How do I start using a Retinoid?
Easy! Retinoids are the most effective and most researched ingredient in the skincare world that proves results. Retinoids can come in different formulas such as tretinoin, retin-a, adapalene, retinol, and the most effective ones are those that your doctor will prescribe to you! In short, these ingredients build collagen in the skin, boost cell turnover and stimulate blood vessels to treat skin conditions like acne, wrinkles, and discolouration.
1. Let’s talk how to get started.
So you have either purchased a retinol or have a prescription like tretinoin and the best thing to do is start with the lowest percentage. I really like the Skinceuticals retinol 0.3 to start as it’s even more gentle than a prescription 0.025. Then, you’ll start by applying once a week for two weeks, twice a weeks for the next two weeks and then three times for the next two weeks after that. If your skin is tolerating the formula well, you can bump it up to 4-5 times a week and this is a great place to maintain for a few months until you start to really see results!
2. Next is making sure your skin is tolerating the new powerful ingredient well and like I said above, start slow. Another way to ease into it is to “sandwich” the product between layers of moisturizer to help dilute. You can also wait 15 min after washing your face to ensure the skin is dry before applying to decrease irritation. Irritation will look like red, itchy, flaky and sensitized skin. If this does happen to your skin, just cut back usage even more!!
3. The next thing I’m going to say, I need you to ensure that you’ll keep up with and make sure you have a good one of…. It’s Sunscreen. If you aren’t using sunscreen during retinol use, you are further damaging the new skin that is being brought to the surface and causing your initial issues to worsen. SO PROTECT THAT SKIN!! Every single morning and every two hours after initial application, slather on your favourite sunscreen. I’ll be posting very soon a selection of phenomenal sunscreens if you need help finding one.
4. When starting to use a heavy “active” ingredient like a retinoid, it’s important to remember to dial it back with other actives. Ingredients like Glycolic acid, Vitamin C, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid. These will irritate your skin and damage your barrier if you use them the same routine as a retinoid and even if you simply over exfoliate with AHA’s and BHA’s, your barrier will not be happy. Keeping your skin barrier happy is essential or else your skin will never maintain it’s moisture and hydration content and your skin won’t heal.
5. Next tip: Patience.
This is key because retinol is not a cure and especially not an overnight cure. I have been using retinoids since November (it’s now March) and I’m still not seeing the full results I want. Six months is a great goal to work towards. This gives your skin enough time to really get built back up again and turned over enough that those issues like wrinkles, dark spots and acne are smoothed out.
Feeling more ready to dive in? I truly hope so!