Retinol is that girl. It’s a multi-tasker, an overachiever and it works hard. However, because of its strong ability to work hard in transforming the skin, it also receives some unpopular opinions, especially with initial usage. Due to retinol’s list of pros and cons, it is quite a misunderstood skincare ingredient.
Nonetheless, we’re here to break it down for you – the good, the bad, the myths and the real answers on how to use it for your skin type.
Using a retinol serum or cream can have an impressive variety of benefits, from helping stimulate collagen production to minimizing the appearance of blemishes.
And as stated before, because of its powerful nature, retinol has the potential for unwanted side effects, especially when first introducing it. To minimize the chances of redness, discomfort or flaking, we’re giving you all the do’s and don’ts of how to start using your retinol for best results.
First and foremost, retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that falls under the category of retinoids. Retinol’s ability to deeply penetrate the skin and revamp your complexion is the key to its status as one of the most powerful skincare ingredients.
Like starting anything new in the skincare world, you’ll want to ease in at first. With retinol especially, a gradual introduction is key to minimizing the chances of redness, discomfort or flaking.
And if you have sensitive skin, then we know retinol can sound like a nerve wracking experience – which is why our founder, Molly Sims, created our Last Call Retinol Serum. This was formulated with all skin types in mind, so you have zero downtime and can, instead, just enjoy the results of glowing skin.
Last Call is specifically created with an encapsulated retinol, which slowly releases the ingredient over time, rather than all at once. Because of this, the formula slowly penetrates into the skin, further reducing the effects of irritation.
To start, we recommend the 1-2-3 rule, which follows as: start once a week for one week, twice a week for two weeks, then gradually increase to three times per week. If you do experience flaking, redness or sensitivity, simply move back to a lower frequency for a week.
Regardless of your skin type or experience using the product, you never want to forget moisturizer, post-retinol application. And although this step can be commonly overlooked, it’s crucial to ensuring you don’t dry out your skin from using this powerful ingredient.
Retinization is the adjustment period during which skin becomes acclimated to vitamin A. During retinization, skin may experience some temporary discomforts, but once your skin is retinized, the side effects should disappear. In fact, this reaction can actually be deemed as quite positive. It’s a sign your skin cell turnover is increasing, which helps eliminate buildup of old and dead skin cells that contribute to fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration and dullness.
Another important note to consider when using retinol? The time of day you apply it. Because retinol increases skin’s sensitivity to the sun, it is strictly for evening usage. As mentioned previously, apply a hydrating, nourishing moisturizer like Xtremely Rich ™ Moisturizer following application to ensure all the ingredients are locked in and the skin barrier is protected.
And not only do you want to apply retinol at night, but you also want to wear sunscreen in the morning, due to this factor of increased UV sensitivity.
Introducing retinol into your beauty routine might seem intimidating—but it’s actually quite simple, following the regimen below.
An important note to consider when using retinol? The time of day you apply it. Because retinol increases skin’s sensitivity to the sun, it is strictly for evening usage. As mentioned previously, apply a hydrating, nourishing moisturizer like Xtremely Rich ™ Moisturizer following application to ensure all the ingredients are locked in and the skin barrier is protected.
We speak from experience when we say it’s easy to over-apply retinol. It’s not acidic and it doesn’t burn or cause irritation upon immediate application, so it’s common to apply too much, without realizing it. Start with 1-2 pumps of the serum, gently pressing into the entire face. As mentioned previously, start once a week and gradually increase usage as your skin acclimates week over week.
Another great thing about retinol? It pairs perfectly with many other products. Of course, ask your derm or do a little research when combining different actives together; However, the results are often worth a couple extra steps.
For example, if you’re looking to target fine lines and dark spots, reach for our retinol serum then follow with The Problem Solver Brightening Treatment to brighten the skin and reduce signs of hyperpigmentation. Layer with a moisturizer, especially one with Hyaluronic Acid, to strengthen the skin barrier and protect the complexion before calling it a night.
Ultimately, if you use retinol as directed and apply properly, incorporating the ingredient into your beauty routine is a great step towards achieving supple, plump, soft skin. The powerhouse formula acts as a special time machine – reducing fine lines and wrinkles, brightening dark spots and evening your overall skin tones.
So although there might be a transition and acclimation period for your skin to adjust, trust us, the results are well worth it.
