How to Start Using Retinol (FAQs, Tips and Tricks)
I’ve been into skincare for a very long time, starting when I hit puberty. Now that I’m in my 30s, I’m looking into upping my anti aging game.
I’ve heard about retinols a long time ago but have always been afraid to start integrating it into my skincare routine. With the articles I’ve read and YouTube videos I’ve watched, skincare gurus always emphasize the “side effects” of starting to use retinols — irritation, peeling and purging.
But I’m here to share with you my first hand experience of trying retinol for the first time, FAQ style. Spoiler alert, it wasn’t so bad and scary! The key, as most skincare experts would say, is to take it nice and slow and you’ll be fine. Start with a product with a super low concentration of retinol and just use it twice a week. As your skin gets used to the effects of retinol, you can gradually work your way up.
Who can use retinols?
The usual quoted side effects of using retinols such as skin irritation, peeling and acne breakouts make retinol seem to be a bad, dangerous ingredient. But really, retinols are safe and really effective.
Most skin experts say that anyone, with any skin type can use retinols. But for those with extremely sensitive skin and those who suffer with skin problems like rosacea should approach this ingredient with caution. Always remember the general rule of thumb to start with a super low concentration. And if in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult your dermatologist first. Also, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to postpone using retinols up until you’ve given birth or have stopped breastfeeding.
What retinol should I use?
For first timers, start with the lowest concentration you can find. For me, I started with The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalene, a common recommendation by skin experts.
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalene from ulta.com
My experience with this product was great. After applying it for the first time, I did not experience any irritation, peeling or breakouts except for a mild itching sensation on the area around my mouth but without any visible redness or peeling. Granted, some dermatologists advise against applying retinol on this area as it may result to intense peeling. But stubborn me wanted to test out how my skin would react since I also wanted to target my laugh lines.
How often should I use retinol?
Most skincare experts agree that retinols can be used everyday, but think of it as a goal or a journey. For first timers, it is best to apply retinol twice a week just to see how your skin reacts. Since I did not experience any side effects on my first try, I was brave enough (and too excited) to apply my retinol serum after every 2 nights (roughly 3 times a week).
When to use retinol in your routine?
According to dermatologists, retinol can be incorporated in your morning skincare routine or at night. But the most popular suggestion is to use it as part of your night time skincare routine for 2 reasons.
The first one being retinol can easily be broken down by the UV rays from the sun thereby limiting the effects of this ingredient. The second reason that some dermatologists do not agree with is that using retinol can make your skin extra sensitive to UV rays. Whether this is true or not, just don’t forget to apply sunscreen as your last step in your morning skincare routine. Skipping sunscreen is a mortal sin anyway!
For me personally, I choose to apply my retinol serum at night. Now how do we apply retinol at night? Since my night time skincare routine involves 7 steps with many products and ingredients, I choose to cut down my skincare routine during retinol nights, just to be safe. I just wash my face, apply my retinol serum and moisturize. That’s it!
Step 1: My go to foaming cleanser even at night, the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser from ulta.com
Step 2: The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalene serum from ulta.com
Step 3: Moisturize with Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb from ulta.com
How do I use retinol and Vitamin C?
This is a very important question as both retinol and vitamin C are excellent ingredients for youthful, clear, smooth and bright skin. You should have both in you skincare routine! Some dermatologists actually call this combo the dream team.
Now since both ingredients are very potent, it is recommended to space out the application of retinol and vitamin C. Some dermatologists say that waiting 30 minutes between application is already enough.
For me, it’s just easier to apply my vitamin C serum in the morning then my retinol serum at night. It just takes out the waiting time so I’m off to bed and slumberland ASAP.
A crowd favorite and my personal go to, the Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Drop serum from ulta.com
Can retinol cause acne?
Retinol did not cause my skin to breakout at all. And retinol is actually a trusted and recommended acne treatment by dermatologists.
But as mentioned in an article by Byrdie wherein they interviewed board certified dermatologists, “the combination of retinoids' ability to increase cell turnover and unclog pores with everything being brought to the surface at once can result in temporary increased breakouts.”
The key word here is TEMPORARY. Dermatologists explain that for some people, their skin gets worse first before it gets better. They recommend not quitting retinols and to seek medical help if the purging doesn’t stop in 3 months. To know how to overcome retinoid purging, you may refer to the complete article here.
What are the best retinol products?
Ready to start your retinol journey? Here’s a list of the best retinol products out there.
Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream
For a vegan and cruelty free option, try the Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream. It has “a cutting-edge formula that combines 1.0% vegan retinol with nourishing, superfood-rich ingredients to dramatically diminish the appearance of fine lines, deep wrinkles, and sun damage”.
Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream from ulta.com
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer
This one is a drugstore favorite. This has a “proprietary blend of vitamin B3 and retinol complex that hydrates skin for 24 hours” and delivers “visible improvements in fine lines and wrinkles, smoothness, brightness, firming, dark spots, and pores”.
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer from ulta.com
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
This is another drugstore favorite especially for beginners. It is “formulated with encapsulated retinol to refine skin texture and improve smoothness”. It also “helps the skin to look brighter, smoother and more even-toned”.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum from ulta.com
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalene Serum
My personal favorite and a popular recommendation of skin experts is The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalene serum. This is also probably the best affordable retinol at only USD 7.00 from ulta.com. A “highly stable, water free solution of 0.2% retinol”, like many The Ordinary products, it just delivers results with none of the frills.
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalene serum from ulta.com
Starting retinols can be scary at first with all the known side effects such as peeling, skin irritation and purging. But it really is a powerful and effective skincare ingredient that dermatologists highly recommend. So with careful integration into your skincare routine, you will definitely enjoy the benefits that this ingredient has to offer. Just remember to start with a low concentration at 2 times a week and you’ll be fine. Just be patient and take it nice and slow, then gradually work your way up to higher concentrations and daily usage.
