Welcome to Retinol 101

Welcome to Retinol 101 A spotlight of the ingredient you keep hearing about.

What is Retinol — and what does it do for the skin? Retinol is an over the counter version of Retinoid, a Vitamin A compound. Great for basically everything from acne, black heads, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation. Encouraging skin-cell maturation and boosts cell-turnaround, helps increase collagen production, removing dead skin and flattening the top layers of our cells. When used effectively, it will leave your face looking smoother, with fewer bumps or red patches, giving a youthful, healthy and even-toned complexion

 

Who can use a retinol cream?

Almost anyone, both men and women, can safely use a retinol cream. The best age to start using retinol is mid 20s or 30s+ or even early if you have acne or acne scarring. You should avoid Retinol during pregnancy or nursing. Avoid 1 week before chemical or laser facial treatments

 

How to apply retinol properly?

Step 1. Double cleanse and apply eye cream

Use in the PM only since it does cause quite a bit of sensitivity to the sun

Step 2. Let your skin completely dry so it may be able to absorb deeply and not cause irritation

Step 3. Use a pea size amount apply upward and outward in a heart shape motion starting from your chin

Step 4. Finish with your moisturizer

Step 5. Apply SPF the next morning

Introduce retinol products into your routine slowly. Initially, use maybe once a week, then twice, etc., until you are not having any of the purging effects from the product. Remember, retinol products CAN and WILL cause some skin discomfort initially, so don’t be alarmed!

  • Avoid Retinol during pregnancy and nursing

 

How to mix retinol with your regimen?

You can mix retinol and your moisturizer to dilute it and help hydrate the skin and reduce the risk of irritation.

Don’t use with other AHA & BHA.

We recommend using Vitamin C at different times of the day then Retinol.

 

Do you suffer from “purging” with Retinol?

Purging looks like redness, flaking, tightness, peeling, acne

Sandwich Retinol with your moisturizer to reduce the risk of purging

How long does purging take? Everyone is different, on average 4-6 weeks usually, and up to 3 months

Back to blog