Retinol is best used on just-cleansed skin as part of a nighttime skin care routine. If you do apply it during the day, sun protection is extra important, as retinol increases skin's sensitivity to the sun.
Use only one retinol product at a time. Use retinol every other day rather than every day. Wait 30 minutes after washing your face before applying your retinol product. Avoid retinol products if you have a sunburn, broken skin or other skin irritations.
Avoid doing so at all costs. This isn't really a product or a technique, but you absolutely have to have patience. Retinoids take time before you really start to see improvements. Purging sucks, but ultimately it is a sign that the retinoid is working, and it will stop eventually.
Always do a gentle cleanse before using retinol
Above all, you want to ensure the skin is properly cleansed before even thinking about using retinol. New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD stresses that washing your face with a gentle cleanser first is key.
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 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.
In short, the retinol sandwiching technique is as follows:
Apply a layer of moisturiser to damp skin. Allow this to dry completely. Apply your retinol. After giving retinol time to absorb, finish your skincare routine with a second layer of moisturiser.
Applying retinol to damp or wet skin increases the likelihood of irritation. Instead, make a point to let your skin dry before you apply—seriously, wait at least two minutes to make sure your skin has ample time to fully dry.
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.
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.
It's easy to spot these blemishes and run a mile - but the purge is temporary! It doesn't happen to everyone, but many people find their breakouts worsen before they get better when they start using a retinol product.
The Wrinkle Worsening Myth
Here's the tea: Retinol does NOT make your wrinkles worse. But (and it's a big but), it can sometimes make your skin look worse before it gets better. When you first start using retinol, it's literally speeding up the process of cell turnover.
Retinol can potentially cause dryness or irritation, especially when starting to use it or if you have dry or sensitive skin. Moisturizing helps replenish the skin's hydration and minimize any potential dryness or flakiness associated with retinol use.
Don't combine retinol with alpha or beta hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, vitamin C, and other retinols or retinoids. Don't skip sunscreen Retinols are usually used as part of nighttime skincare routines, but even when they're applied at night, they can lead to lingering sun sensitivity.
You'll want to use clean, dry fingertips for application. We recommend starting at your chin and working your way up to your face. Use your fingertips to apply the product to your skin using gentle, outward, upward strokes. Never rub the skin, as this can lead to increased irritation.
While you must wash your face before application, make sure the skin is dry first. “On damp skin, the retinol will get absorbed more deeply and in turn cause irritation. This is also why you should apply your eye cream before retinol as the area is very delicate and can get irritated if retinol gets too close.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends washing your face in the morning, before bed, and after sweating—regardless of your skin type. According to the AAD, cleansing your face in the morning serves an important purpose: It washes away bacteria, sweat, and dirt that can settle on your face overnight.
After applying your retinol product, it's best to wait roughly 10 minutes before moving on to the next step in your routine.
Don't skip this step! It's important to moisturize with a high-quality moisturizer after you've let the retinol soak into your skin.
Retinol can cause a side effect called a retinol burn. Retinol burns can cause skin redness, irritation, and flaking. But it's not an allergy. You should stop using retinol if you develop a retinol burn.
Also known as 'retinol burn', retinol uglies refer to side effects generally caused by more highly concentrated forms of retinol or by use on more sensitive skin [4]. Indications that you're experiencing retinol burn include: Dry skin. Redness contributing to uneven skin tone.
We recommend following the 1-2-3 rule: apply retinol once a week for one week, twice a week for two weeks, three times for three weeks, then move towards every second night if there are no side effects happening. If you do experience flaking, redness or sensitivity, simply move back to a lower frequency for a week.