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.
If you think of the benefits of retinols as being cumulative and over a long period of time then taking 2 weeks off is not going to have a massive detriment to your skin and as you rightly mention could make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
With repeated use, retinol products begin to thin out your skin and will eventually make you more susceptible to UVA rays. If you're not wearing adequate SPF all the time, with passing years you'll have more melasma, more discoloration... Plus, they can be way too harsh on the skin, even if you don't feel the redness.
You can absolutely use retinol every day if you're not experiencing irritation. People only say to use retinol a few times a week to minimize irritation, but if your skin is very tolerant of it and you're not having any issues, there's no reason as to why you couldn't use it every day.
In general, it is recommended to use retinol and retinoic acid products 2-3 times a week at night, and to avoid using them during the day due to their potential to increase sensitivity to sunlight.
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.
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.
Topical retinol is generally safe for long-term use without any detrimental health risks. The health risks related to retinoid use normally come from strong retinoids taken by mouth.
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.
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.
Yes, moisturizing after using a retinol cream is generally recommended. Retinol can potentially cause dryness or irritation, especially when starting to use it or if you have dry or sensitive skin.
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.
Generally, starting retinol in the 20s is recommended for purposes of preventing signs of aging. However, it can be used earlier, especially for those with acne.
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, ...
Indeed, retinol is excellent for treating acne and imperfections, while hyaluronic acid is ideal for dehydrated skin. And it is also possible to combine them in your beauty routine to benefit from their full effectiveness. This moisturizing cream, to be used daily, has many advantages!
Apply vitamin C first due to its lower pH, then wait at least 30 minutes for your skin pH to neutralise before applying your retinol.
Retinol can help improve the skin's firmness, which may help the skin appear “tighter.” However, topical medications (including retinol) can only treat the outer layers of the skin; they cannot address loose or sagging skin due to age-related changes in the underlying support structure of the face.
If your skin is tolerating Retinol well after three weeks of use every three days, move up to every other day, then every day. As a rule the more irritated your skin is, the less frequently you should apply it. If your skin responds well, you can start applying Retinol every night.
Retinol (leave to absorb for 10-20 minutes)
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. There is a caveat to this rule, however, so always check instructions.
Retinol also stimulates collagen production, which is another way it diminishes dark spots. Not only will dark spots be reduced, but wrinkles and sagging skin will also begin to diminish, and the effects of retinol products will continue to work just as effectively over time.
Indications that you're experiencing retinol burn include: Dry skin. Redness contributing to uneven skin tone. Discoloration.