I am not a doctor, so please use this as advice to take to a professional who will know your specific situation in adding retinol into your skincare routine safely.
If you\’ve heard the buzz about retinol but aren\’t sure how to add it to your skincare routine, you\’re not alone. This potent ingredient is famous for its ability to speed up cell turnover, fight the signs of aging, and even out skin tone. But like all powerful products, it can be a bit of a shock to your skin if you don’t introduce it the right way. By starting slow and following a few simple steps, you can make retinol a key part of your routine and enjoy its benefits without causing unnecessary irritation.
Patch test
By doing a simple patch test, it can help you avoid any potential irritations or allergic reactions.
Apply a small amount of the product to a discreet area of your skin, like the inside of your wrist or behind your ear, and wait 24 hours. If you notice any redness, itching, burning, or any of these other signs of irritation, you’ll know that the product isn’t right for you. A patch test gives you peace of mind and prevents you from applying something that could harm your skin.
Start with a low strength
Retinol can be powerful, and your skin needs time to get used to it. Starting with a low strength, or 0.25% or 0.5%, allows your skin to adjust gradually. If you’ve never used retinol before, this is particularly important. Jumping straight to a high concentration can cause irritation, redness, and peeling. Once your skin builds tolerance (usually after a few weeks), you can slowly increase the concentration.
Application tips
Start with a pea-sized amount for your whole face and gently massage it in after cleansing and drying your skin. It is best applied to clean, dry skin to prevent irritation. Using a retinol cream is best in the evening because it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Avoid using it around sensitive areas like your eyes and mouth at first—these areas are more prone to irritation. As your skin gets used to retinol, you can experiment with layering it into your routine on alternate nights or just a couple of times a week to avoid overloading your skin.
Always use sunscreen the day after
Retinol encourages your skin to renew itself, which means it can leave your skin more vulnerable to the sun. Always make sure to apply sunscreen in the morning after using retinol, even if it’s cloudy. If you skip this step, you risk undoing all the benefits retinol provides, as you’ll be more prone to sun damage and pigmentation. With 1 in 5 Americans developing skin cancer in their lifetime, it’s important to be safe. Treat sunscreen as a non-negotiable part of your morning skincare routine, especially when using retinol.
On the road to healthy skin
As you can see, retinol has some great skincare benefits. Gradually easing it into your skincare regime means you’ll be able to reap its rewards: clearer, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin. Most importantly, you’ll also avoid the frustration of irritation.