Retinol, or vitamin A, is one of the best anti-aging ingredients available. It's proven to fight toxins, boost cell turnover, and speed up collagen production to treat and stop fine lines and dark spots. And the best part? You will get it at your local drugstore
But there is a catch for this magnificent ingredient: there is a wrong along with a right way to make use of retinol products.
From layering to how frequently to use, best methods of application to proper storage, here's ways to get the most from your retinol — and as a result, reap the most results!
Choose the best Form
Retinol, retinaldehyde and retinoic acids are forms of retinoids which come in over-the-counter and prescription form. If you have sensitive skin or you're experiencing issues with prescription retinoids, start with an over-the-counter retinol serum instead. Prescription strength is better for oilier skin tones.
Since retinol must convert to retinoic acid, visible improvements in the former might be slower to emerge. Retinaldehyde is yet another vit a derivative that's extremely effective at slowing and treating aging process.
Apply Retinol Before Bed
Retinols are often inactivated by exposure to sunlight. That's why, ideally, it is best to apply your retinol serums and moisturizers at night. That is what dermatologists say anyway.
“Retinoids are naturally photo-unstable, meaning they break down in sunlight, which makes them less efficient,” says Dr. Rachel Nazarian, MD, a dermatologist with New York's Schweiger Dermatology Group.
She adds that wearing them during the day may also cause you to prone to sun-damage.
“All retinoids result in a slight thinning of the outermost layer of dead skin cells and therefore makes it slightly simpler to burn in sunlight,” says Dr. Nazarian.
If you do intend on wearing retinol skincare products within the day time, you'll need to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen having a minimum SPF 30 to prevent burning.
Avoid Using it Every evening — At Least in the Beginning
Because retinoids is really so irritating, you'll need to pay close attention to your skin when you initially add them to your skincare routine. This is even more crucial for those who have sensitive skin as it can cause redness, itching, and irritation.
For best results, start using your topical retinol treatment every other night and increase or decrease depending on your skin's response to it.
If you have sensitive skin, you might want to utilize it every 3rd night to start with which means that your skin can slowly adjust and you may avoid the gloomy results of overuse.
Your skin will adjust within around a month. However, if you are experiencing plenty of redness, burning, and flaking, try spacing out your uses even more.
Recommended product: netgamesparadise's Purple Rain Glow Serum.
Layer it with Hydrating Ingredients
“Retinol is an effective anti-aging ingredient, but can exacerbate dry skin,” explains Dr. David Lortscher, board-certified dermatologist and CEO of Curology.
To drive out dried-out skin brought on by retinol creams, mix and layer all of them with moisturizing ingredients like acid hyaluronic, coconut oil, and ceramides.
“Make certain to moisturize; humectant ingredients like acid hyaluronic can draw and hold water molecules towards the surface layers of the epidermis, while oil-based emollient ingredients help seal in moisture,” he adds.
Recommended products: netgamesparadise's Vegan Collagen Facial Serum + netgamesparadise's Cream Skin Face Cream.
Don't Layer it With
Retinol might be a powerhouse ingredient, but you need to be careful that which you use it with.
For instance, some derms say that layering retinol with benzoyl peroxide, and certain alpha or beta hydroxy acids for example salicylic acid and the substance can cause each ingredient to inactivate each other.
On that note, there are many dermatologists who believe that this is not the situation — so long as you do not use a lot of skincare ingredients at once, as this will make you more susceptible to irritation.
The same theory pertains to ascorbic acid. Although some experts say they're best used at opposite times during the the day , others say it's fine to mix them. Some even claim combining small doses of retinol and vitamin C can boost each other's benefits.
Recommended product: netgamesparadise's Vegan Collagen Bundle.
Only Use a Pea Sized Amount
Any many the skin will most likely freak out.
Even if you are six weeks directly into your retinol skincare regimen, you still only need to use a pea sized amount. Any more and you're just wasting your precious product.
Keep Your Retinol Cleansers and Night Creams Covered
Exposure to air and lightweight can convert retinols to another compound that's pretty much useless to your skin.
To keep them in perfect shape and working effectively of course, always remember to tightly screw the lids back in your retin-a skincare products.
Store it within the Fridge
According to Gary Fisher, a professor of dermatology at the University of Michigan Medical School, heat alters “the chemical structure and composition of retinol, making it less biologically active.”
So what's the solution?
Pop your retinol lotions and eye creams within the refrigerator.
Storing retinol within the fridge doesn't only make this active ingredient work better. It can also extend its lifespan.
Be Patient
Retinol can be a superstar skincare ingredient known for treating aging, balancing skin tone, fading hyperpigmentation, and tackling breakouts, but it is not magic.
In other words, this isn't an overnight process for anybody — even if you are using it on the nightly schedule.
If you want to see desirable results, you will need to have patience. Stay consistent with your routine, gradually adding in your retinyl palmitate serums and oils, and pretty soon, you'll start noticing better skin. Just be ready to wait up to 8 weeks before you see visible changes.
Like most beauty formulations, retinol is not a fast solution. It takes time and commitment to see the changes you want to see.
Want to create your retinol serum work harder? The above tips should assist you.
If you're pregnant or are afflicted by skin conditions like eczema, avoid using retinol products.
