7 Things to Know Before Trying Retinol

Retinol is a powerful over-the-counter topical medicine to treat acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles. While retinol most commonly addresses acne concerns, it is rising in popularity for those with acne-free complexions as an anti-aging solution. Here are 7 Things to Know Before Trying Retinol.

What is Retinol?

Retinol is a topical treatment that boosts collagen production and promotes healthy cell turnover. For acne patients, retinol works to unclog pores, reduce sebum production, smooth scars, and improve skin tone and skin texture. Since this multi-purpose topical treatment boosts collagen production, it possesses popular anti-aging benefits.

Even with the growing popularity of retinol, there is still so much to know before using this powerful topical treatment for the first time.

7 Things to Know Before Trying Retinol

1. Dry Skin Before Applying

2. Know the Products to Avoid

3. Stay Consistent

4. Don’t Forget to Hydrate

4. Wear Sunscreen + Sun Protection

5. Apply Retinol Only at Night

6. Start Slow

7. Remember Not All Retinol Is the Same

Dry Skin Before Applying

Your skin must be dry before applying retinol. This is probably contrasting advice from other skin care products you’ve used. Typically, applying serums and moisturizers on damp skin allows the products to promote faster absorption and heightened benefits. Retinol is different. According to Vogue, if you apply retinol to damp skin it increases the likelihood of irritation. Avoiding sensitivity with retinol is already tricky enough, so make a mental note to only apply retinol to dry skin.

kNOW THE PRODUCTS TO AVOID

Perhaps the trickiest thing with retinol use is identify the products you’ll have to discontinue using, at least for the time being. When you use retinol, you cannot use retinol with other actives like benzoyl peroxide and AHA/BHA acids. Below is a breakdown of each product and why it’s important to avoid it when using retinol.

Benzoyl Peroxide: According to skin-health gurus SLMD, benzoyl peroxide and retinol actually may work to cancel each other out. They note that “benzoyl peroxide is an oxidizing agent, while retinol is an antioxidant.” Simply put, using benzoyl peroxide and retinol together negates the positive benefits of both products.


AHA/BHA Acids: Just like retinol, AHAs and BHAs are chemical exfoliants. One of the most common BHAs is salicylic acid. While some note that it is perfectly safe to use retinol with salicylic acid, it may lead to overdrying the skin. This overdrying can result in skin irritation. For this reason, it is best to avoid to use of AHAs and BHAs with retinol unless a healthcare provider notes otherwise.

Stay Consistent

Staying consistent with retinol is key. Retinol isn’t a quick fix, and you truly have to commit in order to see results. So, now the million-dollar question. How long does it take for retinol to actually work?

How long it takes for retinol to work depends on the potency of the product. For instance, prescription-strength retinoids can garner results in a matter of weeks. Over-the-counter retinol takes much longer to see the results with the naked eye. We’re talking anywhere from 12 weeks to six months. With that being said, there are near-immediate benefits of over-the-counter retinol after a few uses. These benefits include skin exfoliation and unclogged pores.

Don’t forget to hydrate

Retinol can be drying, so it is important to remember to hydrate afterward. After applying retinol, apply a gentle moisturizer to minimize dryness and irritation. My go-to is a thin layer of the Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream. Niacinamide is also a powerful hydrating ingredient that can be used with retinol. Niacinamide helps your skin to retain water and enhances a healthy skin barrier. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% and Zinc 1% is my favorite.

Wear Sunscreen + Sun Protection

Retinol can increase your sensitivity to UV rays. For this reason, it is strongly advised to wear at least SPF 30 on a daily basis. When you’re outside, add a baseball cap or wide-brimmed hat to keep the unwanted sun off your face.

Apply Retinol Only at Night

Since retinol increases sensitivity to the sun, it makes sense to apply it only at night. However, there are additional benefits to applying retinol only at night. Your skin works to regenerate itself while you sleep. This means any active ingredients in your skincare routine are better able to achieve results.

Start Slow

It’s important to not overdo it, especially with higher-strength products. The biggest mistake you can make with retinol is applying too much, too quickly. While the desire to see rapid results is completely understandable, applying too much product, too frequently actually results in negative side effects. These side effects range from redness and dryness to peeling and irritation. It is best to start with applying a pea-sized amount of product 2-3 times a week. This gives you wiggle room to adjust your personal treatment plan based on your tolerance. If your skin is reactive positively without irritation, you can slowly move up to applying every other day.

Remember Not All Retinol is the same

Not all retinol is the same. Over-the-counter retinol is milder and typically ranges from 0.25%-1%. Prescription-strength retinoids are far more potent. There is also a difference in the active ingredients found in common retinoids.

Healthline notes the six main types of retinoids below:

  • “Retinyl palmitate. This is the least-potent OTC retinoid. It is a great option if you are prone to sensitive or excessively dry skin.

  • Retinaldehyde. This is an OTC retinoid that’s stronger than retinol. If you have sensitive or delicate skin, but still want to see more effects without a prescription, this may be a good option for you.

  • Retinol. This is the standard ingredient found in OTC retinoid products.

  • Tretinoin. This is a potent retinoid available by prescription only. You may want to consider this option if you’ve tried retinol and are seeking stronger pro-aging support.

  • Tazarotene. This is the most powerful retinoid, available by prescription only. If your skin tolerates retinoid products well and you’re looking for enhanced results, you may want to consider this option.

  • Adapalene. This retinoid is now available OTC. If you’re looking for an effective, affordable treatment without a prescription, you may want to give this option a try. It’s also the first FDA-approved OTC retinoid for acne.”

The Best Retinol For Every bUDGET + cONCERN

I currently use the La Roche-Posay Retanoid and Versed Retinol Body Lotion and love both.

Erica SullivanComment