CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Cream A great option for those worried about purging, this encapsulated retinol cream works gently to resurface skin and help reduce the appearance of post-acne marks and pores, while licorice root extract brightens skin.
But does purging even have to happen? For quite a while now it's been more or less assumed that for a retinoid to 'work', you need to purge (with the breakouts 'showing' that cell turnover is happening). But, that doesn't actually need to be the case.
Take the myth about purging: while retinoids might bring clogs a-brewing deep in your pores to the surface faster, it's a temporary issue that resolves within the first couple weeks of use. Most people don't experience any purging at all. Another common confusion?
Bakuchiol is a plant-based retinol alternative with fewer side effects and is safer to be used for all skin types, making it easy for beginners. Formulated alongside with Hyaluronic Acid and ceramide, it works during your sleep so you can wake up to a visibly smoother, bouncier skin.
Yes, retinol can cause purging. It is temporary and due to the increased cellular turnover. Exfoliating acids can cause purging, too.
The immediate side effects of retinol treatment can take the form of a surge in acne, blackheads, whiteheads, and rashes. This is termed retinol purging. It lasts for about 2-6 weeks depending on the quality of the skin, following which the positive effects ramp up.
If you're a new retinol user, we recommend beginning with Intelligent Retinol 3TR as it contains 0.3% retinol and you can work your way up the different strengths for progressive visible results. For those who prefer an all-in-one night cream, use Intelligent Retinol Smoothing Night Cream (0.2% retinol).
Retinyl palmitate is the most gentle retinol for sensitive skin as it is the weakest vitamin A derivative, Dr. Malik says. “It is less potent than retinol but effective over time,” he explains.
Peptides
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that help boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity. They can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while hydrating and firming the skin. Peptides are gentle and suitable for all skin types, making them an excellent alternative to retinol.
Secondly, use a good SPF, ideally factor 50, every day when using retinol as your skin will be more sensitive to the sun. It's also worth noting that many people who start using retinol can find they have more blemishes come up at the beginning of use, which is often referred to as skin purging.
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.
“Skin purging,” or the “retinol uglies” as it's also known, are terms used to describe an initial flare of sensitive skin and acne breakouts at the start of a retinoid treatment. Skin purging is common, but doesn't necessarily happen to everyone. In fact some people don't experience it at all.
In short, the retinol sandwiching technique is as follows:
Apply a layer of moisturiser to damp skin. Allow this to dry completely. Apply your retinol. After giving retinol time to absorb, finish your skincare routine with a second layer of moisturiser.
In fact, utilizing this face cleansing method is as simple as it sounds. Stemming from K-beauty (Korean beauty) skincare trends, double cleansing requires you to wash your face twice in a row. However, it's not only the act of cleansing twice that matters.
It's the result of an extensive skincare routine and naturally sourced hydrating extracts present in almost all Korean skincare ranges. For people who don't know, glass skin is flawless skin that is pore-less and translucent. It refers to almost baby-like bouncy skin because their skin is the healthiest.
CeraVe's retinol products are gentle enough to use every day. Whether you're wondering how to use retinol for acne, or looking to add an anti-aging serum to your skincare routine, or minimize the look of hyperpigmentation, we have a retinol formula just for you.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 Serum
If you're looking for a way to gradually introduce retinol to your routine, Medik8 is the route we'd recommend first. It's tiered system of retinal serums make for a fail-safe way to gradually up your skin's brightness, texture and resiliance to potent actives.
Sun sensitivity
Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to sun exposure, as retinoic acid can cause oxidative stress when exposed to UV rays. In contrast, Vitamin C is better equipped to withstand UV radiation.
A 0.5-percent concentration is a good baseline.
Sethi starts her patients on a 0.5-percent concentration of retinol, which is suitable for most skin types, she says. Dr. Ciraldo cautions against starting with anything higher; a very concentrated dose is likely to cause side effects.
This CeraVe serum retinol percentage is 0.3% encapsulated retinol..."
The best retinol serum for beginners is one with a lower dose or retinol percentage. Starting with a lower dose will make it easier for your skin to adjust, which means a reduced chance of experiencing temporary redness, peeling or dryness. You may then consider switching to a higher dose after your skin adjusts.