How To Use Retinol To Improve Your Skin Care Routine

If you are a skincare enthusiast or just charting your way through the complex world of skincare routines, then you have heard plenty about the magical benefits of retinol. You are probably wondering what the fuss is all about. Here is all you need to know about how to use retinol and why it should be your skin’s best friend.

What Is Retinol?

Retinol is a type of retinoid that significantly treats and prevents aging signs on your skin. Dermatologists greatly recommend this type of Vitamin A for your skin. Retinol is one of the few retinoids you can safely buy over the counter and self-prescribe. However, some high-concentration retinol products require a dermatologist’s guidance before use.

What are the Benefits of Retinol?

Retinol offers you a wide array of benefits for your skin. Whether seeking to get rid of persistent acne or restore youthful luster to your skin, it is the perfect product for you.

It works by unclogging your pores and preventing breakouts. It also has excellent anti-aging properties that free your skin from age lines and wrinkles. Retinol is also a perfect solution if you have issues with your skin tone. If you use it correctly, you will get an even skin tone in no time.

How To Use Retinol For Better Skin

 

Before jumping into its use, you must remember that retinol may have undesirable side effects when misused. Ideally, you need to start with a low concentrated product of 0.05 percent and use it in small amounts at a time. You can then proceed to higher concentrations after establishing that your skin is not allergic to retinol.

For the best results, here are some of the tips on how to use retinol that you should have in mind;

1.   Cleanse Your Face

Be sure to cleanse your face using gentle cleansers before applying retinol. Once you finish the cleansing process, you should apply some eye cream. The cream will act as a protective layer around your eyes and save them from any harsh retinol effect.

2.   Dry Skin Is Key

When using retinol, thoroughly dry your face before applying the product. Dry skin ensures that there is no overabsorption into your skin. Allow at least 20 minutes after you towel-dry it before going in on it with your retinol products. Any moisture on your skin may react with retinol to cause redness or peeling on the skin.

3.   Start With Small Portions

If you are using retinol for the first time, it is essential to use smaller portions. Go for a pea-size amount and fully spread it across your face. You can finish off with your moisturizer and wear it overnight for the best results.

4.   Consult Your Dermatologist

Although retinol works on different skin types, you must be careful if you have sensitive skin. If you suffer from skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, or acute acne, it is best to consult your dermatologist before using retinol on your skin. You can also consult your dermatologist if you experience any side effects when using retinol for the first time.

How Often Should You Use Retinol?

For starters, you can consider using retinol twice a week. This will ensure your skin tolerates the products before scaling up their use. Only scale up once you are sure your skin is not hypersensitive to retinol.

There is no harm in using retinol daily after a while. It would help if you also remembered that while retinol boasts of extremely great results, it may take some time for you to reap its benefits. So if you are searching for a quick fix, retinol is not your product.

Best Retinol Products For Your Skin

Now that you know the basics of how to use retinol, you are probably at a loss on what products will be the best for you. Here are some of our favorite picks that will work magic on your skin.

1. PCA Skin Intensive Age Refining Treatment

PCA Skin Intensive Age Refining Treatment is a fool-proof option for all retinol beginners. Whether you are suffering from dark spots or want to fully get rid of fine lines and hydrate your skin for that youthful look, this is a great starting point.    

This gentle treatment is filled with natural ingredients, making it suitable for the most sensitive of skins. Its anti-aging properties will have you looking ageless all through.

2. Obagi Obagi360 Retinol Skin Care Treatment 1 oz

Rich in natural plant extracts such as jojoba oil and shea butter, Obagi Obagi360 cream is one of the best options you can consider. Its hydrating power is unmatched and has a unique formula that soothes your skin and prevents irritation.

Its anti-aging properties will restore your youthful glow within no time and leave you as radiant as ever.

Obagi also has deep-cleansing properties that unclog your pores, protecting you from skin breakout and recurring acne.

3. bareMinerals Ageless Phyto-Retinol Face Cream 1.7 oz

If you dread retinol for all the side effects that it is said to bring, then we have a solution for you.  bareMinerals Ageless is a retinol cream that promises its magical benefits without the risk of side effects.

This anti-aging cream will help you keep the age lines and wrinkles at bay and hydrate your skin to ensure a youthful radiance. The cream is also great for skin toning. It is friendly to sensitive skin and works much faster than most retinol creams on the market today.

4. StriVectin Advanced Retinol Concentrated Serum 1 oz.

Another retinol addition that you do not want to leave out of your skincare routine is the Strivictin serum. This concentrated serum is highly advanced and works magic on the most stubborn age lines and wrinkles you may have.

It also does a tremendous deep-cleansing job on your pores, leaving your skin glowing and radiant. Using this serum will also restore your skin’s elasticity within no time.

5. IMAGE Skincare Ageless total overnight retinol masque 1.7 oz

Do you want to reap the excellent benefits of retinol without the tasking skin care routines involved in retinol masques? If so, the IMAGE Skincare Ageless total overnight retinol masque is your perfect solution. The product is enriched with a powerful yet gentle blend of ingredients. It is also easy to use, effective, and deep conditions your skin to give it the radiance you desire. Its hydrating power also ensures that your skin is firm and free from pigmentation.

Finding What Fits

As with all skin products, you will need to find the best retinol products to suit your needs. Remember that the wrong retinol products may have severe side effects on your skin. Fortunately, the products listed are the best in the market and have no side effects if used correctly. Make retinol your best friend today and reap its excellent benefits.