5 Essential Things to Know Before Using Retinol |
Posted: April 13, 2021 |
When it comes to anti-ageing, retinol is the ingredient that most skincare experts swear by. But even though you can easily buy this product from pharmaciess and beauty counters, it’s common to misuse or not use it all. The problem here is that most people who want to try retinol have many unanswered questions. And when they can’t find the right information, they hesitate to buy the product. Why is retinol an effective anti-ageing ingredient? Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative. Vitamin A is essential in cell renewal – which is why this potent ingredient became one of the holy grails of skincare. When added to products such as creams and serums, it can help promote healthy skin renewal, boost collagen production, improve tone, and reduce acne. Many products, such as SkinCeuticals retinol, come in a cream formulation. Other brands produce retinol-based serums. Apart from cosmetic brands, retinol is also available in pharmacies. This ingredient can also come in a prescription-grade formula from your dermatologist. So, what is the best way to incorporate retinol into your skin regimen? You can begin as early as your mid 20’s In general, your skin will show signs of ageing as soon as you hit thirty. But, your lifestyle can also accelerate skin ageing, especially if you love spending time under the sun. When you start noticing sunspots and crows-feet wrinkles, then it's time to start using retinol. A dermatologist can guide you through the process, especially if you feel more at peace with an expert's assistance. Add retinol to your skincare routine slowly You need balance to maximise the effect of retinol on your skin. If used too frequently or if the formula is too strong, it will irritate your skin. Dermatologists recommend a lower percentage of 0.1% up to 0.3% only. A small amount, no bigger than a pea should be applied to the skin. Don’t use retinol daily. You can begin by using it twice a week, and then slowly increase frequency as your skin adjusts to the product. Also, don’t use retinol if you’ve exfoliated your skin chemically or physically. It’s important to take breaks to avoid irritating your skin. When you’re already used to the ingredient, you can slowly graduate to a higher percentage or ask your dermatologist for a prescription-grade brand. Look out for intense side effects When using retinol, it’s normal to experience mild irritation such as redness and sun sensitivity. But if there’s harsh burning or intense peeling, stop using the product and consult a dermatologist. If your skin can’t tolerate the ingredient, you may need to stop using it and consider an anti-ageing alternative. Use it at night and always wear sunscreen during the day Retinol increases your skin's photosensitivity, which also means that using retinol during the day will decrease efficacy. Any product containing retinol or retinoids is best applied at night. During the day, you’ll need to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. Lastly, apply retinol not only on your face but also your neck area. This way, you can balance the anti-ageing effect of the ingredient. If your neck is too sensitive, you can mix the retinol with a moisturising cream.
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