Keeping your retinol moisturizer or benzoyl peroxide acne spot treatment in a dark and cool environment like the fridge will slow down the degradation of the active ingredient.
Note: Once opened, this formula should be refrigerated and used within a three-month period. Caution: Retinoids can make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation.
Retinol and vitamin C products
Make sure to leave some space in your fridge for your retinol and vitamin C skincare, as these antioxidants can degrade much quicker and become unstable when exposed to heat and sunlight. Storing these products in the fridge keeps the formulas stable and helps with preservation.
Anti-aging products with ingredients like retinol, glycolic acid and vitamin C can break down quickly and typically last nine months to one year, depending on how they're dispensed. Opt for vacuum-sealed products in air-tight pump bottles for a longer lasting product.
Storage. Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Retinol is a light-sensitive ingredient that can easily lose potency over time, often sooner than you expect. It all depends on the packaging, preservatives system, and how you store your product.
Unfortunately, there's no easy way to tell when a retinol has expired. "There's no magic indicator, no visible cue, no change in odor—nothing that you can see," says Randy Schueller, a cosmetic chemist and the founder of thebeautybrains.com.
Can you put retinol in the fridge? Just like vitamin C is beneficial but temperamental, since it oxidizes faster than other ingredients, retinol is another one to store in the fridge. Cooler temperatures will preserve the shelf-life plus keep ingredients as potent as possible for as long as possible.
At night we might be using night creams that contain actives such as retinol which are not recommended to be used in the morning so it is essential to wash your face in the morning to remove those residual creams/serum.
Oil-based products, including facial oils and makeup, should never be refrigerated. Hand and foot masks with shea butter should not go in the fridge. The cold temperatures can cause these products to harden and make them unusable. Clay products, like clay masks, shouldn't be placed in the fridge.
Heat, and light can speed up the expiration by weakening the active ingredient over time. Keeping your retinol moisturizer or benzoyl peroxide acne spot treatment in a dark and cool environment like the fridge will slow down the degradation of the active ingredient.
Goodies such as vitamin C serums, vitamin A derivatives, like retinol, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid must also be kept refrigerated to avoid oxidation, which can make them lose their effectiveness and cause them to turn yellow and smell funny.
Regardless of your skin type or which product you use first, a layer of moisturizer should always be applied after retinoids.
Retinol (leave to absorb for 10-20 minutes)
Retinol is also an ingredient that should be left to absorb sufficiently into the skin before following up with another product. “It is important to leave a 10-20 minute wait time before applying the next product.
“Retinol can be slightly inactivated by sunlight, making nighttime application ideal,” says Joshua Zeichner, a dermatologist at Mount Sinai Medical Center. Plus, because you aren't sweating or rubbing your skin as you sleep, overnight retinol can work its magic uninterrupted.
Don't Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. AHA and BHA acids are exfoliating, which can dry out the skin and cause further irritation if your skincare routine already includes retinol.
Retinol works for acne by preventing clogged pores. You may still see pimples for the first couple of months of treatment – your skin might even look worse (this is sometimes referred to as the retinol purge). But if you stick with it, you'll see clearer skin.
You should always apply retinol at night, after cleansing, and before your nighttime moisturizer. Five minutes is enough to wait for your retinol to sink in before applying moisturizer; you want to layer them, not mix them.
Should you use retinol under your eyes? Yes, definitely. While it is true that retinol – a form of vitamin A – is a powerful ingredient and the skin under your eyes is delicate, there's no reason why you should miss out on the amazing benefits of retinol.
Unlike other skincare products like vitamin C serums and some retinoids, you do not need to refrigerate hyaluronic acid to extend its shelf life. However, it does feel absolutely divine when kept at a cooler temperature.
Dry patches and peeling will likely happen when you use retinoids. Dr. Shamban recommends applying aloe gel or 1 percent hydrocortisone cream like CeraVe Anti-Itch Cream ($9, Amazon.com) during the day to help with flakiness and irritation.
Going overboard on the potent ingredient (known to cause irritation and dryness at high concentrations) can dry out your skin and make your wrinkles look more noticeable, says Rebecca Kazin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in Washington, D.C. Avoid this side ...