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.
Bare in mind, you may not see results overnight - it'll take about 3-6 months of consistent nightly application to see a reduction in photo damage, acne, and fine lines.
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.
Garshick says to expect some mild irritation, dryness, and sun sensitivity when you're first introducing the ingredient into your routine. But if you're experiencing any intense flaking, redness, or burning sensations, it's best to shy away from retinol altogether.
Using Too Much Product
Remember that retinol works best when used sparingly—and using too much won't make it work faster; in fact, too much retinol just increases the chances of irritation and severe dryness. 2 Instead, stick to a pea-sized amount of product for the entire face.
This was driven by concerns over skin irritation and systemic absorption. These could pose health risks, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women. The ban reflects a broader precautionary approach by the EU.
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.
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.
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).
“It is important to leave a 10-20 minute wait time before applying the next product. Retinols are powerful antioxidants and it is important to allow it to fully absorb if you want to avoid your skin becoming sensitive,” says Dr Liakas.
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.
How to tell if retinol is working? To start, be patient — retinol needs time to work. With diligent use, most users see visible improvement to their skin tone, smoothness, and breakouts within the first few weeks.
STEP 4: WAIT UNTIL YOUR SKIN IS DRY
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.
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.
Can retinol damage your skin? If you use retinol, you'll sunburn more easily, which can damage your skin. Using high doses of retinol may also be associated with the development of skin cancer. Be sure to wear sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight (with clothing and hats) while you use retinol products.
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.
But does purging even have to happen? For quite a while now it's been more or less assumed that for a retinoid to 'work', you need to purge (with the breakouts 'showing' that cell turnover is happening). But, that doesn't actually need to be the case.
Bakuchiol extract comes from the Babchi plant, known for its purple blossoms and its use in Chinese and Indian medicine. The extract can be found in daily moisturizers, serums and creams. “Bakuchiol is often used as a gentler alternative to retinol.
Retinol might not be a fit for those with overly sensitive or hypersensitive skin, those who have food intolerances or high allergic reactions, and young skin, she says. “Caution is necessary when using any vitamin A derivatives and should only be used after advice from your derm or skin care specialist,” Joss says.
This CeraVe serum retinol percentage is 0.3% encapsulated retinol..."