Rub a pea-sized amount of retinol into your skin. Avoid using more retinol than you need to since you could make your skin feel irritated and red. You do not need to wash retinol off after you apply it.
For how long should I leave retinol on my face? Since you'll be using it as part of your nightly skincare routine, you can leave it on all night while you sleep. In the morning, you don't need to wash it off - you can just rinse your face with water, and do your morning routine.
After applying retinol to your skin (while it's dry) allow it to sit for 10-20 minutes. Mist your face with water or a facial spray, and then apply your hyaluronic acid. (HA serums are most effective when they're applied to damp skin.)
Retinol should be applied to dry skin at night-time: Retinols should always be applied to dry skin as part of your night-time routine. This should always be the first product you apply after cleansing and toning. Always double cleanse at night if you've worn SPF/makeup in the day: This is non-negotiable.
The short answer is yes. "If you're overusing your retinol, or if you're using a retinol that's too strong for you, it can lead to peeling, irritation, and excessive dryness, which may have led to retinol's association with skin thinning," says Dr.
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.
Since you don't have to wash the retinol off after you put it on, you can let it absorb into your skin overnight while you're sleeping.
So, the last thing you want to do is further deprive your skin of moisture. "It is best to avoid other drying agents when using retinoids such as toners, astringents, and medicated cleansers. These products cause further irritation," mentioned Dr. Lipner.
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.
Skin experts always advocate applying actives on damp skin for better absorption. However the same rule does not apply to retinol. While you must ensure that you wash your face before application, make sure the skin is dry first. “On damp skin, the retinol will get absorbed more deeply and in turn cause irritation.
If you used products with potent actives at a very high percentage such as retinols or strong acids on your skin overnight, as a precaution, cleanse your face in the morning.
After applying your retinol product, it's best to wait roughly 10 minutes before moving on to the next step in your routine.
Integrate Retinol Slowly and Gently
She recommends starting off with a pea-sized amount of a low percentage over-the-counter formula (.01% to 0.03%), and using it “two times per week, slowly increasing the usage to give the skin a chance to acclimate.”
How do you start using retinol? At night, apply a pea-sized amount of your retinol product ideally 30 minutes after you've washed your face.
If you experience any side effects — like skin redness or dryness — then it's a good idea to back down to once every 2 or 3 nights. As your skin gets used to it, then you can work your way back to using it every night.
Use retinol once or twice a week at first to see how your skin reacts, and gradually work up to every other day or three times a week. Another key tip for using retinol is to incorporate it into your nighttime skincare routine only, as it makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Step 2: Wait a few minutes until your skin is completely dry. This is important, because if your skin is at all damp, the retinol will be able to absorb more deeply into your skin and might cause irritation. We want to apply moisturizers and serums to slightly damp skin, but never retinol.
Retinol Sandwich technique
A Retinol sandwich is just Retinol layered between two moisturiser treatments. Apply moisturiser on damp, cleaned skin to do this. Next, apply your Retinol product as indicated on the packaging, avoiding sensitive areas such as the eyes and mouth corners.
Important Tips When Incorporating Retinol into Your Beauty Routine. Mix your retinol with your moisturizer, or apply your moisturizer first and then your retinol. Always use sunscreen the morning after you apply retinol. Your skin will be especially sensitive to sunlight, so it's important to protect it.
Remember, leave at least 20 minutes between retinol products to let it fully absorb into the skin and always protect your skin during the day with a broad-spectrum, high SPF sunscreen.
Dr. Garshick says this is when you apply moisturizer first, then the retinoid, and then your moisturizer again on top. Remember — a retinoid can already cause undue dryness, so don't skimp when it comes to replenishing your skin's moisture.
STEP 5: APPLY YOUR RETINOL
You'll want to use clean, dry fingertips for application. We recommend starting at your chin and working your way up to your face. Use your fingertips to apply the product to your skin using gentle, outward, upward strokes. Never rub the skin, as this can lead to increased irritation.
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.
Apply retinol in a thin layer to your entire face (be careful not to get it in your mouth, nose and eyes). You should use a dose that's about the size of a pea. For the first couple weeks of treatment, apply retinol only every other day. Finish with a facial moisturizer that won't clog your pores (non-comedogenic).