How to Layer Retinol Correctly – The Ultimate Night-time Regime
If you’re investing in your skincare products, it’s important that you apply them correctly. Applying skincare products in the correct order ensures you get the most out of ingredients and achieve the best results from the product. With ingredients such as acids, retinol and antioxidants to consider, as well as a host of different formulas (creams, serums, oils), it can feel like a minefield for the initiated. Retinol is one ingredient in particular that causes a lot of confusion. As transformative as retinol products are, there is such a thing as the right application method. Here’s what you need to know in order to get the most out of it.
What is retinol?
Let’s begin by understanding what retinol is, which is essentially another name for vitamin A. Although there are various derivatives of vitamin A, retinol is the purest form. Vitamin A has a remarkable impact on the skin’s surface as it can aid in rejuvenating to give a more youthful look and texture.
When your skin is exposed to environmental stressors, or if you’re experiencing signs of ageing, such as wrinkles, pigmentation, enlarged pores, or rough, bumpy skin, retinol comes to the rescue by enabling the skin to function in a healthier manner. In short, lots of things about your skin’s appearance can improve when you use retinol to boost your skin care routine.
How does retinol work?
The reason retinol is so effective is that it communicates with the skin, encouraging it to look and feel younger. This communication occurs through interaction with retinoid receptors present in our bodies, stimulating processes like cell turnover and enhancing the natural production of collagen and elastin, both of which are vital for maintaining youthful skin.
Once retinol has been applied to skin, it works to help skin normalise its look and feel, working in tandem with other ingredients proven to visibly diminish various skin concerns. Retinol also contributes to the promotion of firmer, healthier-looking skin and aids in the natural correction of issues such as dullness and rough texture. With retinol, you’ll see renewed, younger-looking radiance, a remarkably smoother appearance and a noticeable feeling of firmness.
How often should you apply retinol?
While retinol can be incorporated into your daily evening skincare routine, we recommend using it every two the three days to start. This because retinol is a potent ingredient and has the potential to cause significant dryness, particularly for individuals with dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin.
After your skin has become accustomed to retinol, you may gradually increase its usage. A rich, heavily moisturising cream can be very useful after using retinol, but depending on your level of dryness, you might even want to consider applying a hydrating serum before retinol to help ease into it. If skin becomes dry or irritated, take a break for a day or two.
Where to use retinol in your skincare regime
Start by thoroughly cleansing your skin and removing makeup, debris, and pollution from the surface of the skin. Wait at least ten minutes until your skin is completely dry. This is important, because if your skin is at all damp, the retinol will be able to absorb more deeply into your skin and might cause irritation. Take a pea-sized amount of your retinol and, starting at your chin, apply with your fingertips in upward and outward motions. Be careful to avoid sensitive areas such as the corners of your mouth and your eyes. Wait a few minutes and finish with a moisturiser containing barrier-protecting ingredients such as glycerine or ceramides.
What about other actives?
If you’re just starting to integrate retinol into your regime for the first time or if your skin tends to be sensitive, it’s advisable to avoid mixing retinol with other potentially irritating ingredients like alpha or beta hydroxy acids or physical exfoliants and scrubs. The most suitable companion product to pair with retinol is a moisturiser, as it aids in skin hydration and lessens the likelihood of retinol-induced irritation.
If you want to use other active ingredients as part of your skin care routine, consider using them at a different time of the day than when you apply your retinol product.
If you’d like to learn more about retinol, or to establish a bespoke skincare regime tailored to your needs, click here to enquire or to book a consultation.
Disclaimer: Please be aware that results and benefits may vary from patient to patient taking into consideration factors such as age, lifestyle and medical history.
