In the world of skincare, retinol sits on top of the list when it comes to the skincare world, it's known as the powerhouse, the crowned king of all skincare. Widely known to be the most active form of Vitamin A, it’s a multitasking ingredient that targets almost every concern: from reducing acne and fading hyperpigmentation to boosting collagen and smoothing fine lines. With benefits this good, it can be tempting to use it. But before you do, here’s a simple guide on when and how to start using retinol.
Use It Slowly
Retinol is an active ingredient, and if your skin isn't used to it, you may face some irritation and dryness. Apply it one to two times a week, maximum to help your skin build tolerance.
After about four weeks, you can increase it to three times a week only if your skin handled it well and you didn’t experience any irritation.
Only Use it at Night
Retinol breaks down under sunlight, which makes it less effective and increases the risk of irritation and skin peeling. Always apply it at night, and follow with sunscreen the next morning to avoid any side effects.
Moisturize Generously After Using
Since retinol is all about skin renewal, it is crucial to moisurize your skin deeply after using it. Lather on your favourite moisturizer, preferably with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides
Expect a “Purging” Phase
Pimples started to show? No worries. Retinol speeds up cell turnover, bringing clogged pores to the surface, so don't worry if some pimples started to appear, your skin is starting to adapt to the retinol, and your skin should be clear after 2 weeks of using it.
Don't Mix it with Other Active Ingredients
Yes, it’s tempting to try every skincare product on the market, ket, but retinol doesn’t play well with everything. Avoid pairing it with other strong actives like AHAs, BHAs, or vitamin C in the same routine — this can cause irritation, redness, and sensitivity.
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