Introducing retinol into your lineup of skincare products routine can be a gamble—chances are you’ll hit the jackpot of smooth, ageless skin with reduced pigmentation. Or if your skin is sensitive and prone to redness and irritation, it might not be quite as welcoming of this potent ingredient. To take the guesswork out of the process, we've devised an all-you-need-to-know guide of retinol for beginners:
How to use retinol for beginners
Retinol skincare products contain this potent derivative of Vitamin A that serves as a pivotal agent in skincare for its anti-ageing acne-treating, and skin-smoothing properties. “First-time users need to be sensitised about the potential for retinoic dermatitis and skin irritation. Commencing therapy with a lower concentration and incrementally escalating the dose can mitigate these adverse effects,” advises Dr Chytra Anand, dermatologist and founder of SkinQ and Kosmoderma Clinics.
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Who is an ideal candidate for retinol and who should avoid it?
If you have been buying into the hype around retinol for skin, it helps to check first if your skin type can tolerate this active ingredient. “While it serves as a helpful agent for anti-ageing and relief from acne vulgaris, those with pre-existing skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis or rosacea, will want to proceed with caution to avoid aggravating their symptoms. Women who are pregnant or lactating will want to avoid retinol,” she cautions.
How to apply retinol for beginners
The primary thing to keep in mind when using retinol for beginners is that a judicious application strategy is necessary. Dr Anand recommends starting with a smaller quantity of a low potency retinol formulation twice a week with gradual augmentation in frequency to allow the skin ample time to get acclimated to its presence. “It is imperative to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen alongside retinol due to the heightened photosensitivity incurred by retinol use. To ensure that your skin tolerates it well, it is necessary to supplement retinol with emollients and barrier-restoring moisturisers,” adds the Mumbai-based dermatologist.
How to introduce retinol in skincare
- For retinol beginners, it helps to start with a mild, non-alkaline cleanser to maintain the integrity of the skin’s acid mantle.
- Follow this up with a hydrating, ceramide-based moisturiser that aids in bolstering the epidermal barrier.
- Subsequently, a pea-sized quantity of a low-concentration retinol formulation should be delicately applied, circumventing the area around the eyes to avoid any irritation.
- Continue to gradually increase the frequency from bi-weekly to alternate nights, depending upon how well your skin can tolerate the ingredient.
- Morning routines should invariably incorporate a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against ultraviolet-induced phototoxicity and photocarcinogenesis, which can be potentiated by retinol.
