What will retinol do for my face?

Author: Melany O'Reilly  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 3, 2022

Retinoids reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen. They also stimulate the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which improves skin color. Additional benefits include fading age spots and softening rough patches of skin.

How often should you use retinol on your face?

1) Always start slowly.

It can take time for your skin to get used to a retinoid. Start by applying it once or twice a week. As your skin adjusts, you can work your way up to using it nightly. Once you're comfortable with nightly use, you can consider increasing the strength.

What happens to your face when you start using retinol?

First-time retinol users have reported irritation, including redness, dryness, and peeling. If you use too high a strength or apply retinol more frequently than you should, you may experience further irritation, like itchiness and scaly patches.

How long does it take to see results from retinoids?

Generally, it takes a few weeks to see results, but some OTC options may require months of regular use. Most dermatologists said you'll need to use retinol for a few weeks before you see results, but you should see improvements by 12 weeks with most products.

Can you use retinol on your face everyday?

Is it safe to use retinol every day? For most people, yes — once your skin is used to it, that is. That said, there are some people who may not want to use it frequently or at all.

How to Use a Retinoid like a Dermatologist

Should I moisturize after retinol?

A formula with retinol, like the L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Eye Treatment, should be applied after your serums and before moisturizer due to its consistency.

Can you put retinol under eyes?

Should you use retinol under your eyes? Yes, definitely. While it is true that retinol – a form of vitamin A – is a powerful ingredient and the skin under your eyes is delicate, there's no reason why you should miss out on the amazing benefits of retinol.

How do you know if retinol is working?

Pending potency, OTC retinol can take up to six months to see results." That's not to say you won't see any benefits upon the first few uses. Nussbaum explains that in the short term, the benefits are that your skin will be exfoliated of dead skin cells and your pores will be unclogged.

Does retinol tighten skin?

Engelman agrees: "Retinol is the most potent ingredient that helps build collagen and elastin, which leads to tighter, smoother skin."This mixture has the added bonus of hyaluronic acid, which "can smooth, firm, and tighten the appearance of the skin," Dr. Bowe says.

Which retinol is best for beginners?

Jump To / Table of Contents
  • Dr. ...
  • CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum.
  • Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum.
  • FAB Skin Lab Retinol Serum 0.25%
  • Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment.
  • Skinceuticals Correct Retinol 0.3 Anti-Aging Night Cream.
  • SkinMedica Retinol 0.25 Complex.
  • The Inkey List Retinol.

What can you not mix with retinol?

Don't Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. AHA and BHA acids are exfoliating, which can dry out skin and cause further irritation if your skincare routine already includes retinol. As for benzoyl peroxide and retinol, they cancel each other out.

Can you overuse retinol?

“If you're overusing your retinol, or if you're using a retinol that's too strong for you, it can lead to peeling, irritation, and excessive dryness, which may have led to retinol's association with skin thinning,” she says.

What strength retinol should I use?

“Studies suggest you need to use at least 0.25% retinol or 0.025% tretinoin to be effective, so I recommend using a product that specifies the percentage.” When choosing a retinol product, Dr. Rogers says it's best to start with the lowest concentration before moving up. Another thing to consider is your skin type.

Do you need to wash retinol off in the morning?

Rouleau says the best time to use a scrub is in the morning. Overnight you've loosened up dead skin cells with your glycolic acid or retinol products, making the morning a perfect time to brush them off.

Should retinol be applied before or after moisturizer?

For prescription retinols, you'll typically apply this step onto dry skin before your moisturizer—but always check with your dermatologist. You may be advised to use it after a moisturizer, which buffers the retinol and lessens risk of irritation.

What age should you start using retinol?

Begin in Your Mid 20s or Early 30s

"Your mid-twenties are a great time to start using retinol," says Ellen Marmur, M.D. "Many patients who have used it for years swear by it."

Does retinol help with jowls?

Any retinol-based product will help with tightening, but this Dr Russo superserum has been devised specifically to provide increased firmness around the jawline within weeks.

Does retinol increase facial hair growth?

Gaboardi notes that retinol can work by increasing blood flow to hair follicles in the scalp, in turn encouraging hair growth.

Can you put retinol on eyelids?

But rather than using your standard retinol cream, it's best to use a product formulated specifically for the delicate skin around the eyes. "The under-eye area is quite sensitive as it is some of the thinnest skin on the body," explains New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Anthony Rossi.

How long should I leave retinol on my face?

Retinol (leave to absorb for 10-20 minutes)

Retinol is also an ingredient that should be left to absorb sufficiently into the skin before following up with another product. “It is important to leave a 10-20 minute wait time before applying the next product.

How long do the retinol uglies last?

Remember, that 'retinoid uglies' are likely to be temporary, and it will take time before you see the end result. You have three skin layers—the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. Your epidermis is your visible layer, and renews approximately every 28 days.

How do I get the best results from retinol?

How to Apply Retinol for Best Results
  1. Step 1: Wash your face and apply eye cream. ...
  2. Step 2: Wait a few minutes until your skin is completely dry. ...
  3. Step 3: Take a pea-size amount of your retinol and, starting at your chin, apply with your fingertips in upward and outward motions.
  4. Step 4: Finish with your moisturizer.

Can you put retinol on your neck?

Apply topical retinoids

Retinoids, which are topical vitamin A-based derivatives, may help reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing collagen production. If you use retinoids on your face, extend the treatment area to your neck and chest at night. Retinoid products are available by prescription or over the counter.

Does retinol help dark circles?

Retinol is the gold standard of anti-aging ingredients, and this silky serum has plenty of it. The vitamin A derivative works to stimulate collagen production under the eyes, making dark circles less visible.

Can you put retinol on your lips?

The problem is, retinol can be irritating when applied straight to the lips (so keep your prescription-strength cream off your mouth for the time being). But Verso's formula contains a gentle derivative, called retinol 8, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines around the mouth overtime.

Previous article
Are eggs good for hormonal acne?
Next article
How do you get rid of oily skin naturally?