Looking to add a retinoid into your routine?
These retinol for beginners tips and products will make the process as painless as possible.
What is retinol?
Retinoids, in general, are vitamin-A derivatives that are used to address signs of aging and treat acne.
Retinol provides many benefits to the skin, including increasing cellular turnover, enhancing collagen, and lightening pigmentation.
For acne, it helps to shrink the sebaceous glands, which help to decrease oil and sebum.
board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles
While effective, retinol can cause irritation as you first start to use it, warns Dr. Zeichner.
Dryness, peeling, and sensitivity may arise for those who are just beginning to use their retinol products.
While retinol is beneficial for most skin types, its irritation-inducing properties mean that its not necessarily for everyone.
What to look for in a beginner retinol product
1.
Dermatologists recommend starting with a mild over-the-counter formulationsomething around 0.5 percent often works best.
Once your skin has adjusted to the ingredient, you could increase the percentage to something more potent.
Moisturizing formulas
Another way to reduce irritation from retinol is to use formulas that are inherently hydrating.
How to introduce retinol into your routine
1.
Start slowly
In the very beginning, use your retinol every other night.
board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles
Using retinol is a marathon, not a sprint, says Dr. Zeichner.
Once you feel like your skin has adjusted to the product, you might start using it every night.
Only use a little bit of product
Dont overuse your retinol.
You only need to use a pea-sized amount of product for an entire face.
More is not better in this case, confirms Dr. Wang.
Some recommend applying a moisturizer first, while others recommend moisturizing afterward, he explains.
You also can make a retinol sandwich where retinol is applied in between two layers of a moisturizer.
This option combines a stabilized form of retinol along with niacinamide, says Dr. Zeichner.
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that soothes the skin and evens the skin tone.
This powerhouse formula utilizes bakuchiol, a potent-yet-gentle retinol alternative that gives eyes a brighter, firmer appearance.
Simply smooth the formula along your eye area each night before bed for the best results.
Obagi Retinol 0.5 $65.00
This cream-based formula is a dermatologist-favorite for a reason.
Its also packed with hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil and shea butter, reducing the risk of irritation.
…
Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.
