What is the sandwich method of retinol?

Author: Lexi Ruecker  |  Last update: Thursday, May 8, 2025

In the case of retinol sandwiching, the retinol is placed between two layers of moisturiser, with intention to prevent skin irritation and inflammatory 'hotspots' - particularly during the initial stage of incorporating retinol into one's skincare routine.

Is the retinol sandwich method good?

Ultimately, the retinol sandwich method is a great technique to utilize if you want the anti-aging results without the drawbacks. Just understand that you may not see results as quickly if you aren't pushing your skin's limits.

What is the sandwich method in skincare?

Using moisture sandwiching when applying retinol can help you to make the most of these benefits while avoiding irritation. Use a lightweight moisturiser on top of damp skin, then apply your retinol product. After retinol, apply another layer of moisturiser on top to lock in hydration and help prevent flaking.

What moisturizer to sandwich retinol?

Retinoid Sandwich Method is a great way for those with sensitive skin. I personally like to use a calming & hydrating serum like centella/cica, cicalfate or humectant-rich serum as the first step, but you can also use a light lotion. Then I use a pea-sized amount of retinoid, followed by a moisturizer.

What moisturizer not to use with retinol?

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.

How to use Retinol like a Dermatologist | Dr Davin Lim

What is proper sandwich technique?

How to use the sandwich technique when giving feedback?
  1. Start with some praise. Begin the conversation by highlighting something positive about the person's performance.
  2. Present the criticism in a constructive manner. Explain the concern or area for improvement in a clear and specific way. ...
  3. Close with some more praise.

Do you put hyaluronic acid on before or after retinol?

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.

What is the retinol purge?

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.

How long do I let retinol sit before moisturizer?

The moisturizer essentially “picks up” some of the product underneath and spreads it around. This is why, to get the most bang for your buck, it's ideal to let your retinol fully soak in and get absorbed for about 10 minutes. It's a surefire way to prevent dilution and will make the retinol more potent.

How can I make my retinol absorb better?

Skin experts always advocate applying actives on damp skin for better absorption. However, the same rule does not apply to retinol. While you must wash your face before application, make sure the skin is dry first. “On damp skin, the retinol will get absorbed more deeply and in turn cause irritation.

What are the retinol uglies?

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 ...

Should you rub in retinol serum?

The Quick Answer: How to Use a Retinol Serum

Apply a pea-sized amount of retinol over the face, neck, and décolleté. Gently rub into the skin while avoiding your mouth, eyes, and nose. Once your skin has adjusted to the product, retinol serum should be applied daily as part of your nighttime skincare routine.

Does sandwich technique work?

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.

What form of retinol works best?

Retinoic Acid. As mentioned earlier, retinoic acid is the most potent form of retinoids. “This is the end point molecule that is biologically active on skin, and is therefore the strongest,” says Dr. Rabach.

What is the best moisturizer to use after retinol?

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).

How to do the sandwich method with retinol?

In short, the retinol sandwiching technique is as follows:
  1. Cleanse your skin.
  2. Apply a layer of moisturiser to damp skin.
  3. Allow this to dry completely.
  4. Apply your retinol.
  5. After giving retinol time to absorb, finish your skincare routine with a second layer of moisturiser.

Can I use vitamin C with retinol?

It's perfectly safe and very effective to incorporate both retinol and vitamin C into your skincare routine, as long as you use them at different times of the day.

Is the sandwich method good or bad?

The Sandwich Approach Is Manipulative—And Undermines Trust

In brief, you're manipulating someone by distracting them from the main point—your constructive criticism. Offering positive feedback along with negative feedback is never a bad idea. But sticking to a rigid positive-negative-positive approach is not natural.

How to do sandwich method?

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.

What is the sandwich method for tretinoin?

Option one: The sandwich technique

In this method we sandwich tretinoin between two layers of moisturiser. This buffers your skin from tretinoin and slows down the release. After washing your face, apply a layer of moisturiser. Allow it to dry down for 5-10 minutes.

Do and don'ts of retinol?

Don't scrub your skin while using retinol products. Apply retinol in a thin layer to your entire face (be careful not to get it in your mouth, nose and eyes). You should use a dose that's about the size of a pea. For the first couple weeks of treatment, apply retinol only every other day.

What is the best retinol serum?

Best retinol serums and treatments
  • The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane Serum. ...
  • PEACH & LILY Retinal For All Renewing Serum. ...
  • Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum. ...
  • La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Face Serum for Fine Lines & Wrinkles. ...
  • e.l.f. Cosmetics Youth Boosting Blue-ty Sleep Night Oil. ...
  • Naturium Retinol Complex Serum.

What goes well with retinol at night?

Here are eight products that work harmoniously with retinol to enhance your skincare routine.
  • Hydrating Cleansers: ...
  • Soothing Toners: ...
  • Antioxidant Serums: ...
  • Moisturizers with Ceramides: ...
  • Sunscreen: ...
  • Niacinamide: ...
  • Peptide Products: ...
  • Hydrating Masks:

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