Here’s EXACTLY How to Use Retinol Without Killing Your Face
At this point you have been told 1,000 times that retinol is the single most important skincare product ever invented. But all of the hype isn’t for nothing. The results speak for themselves.
Retinol can help clear pores, improve our skin tone and texture, increase collagen production, increase hydration, make our skin plump, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. What more could you want?
I’m going to go ahead and guess that you want to try out Retinol or learn more if its already in your skincare routine.
But do you really know what retinol does? Do you really know why you’re supposed to use it, or why most dermatologists consider it pure magic? Do you even really know how to apply it?
If your answer is “no” or “not really” that’s fine. Because we are here to break down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about retinol, so you can look younger without irritating your skin.
1) Is Retinol a safe product for me?
We felt we should get this out of the way first. Retinol is a safe ingredient for all skin types, proven by hundreds of clinical trials.
For most people, the only times you should avoid retinol are when you are pregnant, breast feeding or if the skin is sun damaged.
2) Who is retinol best for?
Retinol works to address the effects of sun damage, discoloration, fine lines, and wrinkles. Retinoids initially came to market to address acne and but their anti-aging properties steal the show.
Retinol is best for people who want to increase collagen synthesis and want to reduce the appeareance of fine lines and wrinkles.
3) How do I include Retinol in my skincare routine?
Frequency:
- We recommend starting out applying retinol 3-4 times a week. Gradually you can increase the concentration and frequency of application.
- If there are signs of irritation do not give up. Wait a few days for symptoms subside and try again. This is common as your skin adjusts during retinization (which means the product is working).
- You can even dilute the product with your moisturizer or go for a lower strength Retinol.
Application:
- Before adding retinol, cleanse and tone your face by using a cleanser and a toner which suits your skin type.
- After cleansing and patting down your face, wait a few minutes to guarantee that your skin is totally dry. Damp skin can interfere with how much retinol is absorbed and lead to irritation.
- If applying to your face squeeze a pea-size dab of retinol into your palm. Using your fingers, smooth the retinol over your face, starting first with your forehead (the skin there is less sensitive, so it can take a stronger dose if you accidentally apply too much), then moving on to your nose, cheeks, and chin.
- After a full 20 minutes has passed, smooth on your usual serums and moisturizers, making sure to avoid any acne-fighting products (a.k.a. anything that includes benzoyl peroxides or salicylic acids, if you want to avoid irritation)
If you are just starting a retinol routine, go for a product that isn’t too irrative. Check out RETINOL+ which is a form of retinol proven to be gentle on the skin.
4) How long does it take to show benefits of a retinol regimen?
You can see a visible difference in just a few weeks; skin will look more smooth, less lined and soft.
Signs of aging and sun repair take a little more time to disappear. Be patient as retinol to revives your skin. Our customers have reported it takes about 1-2 months to being seeing the transformation.
Remember to take it slow. Do not rush to increase the frequency of application or use more of the product.
5) Should I use eye serums and eye creams with retinol?
The skin underneath your eyes is the thinnest on your face, and because of this, it’s typically where people first show signs of aging (think: fine lines and dark circles).
Old schools of thought assumed that retinol had no business around the most fragile part of your complexion, but thanks to new formulations like RETINOL+, that’s no longer the case.
These new formulations are specially concocted for around the eyes and can help protect from irritation.
Try layering your moisturizer on before you put retinol on the area or mix it with your moisturizer. This will help to shield you from the intensity. You can begin by mixing your retinol with a moisturizer.
6) How do I protect my skin from irritation by retinols?
The first thing you need to do is avoid skincare products with active ingredients like AHAs and BHAs and fragrances. These can increase negative side effects like drying and peeling.
Retinol has the potential to make your skin sensitive to sun light. While you are on a Retinol regimen, you should use a broad spectrum sun screen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin.
7) What should I do if my skin gets a bad reaction?
Irritation, dry skin, redness and peeling are common side effects of retinol. These minor side effects will typically go away after a few weeks of regular use. You can reduce these reactions by starting with a lower concentration and decreasing the frequency of application.
You don’t need to apply more than the recommended amount to see results. It might actually have the oppositve affect and may add to your skin irritation.
Skin purging is another unwanted process that can occur with retinol. Your skin may look worse before it looks better especially you have acne prone skin.
If this occurs just be patient. Do not rush for acne creams. Just continue with your retinol regimen and with time these dreaded pimples will vanish, thanks to the increased cell turnover.
8) What is the best age to add retinol to my skincare regimen?
Anyone can add retinol to their skincare routine, but it is especially beneficial once you hit your thirties.
Once you reach your thirties, your body will produce less collagen. Collagen is the protein that keeps our skin soft, supple and youthful. Retinol will give you that youthful glow with regular use.
Retinol not only helps you get younger looking skin but also helps to get rid of hormonal breakouts.
9) What is the best retinol for my skin?
There are a wide variety of retinol formulas on the market. It is important to make sure that your retinol product is using the latest technology as products continue to improve.
We recommend RETINOL+ which is specifically targeted to reduce signs of aging . It has a delayed release technology to minimize the risk of skin irritation while providing the all the age-reversing benefits of retinol.
If you want to learn more about RETINOL+ and how it is revolutionizing anti-aging skincare, click here.