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.
After applying your retinol product, it's best to wait roughly 10 minutes before moving on to the next step in your routine.
Retinol before Moisturizer
To use retinol before a moisturizer, wash the face and when completely dry, apply a pea-size amount of retinol. Retinol should not be used on damp skin because the skin will absorb more than required and cause irritation.
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.
Applying your moisturizer first creates an extra layer between your skin and the retinoid. This will reduce dryness while still allowing the retinoid to do its thing! If you're looking to experiment with moisturizing before and after applying a retinoid, the “sandwich” method may be just what your skin needs!
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.
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).
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.
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.
“If you forget to moisturize while using retinol, your risk of sensitivity is higher,” Dr. Shah says. Also, avoid using retinol every day right off the bat — you'll want to increase use as your skin builds tolerance.
In fact, retinoids work best if you use them daily. Specifically, try to use them at night because light and air deactivate some types. 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.
To achieve the best results, you should wait for a few minutes (around one to five minutes) after applying moisturizer before applying primer.
Serum and Moisturizer: 1 minute
Goldenberg's go-to recommendation for timing between serums and moisturizers is about one minute.
You should use hyaluronic acid after retinol. And to maximise the benefits, you should use retinol first and then wait at least 30 minutes before applying hyaluronic acid.
To be specific, you cannot mix retinol with AHAs (Glycolic Acid Toner, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid Treatment, Apple Cider Vinegar Acid Peel), BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum, C-50 Blemish Night Treatment), PHA Toner.
Don't mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide (BPO) or alpha and beta hydroxy acids, otherwise known as AHAs and BHAs (glycolic acid and salicylic acid). Layering these products one after the other could cause irritation.
You can use retinol with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Retinol tends to cause dryness and irritation, while hyaluronic acid and niacinamide hydrate the skin and maintain your skin's function as a protective barrier. Do not combine retinol with AHAs, BHAs, or Vitamin C.
We recommend following the 1-2-3 rule: apply retinol once a week for one week, twice a week for two weeks, three times for three weeks, then move towards every second night if there are no side effects happening.
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.
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 that the skin under your eyes is delicate, there's no reason why you should miss out on the amazing benefits of retinol.
Things You Should Know
Rub a pea-sized amount of retinol cream into clean, dry skin. Work the retinol in using gentle upward and outward strokes. Use retinol every 2–3 days, and increase the frequency if you don't have redness or irritation. Wear SPF 30 sunscreen to keep your skin protected after using it.
You should apply retinol before your moisturizer. Once you've applied retinol, wait about 30 minutes for it to fully absorb into your skin. Then, you can moisturize! That said, you can also intentionally dilute the retinol to minimize chances of irritation.