This will dilute the strength and reduce the potential for irritation. Wait Again: Allow the retinol to absorb into your skin for 10-20 minutes. Second 'Slice': Finish by applying another layer of moisturizer. This 'seals' the sandwich and provides additional hydration and protection.
You can technically use the sandwich method with CeraVe Retinol Serums, but it's not recommended. This method is typically used to reduce the strength of potent retinol (1%) or retinoid (such as tretinoin 0.1%) products. However, CeraVe's Retinol serums likely contain a very low amount of retinol.
Option one: The sandwich technique
After washing your face, apply a layer of moisturiser. Allow it to dry down for 5-10 minutes. Then, apply a pea-sized amount of tretinoin to your entire face. Allow this to dry down for 5-10 minutes.
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.
Wait: Allow the retinol to absorb into your skin. Waiting 20-30 minutes can reduce the risk of irritation. Moisturize: Apply your moisturizer to lock in hydration and soothe the skin.
The Retinol sandwich method involves “sandwiching” your retinol between two layers of Moisturizer. The technique was created to help minimize some of the potential side effects of Retinol, like dryness, redness, and flakiness.
Moisturizer first, wait, then tretinoin: Apply your moisturizer, wait at least 15 minutes to allow it to absorb, and then proceed with tretinoin to avoid irritation. Then it's 'lights out'. Follow the tretinoin skincare routine steps below in this guide to build a regimen that will work for your complexion.
In an evaluation done by the Journal of Behavioral Studies in Business, researchers found that the method can be damaging for several reasons: Including positives may undermine the criticism involved, thus rendering that criticism ineffective.
“Also, when following the logic of using hydrators like hyaluronic acid and glycerin-containing serums , then locking them in with moisturizers like ceramides and niacinamide, one may want to apply a serum or a cream that has hyaluronic acid and ceramides before retinol and then serum or moisturizer that has ceramides ...
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.
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.
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.
HA provides hydration, which can counteract the potential drying effects of retinoids. Since Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a water-based serum, it would be applied first and then after, you would apply retinoids, such as Retinol 1% in Squalane, as it's an anhydrous formulation.
You should aim to use tretinoin every night, however, you must start slowly as your skin needs to get used to it. The first 2 weeks apply it 2 to 3 nights per week, after that try applying it every other day, and then if your skin can handle it, apply it every night.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it is especially important to avoid using the following skin products on the same area as tretinoin: Any other topical acne product or skin product containing a peeling agent (eg, benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, or sulfur).
🥪 The Sandwich
A technique that I personally love (and lots of drier skin folks love) is applying your moisturizer as a buffer, then apply your tretinoin, and lastly, seal it all in with another layer of moisturizer.
The sandwich method is a layering technique designed to lock in hydration and maximize the efficacy of your skincare products. It involves alternating between layers of hydration (think toners, essences, or mists) and retinol layers (like creams or oils) to create a "sandwich" of moisture.
Retinol purging is a temporary reaction where increased cell turnover brings underlying impurities to the surface, leading to breakouts, dryness, and irritation. Symptoms include flaking, redness, and rough texture. Although unsettling, this phase indicates that retinol is working to renew your skin.
Note: Once opened, this formula should be refrigerated and used within a three-month period. Caution: Retinoids can make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation. Sun protection is particularly important when using retinoids.
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.
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.
Generally speaking, let tretinoin absorb and fully dry before applying moisturizer.