New York-based dermatologist Joshua Zeichner suggests applying retinol two to three times a week, starting at the lowest concentration and adjusting accordingly.
If any side effects or irritation occur, it's best to space out applications until your skin adjusts. This might mean applying a retinol serum every third evening, and gradually increasing application to every other night and then every night as the skin's tolerance increases.
Use alone or under makeup once or twice per day. It may take your skin some time to get used to retinol, so plan to slowly work your way up to daily use.
We recommend applying our Resurfacing Retinol Serum in the evenings after cleansing & before moisturizing. Our Skin Renewing Retinol Serum can be used twice daily depending on your skin's needs.
“Retinol breaks up the top dead layer of the skin and increases cell turnover, allowing smoother skin to shine through.” New York-based dermatologist Joshua Zeichner suggests applying retinol two to three times a week, starting at the lowest concentration and adjusting accordingly.
You'll likely want to use retinol once or twice per week initially and work up to using it more than that. The reason: Retinol can initially be drying, especially if you have sensitive skin, so it's a good idea to give your skin some time to adjust to the change in your routine.
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.
It may seem surprising, but even small percentages of retinol can benefit your skin. Percentages of 0.01% retinol or greater are proven to be effective at improving multiple signs of ageing, reducing pore size and improving the overall health of your skin.
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.
Both Differin Gel and CeraVe retinol serum are retinoid products. Their retinol percentage is at 0.1%, which dermatologists recommend for all skin types.
Retinol should always be applied at night.
It's especially sensitive to light, which is why it's kept in dark packaging or packaging that doesn't let any light through. In order to avoid unnecessary sun damage, only ever apply retinol before you go to bed.
? Applying a retinol serum, such as Skin Renewing Retinol Serum, in the evening can help refine the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, skin texture, pores and post-acne marks. When used together, retinol and vitamin C provide a comprehensive skincare approach that addresses multiple complexion concerns.
Retinol (leave to absorb for 10-20 minutes)
Retinol is also an ingredient that should be left to absorb sufficiently into the skin before following up with another product. “It is important to leave a 10-20 minute wait time before applying the next product.
A formula with retinol, like the L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Eye Treatment, should be applied after your serums and before moisturizer due to its consistency.
Perform the nighttime skincare routine as directed above. After applying retinol to your skin (while it's dry) allow it to sit for 10-20 minutes. Mist your face with water or a facial spray, and then apply your hyaluronic acid. (HA serums are most effective when they're applied to damp skin.)
"I recommend using both a vitamin C serum and retinoid daily, since they serve different purposes and work synergistically to help your skin look its best." Since vitamin C protects your skin from free radical damage caused by the sun and pollution, your serum should be applied in the morning, whereas retinoids build ...
Applying retinol is a long-term treatment which promotes fresh skin, fewer blemishes and reduction in acne breakouts. Whereas in the short term, it can lead to acne breakouts, skin peeling, dryness, and a range of other frustrating temporary outcomes. The purge phase usually lasts for two to six weeks.
"[but] best to re-start your retinol again when you can." Most dermatologists recommend using it at least twice weekly to see results.
"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.
“If you're overusing your retinol, or if you're using a retinol that's too strong for you, it can lead to peeling, irritation, and excessive dryness, which may have led to retinol's association with skin thinning,” she says.
“Studies suggest you need to use at least 0.25% retinol or 0.025% tretinoin to be effective, so I recommend using a product that specifies the percentage.” When choosing a retinol product, Dr. Rogers says it's best to start with the lowest concentration before moving up.