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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.