Because this ingredient is so incredibly powerful, it's best to stick to using it once per day. “Even when retinol is encapsulated, it is still recommended only to be used at night,” reveals Hobson. “Retinol is damaged by sunlight, which is why it is recommended as a night-time use product.
He recommends starting with no more than every other day for the first 2 weeks. If, after the first 2 weeks, you don't see any side effects, he says you may want to move up to “2 nights on, and 1 night off.” After a month or so with no side effects, you can likely use it every day if you want.
Is Encapsulated Retinol Better Than Traditional Retinol? Encapsulated retinol isn't necessarily any more potent than retinol that's not encapsulated; however, since it has higher stability and penetration potential, both Koestline and Dr. Hartman say it's the best option.
Some products claim to be retinol 2.5% or retinol 1% or retinol 3%, however most of these products are not formulated correctly and therefore are actually not very potent. We recommend sticking with 0.025%- 0.1% retinol products and avoiding retinal or retinyl palmitate containing products.
If you're using retinol to reduce wrinkles, the process can be lengthy. A review of retinoids indicates that most individuals see a significant decrease in wrinkles after about three months of use.
Encapsulated delivery systems promotes cell turnover – which reduces fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin complexion, enhances radiance and provides an overall healthier appearance to skin. Also, by drip-feeding retinol into the skin, you minimise the risk of irritation and inflammation.
Encapsulated retinol is said to be the best choice for those just starting retinol or sensitive skin types, but really, it's beneficial for everyone. “I recommend it for people who are new to using retinol, as it can help to reduce the risk of irritation.
If you stop retinol and do not begin a prescription retinoid, the benefit of preventing acne will go away. The skin cycle of cells being “born” at the base of the skin and moving to the top, dying and desquamating into the surrounding environment takes about 4-6 weeks.
There's no problem with using both retinol and vitamin C as part of your skincare routine, dermatologists say. In fact, Shirazi calls this combo a "power couple" when it comes to aging well.
Retinoic Acid. As mentioned earlier, retinoic acid is the most potent form of retinoids. “This is the end point molecule that is biologically active on skin, and is therefore the strongest,” says Dr. Rabach.
Always use retinol at night. Do not use retinol in the morning. For most skin types, serums that contain niacinamide and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) go in step 3- the treatment product step. Moisturizers come after the serum and retinoids go on top of the moisturizer.
Don't Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. AHA and BHA acids are exfoliating, which can dry out the skin and cause further irritation if your skincare routine already includes retinol.
Encapsulated retinol: Helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Three essential ceramides: That work together to lock in moisture and help restore your skin's protective barrier. Hyaluronic acid: Helps retain your skin's natural moisture. Niacinamide: Helps calm your skin. Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free.
If you use too high a strength or apply retinol more frequently than you should, you may experience further irritation, like itchiness and scaly patches. Some people have noticed acne breakouts after using retinol, though this is a rare side effect.
So if you start using retinol every day out of the gate, you can end up with some painful inflammation and a damaged skin barrier, negating any potential positives. One way to avoid that irritation is to start slow, explains Ranella Hirsch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Boston.
“If you're overusing your retinol, or if you're using a retinol that's too strong for you, it can lead to peeling, irritation, and excessive dryness, which may have led to retinol's association with skin thinning,” she says.
Those with stubborn skin concerns, like deep wrinkles and pronounced uneven skin tone may want to consider a high percentage retinol cream, serum or treatment. But what percentage of retinol is effective? Look for formulations with a percentage between 0.3% and 1%, with retinol 1% being the strongest option.
Yes, you can use hyaluronic acid with retinol together and it's perfectly safe to do so. In fact, using hyaluronic acid with retinol has synergistic effect on your skin because they complement each other.
Can you exfoliate and use retinol in your routine? The short answer is yes. Both a chemical exfoliant and retinol help to resurface the skin, fade dark spots, clear pores and soften fine lines and wrinkles. But they don't always play nice together.
First, the answer is yes, retinol can make wrinkles worse, especially when you first start using it. What is happening is a drying effect, and one can get epidermal sliding from separation from the dermis.
Retinol is unsafe for use in the sun
Retinol has been shown to increase the sensitivity of the skin to sun, meaning that using retinol in the sun (especially without sunscreen) can make the skin more susceptible to sun damage and be at increased risk of skin cancer development.
Because retinoids help your skin make more collagen, they soften wrinkles and fine lines. They also stimulate new blood vessels, which can give your skin a rosy color. Retinoids also help fade age spots and smooth rough patches. Tretinoin (Retin-A) is a popular prescription choice for aging skin.
What is an encapsulate or a cosmetic encapsulation? It is the physical-chemical technique or process by which a cosmetic ingredient is protected and surrounded by a liposome or polymeric wall that isolates it from its environment.
Retinol works for acne by preventing clogged pores. You may still see pimples for the first couple of months of treatment – your skin might even look worse (this is sometimes referred to as the retinol purge). But if you stick with it, you'll see clearer skin.
Using one retinol capsule at night will also add to its benefits, Dr Engelman ensures: “Since retinol can be unstable under ultraviolet radiation and skin can be hypersensitive to sunlight with retinol use, the capsules are best used as part of your nighttime skincare regimen.