In these past few years, retinol has gained popularity ‘coz of its skin healing properties with many incorporating it into their skincare routine in hopes to treat their skin issues like reducing acne marks, boost collagen production, accelerate skin turnover and get rid of pigmentation. While this ingredient claims to do all these things and much more, if it’s not used right, you might not get the results you desire.
If you’re new to using retinol-enriched products or just aren’t getting the results you hoped, scroll down to find out the right way to use it in order to reap its full benefits. But before moving on to the how-to, you need to first understand what retinol is and the effects it has on the skin.
Benefits Of Retinol
Retinol belongs to the class of ingredients known as retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A. It is the main ingredient in many anti-ageing products and is also great for treating acne. Since it is an active ingredient, it is best to use this product at night, before going to bed rather than before stepping out into the sun as the UV rays could lead to skin issues. If you are using a retinol powered product, do not use it with other products containing active ingredients as this mixture might cause irritation, skin dryness or even redness.
How To Reap The Full Benefits Of Retinol?
Since retinol is a powerful ingredient, it’s best to first consult your dermatologist to avoid skin dryness or redness. This is especially true for those with sensitive skin. If you proceed with the product, like any other skincare products, first, do a patch test on your hand to make sure you aren’t allergic to it.
Step 1: Prep & Eye Cream
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After cleansing your face, apply an eye cream. Since the skin on this part of the face is delicate, the eye cream will protect the area around your eyes and reduce the chances of any irritation.
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Step 2: Wipe Your Face Dry
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While it’s beneficial to apply creams and serums to damp skin, for retinol products, it’s best to do the opposite. Adding products to damp skin, help them seep in deeper and you do not want this with retinol as it could lead to skin irritation. Instead, wait until your skin is completely dry before applying the retinol product.
Step 3: Less Is More
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Remember, since this is a very powerful ingredient, a little goes a long way. Take a pea-sized amount and work your way from the chin, up.
Step 4: Follow Up With A Moisturiser
Once you’re done, you can proceed with your moisturiser and night cream. Since retinol makes the skin more sensitive to the sun, do not leave the house without sunscreen the next day. The harmful UV rays can cause skin irritation and redness.
Like any topical skincare product, it takes time to notice any visible change, so patience is key when it comes to using retinol as well as most of the other skincare products.
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