How To Start Using Retinol? : Retinol Guide For You

Famous for its milder effects and enhanced benefits in halting aging skin, retinol is a product that is typically found over the counter in pharmacies and skincare stores around the world. A powerful form of Vitamin A, it has found its way into many routines due to its versatility. If you haven’t caught on to the trend of retinol quite yet, you might want to think again. Unlike other retinoids, this is a product that welcomes many skin types to reap its anti-aging capabilities.

When Should You Start Using Retinol?

For the most part, any skin type can utilize the benefits of retinol. Those more prone to skin sensitivity and reactions to products should give their skin more time to adapt to retinol.

Over the years, skincare users have begun to realize the effects of using retinol as young as in their teens, particularly for those struggling with acne. Generally, you can begin incorporating retinol into your daily routine in your mid-20s and as late as your early 30s. This is when collagen levels in the skin begin to decrease at a faster rate, causing fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. For those using it for conditions such as acne, retinol’s long-term benefits have been wise to continue even after the acne or dark spots have cleared up.

What Are the Benefits of Retinol?

There’s a reason so many swear on retinol to solve their aging woes. The Vitamin A derivative has been known to help improve skin texture and elasticity, diminish dark spots, and increase collagen production. By thickening the dermis, or the layer below the skin’s surface, our skin gains healthy benefits from retinol’s ability to retain that youthful appearance.

On top of assisting with skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation and acne, retinol is also used by many to rescue them from clogged pores, dull skin, and dehydration. Be sure to get into the habit of drinking enough water throughout the day to maintain a healthy cycle. The National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom recommends 6 to 8 cups of water each day, or at least some form of liquid. If opting for water alternatives, try sparkling water or adding a fruity flavor to your drink, such as lemon or lime.

How To Apply Retinol To Your Skincare Routine

Before retinol becomes an everyday staple in your routine, you should start with a small amount of the derivative to test patch. It’s best to do this on an area of the body you’re not concerned about showing side effects, such as your forearm. That way, if you experience undesirable irritation, it won’t be noticeable.

If you experience irritated, red, or flaky skin, try mixing retinol with your preferred moisturizer at least once or twice a week. As your skin becomes familiar with the formula, you can work your tolerance up to every other day or three times a week.

It’s important to note that retinol should only be applied in your PM skincare routine. This is due to the skin’s increased sensitivity when exposed to sunlight. To avoid any unwanted issues, apply an alternative such as Vitamin C or collagen-boosting serum in your AM routine. Always remember your sunscreen before walking out the door, ideally an SPF 50 formula and above that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Though it’s easy to stop at your face when doing skincare, don’t forget about your neck and décolletage area! They need some love, too. These areas of the skin are often overlooked and can also begin to show signs of aging once collagen production begins to decrease. Products such as ceramide-enriched moisturizers are a haven for these particular areas, leaving your skin’s barrier well-equipped.

Can You Use Retinol When Pregnant?

You should never apply retinol on the skin when pregnant. You will have to swap your skincare products out for safer alternatives, such as gentle cleansers and products that are fragrance-free. It’s better to be safe, as the effects of retinol on fetal development continue to be researched and are not confirmed to be healthy for the baby.

Argireline and bakuchiol are just a few options that don’t cause irritation or increased skin sensitivity, unlike retinol. Since argireline interferes with neurotransmitters responsible for muscle movement, it is one of several peptides that don’t get absorbed into the bloodstream.  

What Are the Side Effects of Retinol?

Overuse of retinol on the skin can cause the skin to reject the formula, resulting in symptoms such as dehydration and redness. This can also occur if the skin isn’t prepped enough before the application of the product. Mixing retinol with harsh ingredients including exfoliators and other acne treatments may also instigate a bad reaction in the skin.

Even if you don’t overuse retinol, some skincare users may notice effects right away if they are more prone to sensitive skin. If you’re not sure, a low dose of around 0.025% is a great place to start when looking at the ingredients list. There are encapsulated retinol products available to those specifically with sensitive skin and beginners in skincare. Not only does it work more efficiently, but it avoids signs of irritation and penetrates deeper beneath the skin’s outer layers.

Conclusion : retinol guide

There are countless methods out there when it comes to crafting the right skincare routine for you. While some might enjoy toners after cleansing the skin, others might want to end their routine with facial oils after applying serums such as retinol.

One of the most important things to take into consideration when starting with retinol is to be patient. For some users, it may take up to 12 weeks to start experiencing desired results. When it comes to retinol, it’s most definitely not about instant gratification but provides its most glorious benefits to those who wait.