I basically cleanse, tone and wait for the toner to dry. Then I apply the Retinol 0.2% in Squalane all over my face (avoiding the sensitive eye area), my neck, decollete and the backs of my hands. I leave it for about 5 mins and then apply a mixture of oil and/or cream to my face.
Apply a small amount to face in the PM as part of your skincare regimen, after water serums but before heavier treatments. Do not use with other retinoid treatments. Avoid unprotected solar exposure. Store in a cool, dry place.
If you are using Retinol for the first time, start with using the product once a week, then after 2-3 weeks increase the frequency of use to twice a week, and then after 2-3 weeks you can start using this product on alternate days. This is a very potent product and you should definitely not use it every day.
Retinol 0.2% in Squalane
Use every other night, but if peeling occurs, consider trying the Granactive retinoid 5% as an alternative.
Designed to minimise fine lines and reduce the signs of aging, Retinol 0.2% In Squalene is a water-free, solution that should be used daily as part of your evening skincare regime. Thin and lightweight, use sparingly to build skin's retinol tolerance and create effective results.
Retinol also increases the skin's sensitivity to UV light, so it is best used at nightime before bed and in the day an SPF cream must be worn and reapplied every 2 hrs.
Moderate-strength retinol – 0.03% to 0.3%
If you experience skin concerns like uneven skin tone or texture and a visible loss of firmness, try adding a stronger retinol product to your routine such as 0.03% to 0.2% retinol products. Start by using 2-3 nights a week and build usage to see how your skin responds.
Heat, and light can speed up the expiration by weakening the active ingredient over time. Keeping your retinol moisturizer or benzoyl peroxide acne spot treatment in a dark and cool environment like the fridge will slow down the degradation of the active ingredient.
Should you use retinol under your eyes? Yes, definitely. While it is true that retinol – a form of vitamin A – is a powerful ingredient and the skin under your eyes is delicate, there's no reason why you should miss out on the amazing benefits of retinol.
There is no hard and fast rule about using retinol or moisturizer first. The order you apply it in depends on the actual product you're using.
Retinoids work best if you use them daily. Specifically, they should be used at night because some types are deactivated by light and air. It's important to start slowly and allow your skin time to adjust. Using too much too quickly can cause redness, dryness, and irritation.
We recommend slowly incorporating Retinol 0.5% into your routine. You may wish to begin by using it 1-3 times per week. Which Retinol or Retinoid is best for a beginner? We suggest starting with Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion/Squalane.
For prescription retinols, you'll typically apply this step onto dry skin before your moisturizer—but always check with your dermatologist. You may be advised to use it after a moisturizer, which buffers the retinol and lessens risk of irritation.
Once you find your squalane product of choice, Turner says you can add a few drops to your favorite moisturizer. You can also use it before applying retinol to cut down on irritation.
Rouleau says the best time to use a scrub is in the morning. Overnight you've loosened up dead skin cells with your glycolic acid or retinol products, making the morning a perfect time to brush them off.
Regardless of your skin type or which product you use first, a layer of moisturizer should always be applied after retinoids.
Don't Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. AHA and BHA acids are exfoliating, which can dry out skin and cause further irritation if your skincare routine already includes retinol.
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane
You might associate retinol with being an anti-aging ingredient, but it actually has amazing benefits for acne prone skin, too. Retinol works from the inside-out, encouraging cell turnover in the lower layers of skin and reducing sebum production to stop breakouts from forming.
Is it safe to use niacinamide and retinol together? Not all skin care ingredients pair well together. Some combinations can react negatively or lessen the ingredients' benefits. Fortunately, it's safe to mix niacinamide and retinol.
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is a medium-strength treatment that delivers excellent anti-aging benefits. Retinol stimulates skin cell renewal so that skin acts and looks younger. It helps to reduce the appearance of lines, wrinkles and photo damage.
And now another rule to keep in mind: Many prescription-strength retinoids suggest users wait upwards of 20 minutes post-cleansing before putting retinol on their skin and 20 more minutes before putting anything else on, according to Reddit.
"Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to UV rays and sunlight decreases the efficacy of the product," explains Bowe, who instructs patients to only use retinoids at night and be diligent about applying a daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher during the day.