How to use retinol and the best products to buy

So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and add retinol into your skincare routine. It exfoliates, reduces fine lines and also keeps acne at bay—but how to use retinol so it is most effective? If you’re a beginner or someone with sensitive skin, you must approach the powerful active with caution. As transformative as it could be, there is such a thing as the right application method. Here’s what you need to know.

How to use retinol?

While consistent use of retinol is proven to give visible results in a couple of months, it can also have adverse effects like excessive dryness and rashes. Therefore, if you’ve decided to introduce it into your routine, make sure that you’ve checked with your dermatologist first. Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, dermatologist and founder of Issac Luxe Clinics recommends starting with a very low concentration like 0.2% or 0.3%, testing it on your skin and then slowly increasing the strength: “Start with using it only twice a week or every alternate day to see how it reacts to the skin” she says.

Apply retinol at night

Owing to its potency, retinol products can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. Hence, always apply it at night. “In the morning, make sure you follow up your skincare routine with a face wash, vitamin C serum, moisturiser and then a sunscreen,” advises Dr Mittal Gupta.

The application method

Skin experts always advocate applying actives on damp skin for better absorption. However, the same rule does not apply to retinol. While you must wash your face before application, make sure the skin is dry first. “On damp skin, the retinol will get absorbed more deeply and in turn cause irritation. This is also why you should apply your eye cream before retinol as the area is very delicate and can get irritated if retinol gets too close. While applying, start from your neck and go upwards in an outward-upward motion,” recommends Dr Mittal Gupta. According to her, a very small (pea-sized amount) should suffice.

Do not mix it with other actives

Under no circumstances should retinol products be combined with any acids like AHA/BHA or exfoliants and scrubs. “This would make the absorption of retinol stronger and may result in irritated or sensitive skin. The best thing to combine it with a moisturiser because it hydrates the skin while reducing the risk of irritation,” explains Dr Mittal Gupta.

Steer clear of facial tools

For the very same reason, you should not be using any facial tools like massagers, rollers or Gua Shas—as they facilitate deeper penetration of products. As Dr Mittal Gupta sums it in a nutshell, with retinol patience and discipline are key. Follow the rules and you will see results in 2-3 months. In case, you’re confused on how to go about this, here are some products to help you get started.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum

Clinique Smart Night Clinical Multi-Dimensional Repair Treatment Retinol

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream

SkinKraft Firming Facial Serum

Aminu Bio-Retinol Cream

Dermalogica Retinol Clearing Oil

Olay Regenerist Retinol24

COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream

Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum

Innisfree Retinol Cica Barrier Defense Cream

Farmacy Beauty 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum

Also read:

Everything you need to know about adding retinoids to your skincare routine

Vogue’s A to Z guide to the most popular skincare ingredients

8 cleansing balms to try during transitional weather

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