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.
It's generally recommended to wait about 20 to 30 minutes after applying retinol before applying moisturizer. This allows the retinol to absorb into the skin effectively.
It's generally recommended to wait about 20 to 30 minutes after applying retinol before applying moisturizer. This allows the retinol to absorb into the skin effectively.
“If your skin is dry, use the moisturizer prior to applying the retinol. If your skin is normal to oily, apply it after the retinol,” says Greenfield. She adds, “The order does not change if the retinol is serum versus cream, but you may need to add more hydration if using a retinol serum.”
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.
How long does it last? The duration of a retinoid purge generally depends on your skin type, but it typically lasts about four weeks. In some cases, flare-ups can extend up to eight weeks, or approximately two cell cycles. If the purging persists beyond three months, it's likely not just a typical purge.
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).
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.
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 ...
Once you've massaged the Tretinoin onto your skin, you can apply your serums and/or moisturiser if you use these at night. There isn't a golden rule about how long to wait before applying these as different formulations of Tretinoin take different times to absorb. If in doubt, wait for 15-20 minutes.
Goldenberg's go-to recommendation for timing between serums and moisturizers is about one minute. This wait has the same reasoning: Sixty seconds — give or take — gives each product a moment to delve into your pores.
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.
This can mean waiting 10-30 minutes after applying your choice of retinol product, allowing it to reach the lower layers of the dermis and begin the process of boosting collagen production [7]. Once the process has begun, you can lightly dampen the skin and apply hyaluronic acid to seal in the skin's moisture.
Finally, be cautious when slugging over retinol and exfoliating acids, this can increase the risk of irritation by enhancing their penetration into the skin.
After applying your retinol product, it's best to wait roughly 10 minutes before moving on to the next step in your routine. When you apply a moisturizer directly after a treatment product like retinol, you dilute the active ingredients.
The skin goes red, inflamed, and peeling because retinol has chemically burned away the upper layer of skin, the new exposed skin has not had enough time to build up its natural protection film to UV light and pollutants that a good UV moisturising oil can help with and reduce the exposure to skin cancer risk, ...
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.
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.
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.
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.
What most people can expect during this time is that dead cells will rise to the surface, causing dry skin to flake off. New skin can become exposed and may appear red and irritated as it adjusts to this turnover. Whiteheads, blackheads, papules, and pustules may also appear in clusters and hard bumps.
Potential for Skin Dryness: Retinol users often experience dryness, flakiness, or peeling as a common side effect. Upon cessation of retinol, your skin may undergo a period of adjustment, leading to temporary dryness or irritation.