Retinol and other retinoids work best if you use them daily. But when you first start out, you should begin using retinol every 1 or 2 days. This helps your skin get used to it, and avoid irritation. After a few weeks, slowly work your way up to using it every night.
With repeated use, retinol products begin to thin out your skin and will eventually make you more susceptible to UVA rays. If you're not wearing adequate SPF all the time, with passing years you'll have more melasma, more discoloration... Plus, they can be way too harsh on the skin, even if you don't feel the redness.
In general, it is recommended to use retinol and retinoic acid products 2-3 times a week at night, and to avoid using them during the day due to their potential to increase sensitivity to sunlight.
How often should I use Retinol? Unless a brand specifically says differently – if your skin is tolerating Retinol well after three weeks of use every three days, move up to every other day, then every day. After 12 weeks you should be starting to see resultsand able to move onto something stronger.
You can use it for a few months then stop then resume when you're older. I use it once a week to every other day. Additionally, you should wear sunscreen on your face if you're using retinol, but it doesn't make you *that* sensitive to UV rays. Just need to be more careful, especially if you have sensitive skin.
It's unlikely you'll experience retinol side effects long-term. However, retinol can leave your skin more vulnerable to sun damage, so it's important to apply sunscreen daily. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
If you want to target wrinkles, uneven texture, or acne, retinol is your best bet. If you're looking for brighter skin and protection from environmental damage, vitamin C is the way to go.
You will be able to tell that Retinol is working if you start to see improvements in the texture and general appearance of your skin. Some people might be able to spot changes in their skin quite quickly, while others will have to be more patient.
Potential for Skin Dryness: Retinol users often experience dryness, flakiness, or peeling as a common side effect. Upon cessation of retinol, your skin may undergo a period of adjustment, leading to temporary dryness or irritation.
The skin goes red, inflamed, and peeling because retinol has chemically burned away the upper layer of skin, the new exposed skin has not had enough time to build up its natural protection film to UV light and pollutants that a good UV moisturising oil can help with and reduce the exposure to skin cancer risk, ...
If you're primarily using retinol for anti-aging purposes, using it every other night or a few times a week may suffice. However, if you're battling acne, your dermatologist may recommend daily usage or a higher concentration.
For its skin aging benefits, you can start to use it in your 20s as a preventive step. If you're using it for mild acne, you can use it even younger. Keep in mind that while OTC retinol can help mild acne, many people with breakouts will need a prescription-strength retinoid cream.
For those of us who do suffer from purging, it can look like: breaking out in pustules (pimples), the appearance of flaky, peeling skin, irritation and dry patches. Getting these symptoms can be demotivating, especially if you're already feeling unconfident about your skin.
STEP 4: WAIT UNTIL YOUR SKIN IS DRY
It's essential to make sure to wait until your skin is dehydrated before moving on to applying your retinol. If you use it on wet or even damp skin, there is a greater likelihood that you'll experience irritation. That is because cleansing the skin opens up the pores.
This was driven by concerns over skin irritation and systemic absorption. These could pose health risks, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women. The ban reflects a broader precautionary approach by the EU.
Going overboard on the potent ingredient (known to cause irritation and dryness at high concentrations) can dry out your skin and make your wrinkles look more noticeable, says Rebecca Kazin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in Washington, D.C. Avoid this side ...
The retinol uglies can last anywhere from 4–8 weeks. The exact length of a retinoid purge depends very much on your skin type and sensitivity. The amount and strength of your retinoid product can also play a part. Some people experience a purge flare-up for only a few days, and others don't get it at all.
Retinol can help improve the skin's firmness, which may help the skin appear “tighter.” However, topical medications (including retinol) can only treat the outer layers of the skin; they cannot address loose or sagging skin due to age-related changes in the underlying support structure of the face.
Retinol (leave to absorb for 10-20 minutes)
Retinols are powerful antioxidants and it is important to allow it to fully absorb if you want to avoid your skin becoming sensitive,” says Dr Liakas. There is a caveat to this rule, however, so always check instructions.
Indeed, retinol is excellent for treating acne and imperfections, while hyaluronic acid is ideal for dehydrated skin. And it is also possible to combine them in your beauty routine to benefit from their full effectiveness. This moisturizing cream, to be used daily, has many advantages!
In light of this, using your vitamin C in the morning and your retinol at night is a simple and easy way to ensure that these ingredients won't interfere with one another. Applying your products at opposite ends of the day means your skin will be at its regular pH level for each application.
Choosing between peptides and retinol depends on your skincare goals, skin type, and tolerance. If you have sensitive skin or are looking for a more gradual approach, peptides might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you're seeking faster and more dramatic results, retinol could be your go-to option.