To get the best results from retinol without overwhelming your skin, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to introduce it into your routine:
The Rule of Start Low and then Progress up
While using retinol for the first time begins with the application of a small amount of the product to your skin.
It can then be used once or twice a week at night. These allow your skin to acclimatize with the strong results that come with the use of retinol without experiencing extreme results.
For the face, just one pea-sized quantity should be enough, as a moisturizer.
It is important not to be mistaken at this point and believe that if you create more of the product it will be quicker – it won’t be. Rather it adds to the probability of irritation.
Choose the Right Strength
Retinol has different concentrations on the market and the beginning with the right concentration is important.
If you’re still inexperienced in using retinol apply the slightest concentration, which is 0.25% or 0.5%.
Such percentages are beneficial, but anything higher can be irritating for a new user and may lead to redness or peeling.
After your skin gets used to the lower percentage you can then switch to the higher percentage.
But be cautious we always have to wait for our turn and others should do the same. You will not achieve any results in a short period, but if you are constant, you will reap big.
When and How to Use Retinol: Step by Step
When it comes to skin care, especially antiaging products, proper use is paramount and cannot be
said about retinol. When using the product, ensure your face is clean and free from makeup and oil
and your skin is perfectly dry. When applied on damp skin, retinol may cause irritation because when the skin is damp it is capable of absorbing more product than when it is dry.
This is because retinol is sensitive and using it after washing your face will only strip off all the oils
from your face. In this way, you can reduce inflammation or dryness after hair removal by following this suggestion.
Wear gloves, Use Lotion, Wear gloves
Moisturising is usually the final step in most products to achieve good skin health as retinol can dry the skin.
When you have used your retinol product, make sure you use a moisturizing cream on your face or any other
affected area. This will waterproof the skin and aid in eliminating formation of flakes or skin irritation.
For those with the sensitive skin, they use the “sandwich method” which entails applying a thin layer of a moisturizer before and after of applying the retinol. This can assist reduce the consequences of retinol and can doable make it less chop-chop sensible for skin types which are sensitive.
Don’t Forget Sunscreen
Although this skincare product contains retinol it is advisable to wear some sunscreen when going out
during the bright sun. However, even you are only applying retinol at night, your skin will still be more delicate to UV rays.
You should start applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to your skin in the morning to prevent skin problems.
This step will also minimize any more harm from the retinol and allow your skin to get all the benefits it needs from it without getting a sunburn or getting darker.
Be Patient and Consistent
This is one of the most common missteps that people make with retinol – they use it and never see the results come.
Retinol is really effective when it comes to anti aging, however, after going through the reviews,
it was evident retinol takes its time before it shows the results. It might only take up to 4-6 weeks
to get that clear, refined skin but to get that of a youthful glow, men may need to commit to a few months of skincare.
Staying on it is important since changes may not be seen within the first weeks of practice, depending on the program being followed. After sometime, the retinol will do its wonders of making the skin healthier and much younger.
Avoid Harsh Products
Especially when using retinol, it is advisable to steer clear of other products that might cause irritation such as chemical peels or benzoyl peroxide. These can be too harsh when used together with retinol which leads to increased sensitivity of the skin.
With the transition to using a product containing retinol, ensure that you use mild cleanser, moisturizer and hydrating serum. This way if your skin becomes irritated with the retinol, you can slowly and surely add other items back into your process if necessary.
