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.
The basic idea of how to sandwich retinol or a retinoid (the technique gets its name from the layers involved in the application method) is this: apply a layer of moisturizer to clean skin; wait about 10 minutes; use a thin layer of retinol or a retinoid; and immediately top it off with another layer of moisturizer to ...
? The Sandwich
A technique that I personally love (and lots of drier skin folks love) is applying your moisturizer as a buffer, then apply your tretinoin, and lastly, seal it all in with another layer of moisturizer.
Peredo suggests applying a moisturizer or hyaluronic acid in gel form around 30 minutes after applying retinol so that the treatment can dry and soak into the skin before moisturizing. For those with dry or sensitive skin, Hirsch suggests using a hyaluronic acid serum prior to retinol.
A moisture sandwich is a product layering method that traps hydration into the skin and lips. It involves placing lighter formulas on a damp face, then layering on thicker ones to seal in the water.
Basically, it's where you give somebody a compliment, then you give them some critical feedback, and then you close with another compliment. For example: Compliment: Bob, you're just so talented. You're so smart and you do such a good job.
The sandwich technique is probably one of the most popular ways to give criticism to someone. Unfortunately, it's still widely used in corporate settings and applied to correct misbehavior. Except that it does not correct anything at all being usually off-the-rack.
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.
Should I use Hyaluronic Acid before or after Retinol? 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.
The majority of TikTok videos are pro this skincare trend, but what do the experts say? “The “retinol sandwich” method does protect against potential irritation caused by applying retinol to the skin,” says Dr Phillips. “Applying retinol over moisturiser can help prevent dryness, itching, redness, and flaking.”
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.
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 (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.
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.
Do Layer Retinol with Hyaluronic Acid. Retinol and hyaluronic acid are safe and effective when layered and used together. Hyaluronic acid, found naturally in our bodies, is a powerful humectant, which means that it keeps skin hydrated and plump.
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.
According to Dr. Ellen Marmur, founder of MMSkincare, “if you are looking for a hydration boost and anti-inflammatory, then hyaluronic acid is the right choice. If you are looking to combat wrinkles and aging, then retinol is the better choice.”
“In the evening, cleanse, apply retinol, and then your hyaluronic acid moisturizer to lock in moisture.” If you opt for a hyaluronic acid serum rather than a moisturizer, you can apply it right before you moisturize.
In the morning, after applying your vitamin C serum, follow it with a layer of hydrating hyaluronic acid. In your nightly routine, apply hyaluronic acid serum before retinol, as it can increase its effectiveness while also helping to lock moisture in for maximum hydration.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, if your retinol is irritating your skin, you should apply a thin layer of moisturizer before applying it to give your skin a little barrier. If your retinol is not irritating your skin, then depending on the formula, you can apply it before your moisturizer.
Apply moisturizer first, then apply retinol Moisturizer or serum then apply the mixture to the skin at the same time. The above methods will help reduce the permeability/concentration of retinol (reduce the penetration of active ingredients) and make the skin softer.
It's perfectly safe and very effective to incorporate both retinol and vitamin C into your skincare routine, as long as you use them at different times of the day.
The Feedback Sandwich method is when you open your feedback with positive comments, followed by the main message, and then some final positive comments. It's a longstanding way of communicating constructive criticism. But some critics think it mutes the message or overprotects the recipient.