ensure your skin adjusts without experiencing side effects such as dryness or redness. Carroll and Mizen both advise temporarily stopping use if any mild side effects such as these occur;
Once your skin has adjusted to retinol, it’s safe to incorporate its use into your evening skincare regimen. When ready, simply wash and pat down with eye cream first (to protect them from irritation). Next, squeeze out a pea-sized dab onto your palm and use fingertips to spread it over your entire face – starting from the chin upwards – making sure not to accidentally apply retinol anywhere sensitive; such as sensitive areas.
Once the timer goes off, be sure to ensure your skin is completely dry – as damp skin may interfere with how effectively retinol absorbs–then apply a thin layer of moisturizer over top. There are also time-release retinol formulas which may be suitable for those with more delicate skin types.
Be mindful that retinol makes your skin more susceptible to sun damage; apply sunscreen the morning after using it and plan any in-office procedures like lasers, microneedling or microdermabrasion before doing any in-retinol treatments such as these.
Wash your face with a retinol-friendly cleanser
Retinol has long been heralded as the “holy grail of skincare ingredients”, with good reason. Scientific evidence supports its use as a keratolytic, increasing skin cell turnover and stimulating collagen synthesis to address signs of sun damage such as dark spots, uneven skin tone and fine lines and wrinkles. Although effective, however, retinol may cause side effects such as dryness, redness and irritation that must be considered when making decisions regarding use.
According to experts, it is crucial that retinol be used properly and in an effective way for your individual skin type. We consulted Julia Carroll of Toronto-based Compass Dermatology and Amanda Mizen of North Medical Spa Toronto to get their advice for safely using retinol in beauty regimens.
First step to successful retinol skincare: select a cleanser suitable for retinol use. A suitable cleanser must be oil-, soap- and fragrance-free as well as non-drying, with hydrating components such as ceramides. Avoid exfoliating or mattifying cleansers that strip your skin of essential lipids that retinol will then replenish.
Once your face has been thoroughly cleansed with warm water, be sure to pat it dry using a soft towel – hot or cold temperatures can irritate skin, so patting dry is especially important, says Carroll. “Rubbing can lead to inflammation.”
Once your skin is clean and dry, apply a pea-sized amount of your retinol serum with your fingertips starting at the chin and working your way upwards towards your cheeks. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen afterwards since retinol can make skin vulnerable to sunlight exposure. The changing times have brought different beauty trends that works for a lot of people, this article on happi.com can definitely help you to learn these tips and tricks.
Apply a retinol-infused moisturizer
Retinol is an extremely potent anti-aging ingredient and often called the holy grail of skincare products. As a vitamin A derivative, its benefits have been widely acknowledged, such as increasing collagen production, diminishing dark spots and smoothing fine lines. Unfortunately, its use can also cause side effects, including irritation and redness; for this reason it’s important to follow these tips from skincare professionals Julia Carroll of Toronto-based Compass Dermatology and Amanda Mizen of North Medical Spa regarding safe ways of including it into your beauty regimen.
Start slowly. According to Carroll, start with a pea-sized amount and observe how your skin reacts; if your tolerance improves gradually increase its use until every other night and then daily. If you have sensitive skin, switch out for serum as this option might be gentler on its effects.
Since the area around your eyes is particularly delicate, use a gentle applicator such as your finger or ring finger of your hand when applying retinol. Avoid rubbing products into your skin as this could irritate it further and result in fine lines and blemishes forming; rather dab small amounts in circular motion on upper and lower lids for best results.
Use a face oil as the last step of your regimen, as this will keep skin hydrated while also locking in all of the beneficial ingredients from all of the products used. Retinol-enriched facial oils provide extra UV ray protection as retinoids can make skin more vulnerable.
Make the most of your morning routine with a multitasking face serum, which combines retinol with other skin-nourishing ingredients such as antioxidants, peptides and hyaluronic acid to accelerate skincare application and save time in the bathroom! For those with busy lives looking to cut back time in their bathroom this option could save significant time in application!
Remember to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day as retinol can make skin more vulnerable to sun damage. Both Carroll and Mizen suggest selecting an SPF 50 sunscreen as their sunscreen of choice.
Apply a retinol-infused sunscreen
Integrating Retinol into your beauty regimen is an excellent way to combat fine lines and wrinkles, brighten skin tone, reduce sun-damage spots, and fade blemishes. But proper usage can only reap maximum results; improper application can cause irritation and render its effectiveness less efficient.
There are a few straightforward steps you can take to make sure retinol works for you instead of against you. First, begin with a low concentration formula to avoid irritating your skin; gradually increase frequency until over-exfoliation has subsided; and always finish with noncomedogenic moisturizer and sunscreen products for best results.
Another effective solution for dryness and itching is pairing retinol with hyaluronic acid, which adds moisture back into your skin. These ingredients can be found in cleansers, serums and creams; Carroll suggests this combination can benefit those with dry or sensitive skin by increasing cell turnover while clearing away clogged pores; it can even be combined with exfoliating acids like salicylic acid to combat its drying effects.
Note when applying Retinol that it makes your face more sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, it is vital that you use high SPF sunscreens and wear protective clothing such as hats and scarves when going outdoors.
Overall, Retinol is an incredible skin-care powerhouse. To maximize its potential benefits for the complexion, it’s vital that users follow instructions for correct use and select an effective product suited for them.