HELP! When should I start using retinol? (The million – dollar question)

If you're a skincare passionate, chances are you're familiar with the retinol. With its remarkable ability to combat the telltale signs of ageing, this ingredient has become a go-to tool for many seeking a youthful and radiant complexion. When it comes to combining ageing with retinol, timing is everything. Don't just jump into it after puberty because that's not the move. Let me spill the tea on this one!

Retinol usage: how often?

There's no set age to start using retinol, but most dermatologists advise incorporating retinol into your beauty regimen when you reach your late 20s or 30s and beyond. As we age, our skin undergoes various changes, including a decrease in elastin and collagen output.

What percentage of Retinol should I start with?

• Insufficient power – 0.01% to 0.03%

If you're new to retinol or if you've got dry and delicate skin, it's advisable to opt for a lower-strength retinol formula. Just apply once or twice a day and watch the magic happen!

• Mild force – 0.03% to 0.3%

If you're struggling with skin conditions like a lack of firmness and inconsistent complexion, it might be time to consider incorporating a more potent retinol. Begin with a modest consumption of two to three nights every week, then observe how the skin reacts.

• Ultra-potent – 0.3% - 1%

If you're experiencing facial wrinkles and a sloppy appearance, it's time to use a higher percentage of retinol cream, serum, or therapy! But what percentage is going to do the trick? 0.3% to 1% is where it's at for the best retinol composition.

Apply a small quantity of retinol, around the size of a pea, until your skin becomes used to the substance.

Procedures using Retinol

If you want bomb results, you have to apply retinol at night! It's the secret sauce for that flawless skin. One must pay close attention to the sensitivity of this item to light. That's why it is highly recommended to store it in a cool and dim place. If you apply this product in the morning, it attracts all light and causes further sunburn. Far from repairing it, it's just making things worse!

Step 1: Cleanser

Step 2: Toner

Step 3: Retinol

Step 4: Moisturizer

Step 5: Face oil

Side effects of Retinol

Despite everyone's skin is distinctive, its most frequent reactions are redness, dryness, itching, and hypersensitivity. These side effects are temporary and tend to fade away as your skin becomes acclimated to the wonders of retinol.

Ingredients can’t mix with Retinol

     1. AHA/BHA Acids

UV intolerance is an unfortunate consequence of using certain exfoliants, including salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid. With these chemicals, it's essential to include sunscreen in your beauty routine.

     2. Benzoyl Peroxide

Since their respective active components neutralise one another, combining benzoyl peroxide and retinol in a single treatment is ineffective. Using benzoyl peroxide in the daytime and retinol at bedtime reduces the way they interact.

     3. Vitamin C

Retinol, in contrast to vitamin C, is best administered at night as this helps to create elasticity and restore skin. Due to the diverse roles that each component plays, consuming vitamin C throughout the day is the ideal approach.