It can take several weeks before you'll start to see results from retinol, and your skin may look worse before it gets better, so try not to get discouraged. Start slowly and increase your use of retinol gradually.
This is because retinol increases skin cell turnover causing dryness, peeling, and irritation of the skin. These effects may have a layering or texturizing impact that causes the skin to appear fine-lined and wrinkled, creepy, or aged in appearance temporarily. Why Does This Happen?
Unfortunately, retinol often makes skin worse before it gets better. And if you take a few weeks off and start again, you're essentially resetting the entire process over again. Push through those early retinol uglies; you'll love the effects in a few months.
The only way retinol is going to make you age faster is if you use it without sunscreen. Let's be real. You should be wearing sunscreen every day to protect your skin from the sun's damaging light anyway! There's no reason that you can't start retinol young for lasting results.
This varies, but you can expect the purge to last anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months. If you're seeing results for longer than 3 months, you might want to consult your GP or dermatologist. But first, be sure your skin concerns are definitely related to retinol…
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.
The Wrinkle Worsening Myth
Here's the tea: Retinol does NOT make your wrinkles worse.
If you're asking about when to start using retinol for general skincare, I would recommend starting in your late 20s, around 28 or 29. This is the age when collagen degradation begins to accelerate, and your cell cycle starts slowing down, which is when retinol can be more beneficial.
Retinoids minimize the appearance of wrinkles, bolster skin's thickness and elasticity, slow the breakdown of collagen (which helps keep skin firm), and lighten brown spots caused by sun exposure.
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.
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.
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.
Managing the symptoms of a retinoid purge
Start with an over-the-counter option and work your way steadily to prescription strength if needed. Ease yourself into the treatment. Start using the product 2–3 times a week until your skin gets used to it and the uglies calm down. Don't lather your face in the product.
When can you expect to see changes in your skin? It takes at minimum around four weeks, and at maximum up to three months to start reaping benefits from retinol, as dermatologists say skin turnover benefits closely align with the timeline of collagen production.
Lighting: Harsh, direct lighting can accentuate shadows and lines, making them appear more prominent. Softer, diffused lighting can minimize their visibility. Facial Expressions: Smiling, frowning, or squinting can cause temporary dynamic wrinkles.
Your anti-aging cream
Irony at its worst: Retinol, the ultimate wrinkle-repairer, can actually add years if you use it incorrectly.
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.
A 0.5-percent concentration is a good baseline.
For beginners, most dermatologists recommend a retinol with a concentration of 0.25 percent to one percent to see results. If your skin is not sensitive, you can usually tolerate something right in the middle; Dr.
Retinol has many skin-clearing and antiaging benefits. Retinol increases the thickness and elasticity of your skin, slows the production of melanin, reduces inflammation and prevents clogged pores.
However, because the skin around the eyes is particularly thin and sensitive, tretinoin can cause irritation and dryness and these effects can make existing wrinkles appear more pronounced.
Yes, moisturizing after using a retinol cream is generally recommended. Retinol can potentially cause dryness or irritation, especially when starting to use it or if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Retinol is one of the best antiaging ingredients in skin care. You do not have to use it forever, but you should if you want to slow skin aging. To get the best results from retinoids, use them in the correct step of your skin care routine.
Wearing Retinol During the Summer Months
However, according to Rita Nandi of The Bloom Clinic, it's OK to use retinol year-round—with a couple of precautions, including the time of day it's applied, the concentration, and the amount of sun exposure.