It depends. In many cases, combining retinol and exfoliants can provide faster and better results, especially if you have very specific goals, like reducing breakouts faster or targeting discoloration. However, for simple skin maintenance and age prevention, using a retinoid alone can be more than enough.
a lot of people are making in their skincare routine. If you're using retinol regularly, you really don't need to be exfoliating. Retinol enhances cell turnover. and actually thins out the outer skin layer. known as the stratum corneum. You don't need to use salicylic acid or glycolic acid.
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.
Gentle exfoliation. While it's important to avoid over-exfoliating while using retinol, you can use a gentle scrub when necessary, especially before applying makeup. This helps to smooth the skin and remove flakes without causing further irritation. Use exfoliation sparingly, about every three days.
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.
To make sure you get the most out of your retinol, we recommend you wait at least a few minutes until it has absorbed into your skin completely before applying moisturizer. Applying moisturizer too soon, for any retinol product — not just Protocol's — can dilute its potency and reduce its effectiveness.
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.
As retinol stimulates the flaking of old skin cells, you might experience dryness and skin flaking, particularly in areas where you're prone to dryness. This shedding is a natural part of the renewal process, but it's crucial to maintain a proper skincare routine and protect the skin with adequate UV protection.
You'll get more effective results from tretinoin than any other over-the-counter exfoliants like BHAs and AHAs. This is why there's usually no need to use other exfoliants when you're on tretinoin – it's best to avoid doubling up, which can damage the skin barrier and cause irritation.
The Best Moisturizers to Use After Retinol
Hyaluronic acid is the ultimate hydrator, she says, while products with ceramides help restore the skin barrier and lock in moisture. She also suggests using a formula that's fragrance-free (to prevent further irritation) and non-comedogenic (to avoid clogging pores).
The answer is yes. The combination of these two ingredients can help you treat multiple skin concerns and give you a more youthful, radiant complexion. However, it's important to use these ingredients in moderation and in the correct order to avoid any adverse effects.
Retinol affects the skin in various ways. It increases skin cell turnover, “which causes a natural exfoliation,” said Dr. Divya Shokeen, a cosmetic dermatologist in Manhattan Beach, Calif. This helps to clear out clogged pores, which can treat acne and prevent future breakouts.
"It's a four-night cycling schedule: exfoliation night, retinoid night, recovery night, recovery night, repeat.” says Dr. Bowe, “You will get the most out of the active ingredients in your skin-care products while minimizing irritation by building in those needed recovery nights.”
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 ...
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.
Myers believes that “gentle exfoliation is your best friend” and can help to remove some of the dry, flaky skin that may be irritating you. Try to use a natural exfoliant such as a product that contains coffee, sugar, or oatmeal. Just don't scrub at your skin too hard!
For some people, stopping retinol abruptly may not lead to serious changes, but it's always best to consult a dermatology provider to determine the most suitable approach based on your specific circumstances. However, there is a chance your more obvious signs of aging may return after discontinuing retinol.
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.
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.
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.