Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative that is considered a gold standard ingredient in the skincare industry, especially for its age-defying qualities. If you’re exploring retinol for beginners, it’s important to understand what it is and how to use it correctly.
It comes from the family of Retinoids, which is an umbrella term for all Vitamin A derivatives. While prescription-strength retinoids are available through a dermatologist, retinol is a type of retinoid that is widely employed in skin care products and is easily available over the counter, making it an excellent starting point.
It has innumerable and amazing benefits for the skin, especially if you are dealing with the signs of ageing, hyperpigmentation, and acne marks.
They include:
- Preventing Acne and Breakouts
- Controlling Sebum Production
- Increasing Cell Turnover
- Stimulating Collagen Production
- Evening out skin tone
- Diminishing fine lines and wrinkles
Retinol, with its incredible benefits, can be a game-changer for your skin. However, a successful experience with retinol for beginners depends on a few key rules you must be aware of before including it in your skincare regimen.
1. Always Start Slowly
This is the most crucial rule of retinol for beginners. If it’s your first time using retinol, our experts at our Toronto Spa location recommend that you start slowly. In the beginning, use it only once or twice a week at night and observe how your skin reacts. Gradually, if your skin feels comfortable, you can move to every other night and eventually work your way up to nightly use as your skin’s tolerance builds.
2. Use a Pea-Size Amount
Retinol when used for the first time can cause irritation and dryness. This is because it works by accelerating skin cell renewal, bringing new skin to the surface faster. Our experts recommend you start with a very small amount at first. A pea-sized amount of product is enough for your entire face. Overusing retinol will not speed up your results. Instead, it can damage your skin barrier and lead to unwanted irritation.
3. Avoid Using it With Strong Ingredients
Since retinol is a powerful active ingredient, it is better to avoid using it in the same routine as other strong ingredients. On the nights you use retinol, avoid products with high concentrations of salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and strong chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid. Try to keep your skincare routine simple and gentle when using retinol.
4. Be prepared for the Dryness
Retinol can cause your skin to become dry and flaky, especially in the first few weeks. For people with extremely dry and sensitive skin, our certified dermatologists at our Yorkville Spa do not recommend its use without professional consultation. For others, our experts advise you to moisturize your skin adequately with a gentle, nourishing moisturizer after applying retinol.
Expert Tip: How to Buffer Your Retinol
For those with sensitive skin or for extra precaution, you can “buffer” the retinol to reduce its intensity. This involves mixing the pea-sized amount of retinol directly with your moisturizer before applying it. Alternatively, you can apply your moisturizer first as a protective barrier, and then apply your retinol on top. This technique allows your skin to acclimate more gently.
5. Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Since retinol enhances cell turnover, it reveals fresh, new skin cells that are more vulnerable to sun damage. Therefore, you must protect your skin with an SPF of 30 or above every single day. Even if you are only using retinol in your night routine, wearing your SPF during the day is absolutely essential to protect your progress and prevent sun damage.
6. Where Retinol Fits in Your Evening Routine
Knowing the correct order of application is key to getting the best results. Our experts recommend this simple, effective evening routine for retinol for beginners:
- Step 1: Cleanse: Gently wash your face to remove makeup, dirt, and oil. Pat your skin dry.
- Step 2: Apply Retinol: Take a pea-sized amount and apply it in a thin, even layer across your face, avoiding the immediate eye area and lips.
- Step 3: Moisturize: Wait a few minutes for the retinol to absorb, then apply a gentle, hydrating moisturizer to lock in hydration and minimize potential dryness.
7. Give It Some Time
It may take up to 12 weeks for retinol to show its full, amazing results. Do not give up on it. Initially, you may experience some dryness, itching, irritation, and peeling, but these side effects will slowly go away as your skin adjusts, revealing a smooth, soft, and even complexion in a few months.
Planning a Professional Skin Treatment?
As a final note, at our Toronto HydraFacial Spa, we always recommend our clients stop using retinol for one week before their appointment for a Leslieville HydraFacial, skin laser, or any other professional resurfacing procedure. Retinol can make your skin too sensitive for these highly effective facial treatments. Always consult with your esthetician or dermatologist about your skincare routine before any professional service.
