How can I make my retinol work faster?

Author: Myron Sauer  |  Last update: Monday, April 14, 2025

10 Ways to Make Your Retinol Work Better
  1. 3 / 10. Start slow. ...
  2. 4 / 10. Use sunscreen with it. ...
  3. 5 / 10. Put it on first. ...
  4. 6 / 10. Pair it with the proper follow-up products. ...
  5. 7 / 10. Find the right product for you. ...
  6. 8 / 10. Use it at night. ...
  7. 9 / 10. Avoid products that could further irritate your skin. ...
  8. 10 / 10. Use vitamin C in the morning.

What is the 321 rule for retinol?

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.

What stops retinol from working?

Retinoids are inactivated by UV light, so must be applied at night. Additionally, retinoids can be inactivated by other topical skin care ingredients, most commonly salicylic acid. Avoid using products which contain salicylic acid in your night-time skin care routine.

How do you speed up a retinol burn?

Try these five tips.
  1. Use a cold compress. A cool compress can help soothe pain, burning, and itching. ...
  2. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Moisturize liberally while you wait for your skin to heal. ...
  3. Slather on the sunscreen. ...
  4. Talk to a dermatologist or primary care provider.

How do you increase retinol absorption?

Skincare Absorption is Essential, Here's Why…
  1. Exfoliate Regularly. Your products will work their magic more easily by starting with a fresh canvas. ...
  2. Try a Professional Peel. ...
  3. Steam Your Face. ...
  4. Apply Products to Damp Skin. ...
  5. Layer Your Skincare Products Properly. ...
  6. Use a Retinol Product. ...
  7. Massage Your Face. ...
  8. Try Facial Tools.

5 WAYS to Make ANY Retinol Work Better! | Chris Gibson

How to make retinol work faster?

How Can I Make Retinol Work More Effectively?
  1. Apply to Dry Skin. Most of us are used to applying products straight after we've washed our faces for bedtime. ...
  2. Choose High-Quality Products. ...
  3. Start Slow. ...
  4. Apply Sunscreen. ...
  5. Pair with the Right Products. ...
  6. Use at Night. ...
  7. Avoid Irritating Products. ...
  8. Be Patient.

What interferes with retinol?

Zinc deficiency is thought to interfere with vitamin A metabolism in several ways (30): (1) zinc deficiency results in decreased synthesis of retinol-binding protein (RBP), which transports retinol through the circulation to peripheral tissues and protects the organism against potential toxicity of retinol; (2) zinc ...

How to know if retinol is working?

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.

Does Vaseline help with retinol burn?

Moisturize the skin with a thin coat of Vaseline daily until the irritation resolves. You can use a gentle moisturizing cream, but Vaseline is safer and works better.

Does buffering tretinoin reduce effectiveness?

If your skin is irritated, buffer with moisturizer

You can help protect your skin with a layer of moisturizer before applying the tretinoin. This generally doesn't reduce the effectiveness of the medication, but can help to soothe and moisturize the skin.

How can I improve my retinol purge?

  1. Know that it's common. It's hardly glamorous, but “purging” is a natural part of the retinol process. ...
  2. Start low and slow. AND WEAR SPF. ...
  3. Be gentle on the skincare. Being gentle might mean you have to step down in other areas of your skincare. ...
  4. Leave the spots alone.

Is it better to put retinol on wet or dry 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.

What is the 3 month rule for retinol?

1️⃣ month 1: use retinol every third night of the week. 2️⃣ month 2: use retinol every other night of the week. 3️⃣ month 3: use retinol every night.

Is 1% retinol too strong for beginners?

Is 1% Retinol Too Much for Beginners? If you're a new retinol user, starting at 1% retinol may cause your skin to become irritated and sensitive. For new vitamin A users, we always recommend that you start on the lowest strength (0.01%) and gradually work your way up from there.

Can I use hyaluronic acid with retinol?

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.

Can I put Aquaphor over my retinol?

Using Aquaphor on your face has the potential to irritate your skin, especially if you apply it on top of retinoids or exfoliating acids.

What are the retinol uglies?

The Retinol Uglies: Fact vs Myths. Retinol can benefit skin in a myriad of ways. Often implemented into routines for anti-ageing and skin clearing, its potency can sometimes cause side effects in the short term. Termed 'retinol uglies', the skin shedding function of this ingredient results in sensitivity for many users ...

What is the best retinol alternative?

We break down our list into serums, eye creams and moisturizers so you can find the retinol alternative that best fits into your skin care routine.
  • Herbivore Bakuchiol Serum. ...
  • Naturium Azelaic Acid Serum. ...
  • Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Resurfacing Serum. ...
  • Kora Organics Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum.

How do I get the best results from retinol?

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.

How to know if retinol is purging?

If you typically don't experience frequent breakouts but start noticing a sudden increase in pimples, particularly after starting retinoids, this could indicate rapid skin cell turnover or a skin purge. These breakouts are generally smaller and more superficial compared to cystic acne.

How to heal retinol burn fast?

If the Retinol Burn is so inflamed and causing pain then keep the affected skin cool with a cold wet cloth pressed on the skin. Don't apply makeup. Apply a specialist soothing oil, one that provides intense moisturisation and cooling along with the nourishment needed to help the burn heal quickly .

What cancels out retinoids?

Nichols says. Benzoyl peroxide can deactivate the retinoid molecule, so if you want to reap all the benefits of the anti-aging ingredient that we mentioned earlier, it's best to avoid using both at the same time.

What is the best retinol serum?

Best retinol serums and treatments
  • The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane Serum. ...
  • PEACH & LILY Retinal For All Renewing Serum. ...
  • Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum. ...
  • La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Face Serum for Fine Lines & Wrinkles. ...
  • e.l.f. Cosmetics Youth Boosting Blue-ty Sleep Night Oil. ...
  • Naturium Retinol Complex Serum.

Which fruit contains retinol?

You can also get vitamin A by including good sources of beta-carotene in your diet, as the body can convert this into retinol. The main food sources of beta-carotene are: yellow, red and green (leafy) vegetables, such as spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes and red peppers. yellow fruit, such as mango, papaya and apricots.

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