Are you considering adding retinol to your skincare routine? If your answer is yes, you have tons of skincare benefits coming your way! Retinol is a powerful active ingredient that can make your skin literally glow. It is a boon for treating damaged skin and the results are always phenomenal. That being said, you’ve probably heard some rumours about retinol causing irritation too. If used incorrectly, retinol-infused serums and moisturisers may lead to some minor skin trouble but really it is the manner in which retinol is used that matters most. Following, are essential tips to consider when adding retinol to your skincare regimen.
6 Tips To Follow If You’re New To Using Retinol Skincare
Do Not Apply Retinol Serums On Damp Skin
It is true that serums can penetrate the skin more efficiently when applied on damp skin and this is true for retinol serums as well. But, avoiding applying retinol serum on damp skin is in your best interest. Retinol serums are already easily absorbed by the skin and they are usually strong, potent, and highly efficacious. Boosting its effects by applying it on damp skin might cause it to be stronger which you don’t necessarily need. In fact, retinol serums on damp skin might cause dryness and purging which is otherwise avoidable.
Allow Retinol To Set Before Layering More Products
Retinol serums and retinol moisturisers need some time to work on your skin. It is a good idea to leave on your serum, essence, or moisturiser for at least 10 mins before moving on to apply the next product in your skincare routine. Taking this pause will also ensure other product ingredients aren’t messing with the retinol formula applied to your skin. Once your retinol product is absorbed by the skin thoughly, you can freely layer hydrating products over it.
Use Retinol Only 3 Nights In A Row Weekly
Retinol has exfoliating properties; it helps exfoliate dead skin cells and decongest pores. Since retinol exfoliates your skin, keeping its use to a minimum. This is true for any kind of skincare exfoliators so as to prevent your skin barrier from becoming too vulnerable. As you probably already know, over-exfoliating causes skin damage, therefore, overuse of retinol which is also a mild exfoliant can cause damage too. To truly see the best results without irritation, use retinol religiously for 3 days in a row within the week and allow the remaining 4 days for your skin barrier to heal itself with moisturising products.
Never Use Retinol In The AM
Retinol can make your skin photosensitive when exposed to the sun. That’s why Retinol isn’t a daytime skincare product at all. Exposing your skin to the sun immediately after applying retinol may cause a burning and itching sensation. To avoid that, avoid using retinol in the AM at all costs. Reserve retinol products for your PM skincare routine only as retinol works best in the wee hours when you’re catching up on beauty sleep.
Skipping Moisturiser Is A Crime
Do not be that person who skips moisturiser especially after using an active ingredient like retinol. If you do not moisturise, you are putting your skin at risk of drying out and you cannot blame retinol for it. Post retinol application, you need a good moisturiser to help keep your skin hydrated and feeling comfortable. Wearing the wrong moisturiser can be troublesome too for people with sensitive skin. Your best bet should be a ceramide cream moisturiser as it will work on all skin types including sensitive skin.
Begin Using Retinol Regularly In Your Late 20s
Retinol can help banish acne for good, visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles, regulate sebum production in oily skin, and reverse all signs of sun damage. Yes, it has miraculous skin benefits but it need not be used by anyone younger than 25 years of age. Retinol is more of an anti-aging product that can also effectively treat adult acne. So reserve retinol for your late 20s and not earlier than that.
If you’re in search of good retinol products that ticks all the right boxes, we recommend:
With these important tips, you can hope to use retinol without fear of encountering any skin trouble or side effects.
Featured Images: Instagram