How do I introduce retinol to my skin?

To acclimate your skin to the retinol, start using it twice a week (every three days) in the evenings. If you aren’t experiencing any redness or flakiness the next day, you can bump it up to every other day—and then even every day if your skin can handle it.

Which retinol should I begin with?

“Studies suggest you need to use at least 0.25\% retinol or 0.025\% tretinoin to be effective, so I recommend using a product that specifies the percentage.” When choosing a retinol product, Dr. Rogers says it’s best to start with the lowest concentration before moving up. Another thing to consider is your skin type.

How do I prepare my skin before retinol?

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1. Always do a gentle cleanse. Above all, you want to ensure the skin is properly cleansed before even thinking about using retinol.
2. Try a gentler version first.
3. Use moisturizer to your advantage.
4. Don’t overdo it.
5. Avoid other harsh ingredients.
6. Stick to cream formulations.
7. Train your skin.
8. Be patient.

At what age should you start using retinol in a skincare routine?

Retinol. Best age to start: 25 (This is when elastin production starts to slow down.) Signs you need it: When you start seeing dynamic wrinkles—the lines you get when your muscles contract—such as frown lines, crow’s feet, or laughter lines.

What do you apply first niacinamide or retinol?

If you’re using these ingredients in separate products, it’s recommended to apply niacinamide first and to then follow with retinol. Applying niacinamide first can help protect your skin from the effects of retinol.

What percentage of retinol should a beginner use?

“Studies suggest you need to use at least 0.25\% retinol or 0.025\% tretinoin to be effective, so I recommend using a product that specifies the percentage,” Dr. Rogers explains. When choosing a retinol product for the first time, it’s best to start with the lowest concentration before moving up.

What can you not mix with retinol?

Don’t Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. AHA and BHA acids are exfoliating, which can dry out skin and cause further irritation if your skincare routine already includes retinol. As for benzoyl peroxide and retinol, they cancel each other out.

Which comes first niacinamide or retinol?

What should you not use retinol with?

Can you put niacinamide and retinol together?

Using niacinamide before retinol works well. So does combining them into one product. A 2016 study found that a product containing retinol, niacinamide, hexylresorcinol, and resveratrol improved fine lines, sallowness, wrinkling, hyperpigmentation, and skin tone.

Does retinol really work?

The Way Retinoids Work. Retinoids work by prompting surface skin cells to turn over and die rapidly, making way for new cell growth underneath. They hamper the breakdown of collagen and thicken the deeper layer of skin where wrinkles get their start, Jacob says. It’s not true, Farris says, that retinoids thin the skin.

What does retinol really do for your skin?

Retinol also works by increasing cellular turnover – that is, increasing the rate at which old skin cells are replaced by new ones. Finally, retinol is also an antioxidant – it stops reactive free radicals, generated by UV exposure or toxins in the environment, from wreaking havoc in your skin.

Is retinol bad for your skin?

While retinol is suitable for everyone, different strengths are appropriate for different skin types. Retinol can by damaging if your skin is sensitive, enhancing inflammation and causing eczema, rosacea and peeling.

Should you use a retinol?

Summary: Yes retinol but no smoking! Use of retinols is appropriate for all age groups and may help stabilize acne prone skin in teenagers as well as helping prevent fine lines and excessive freckling. The absolute best thing that any female can do for her skin is to avoid cigarette smoking and the diligent use of sun screens.