How do you exfoliate with retinol?

If you want to use both, try exfoliating and using your retinoid on alternating evenings, or exfoliating in the morning and using the retinoid at night. Also, because retinoids increase your sensitivity to the sun, make sure you're always using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 SPF, Dr. Lipner says.

Can you exfoliate when using retinol?

Because retinol makes your skin more sensitive, you want to make sure you don't over-exfoliate or irritate your complexion. But you can use your retinol and your exfoliating products together in harmony.

How often should you exfoliate when using retinol?

Exfoliate: 2-3x a week

As a rule of thumb, aim to exfoliate 2-3 times per week unless you have dry or sensitive skin. If that's the case, start with just one weekly exfoliation and take it from there.

What should you not use when using retinol?

Don't Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. AHA and BHA acids are exfoliating, which can dry out skin and cause further irritation if your skincare routine already includes retinol.

Do I need to wash retinol off in the morning?

Rouleau says the best time to use a scrub is in the morning. Overnight you've loosened up dead skin cells with your glycolic acid or retinol products, making the morning a perfect time to brush them off.

HOW TO EXFOLIATE WHEN USING RETINOL

Should you exfoliate peeling skin from retinol?

Even though you may want to exfoliate or pick at your peeling skin, this will only continue to irritate and exacerbate the issue. It is best to keep a “hands-off” approach, keeping your hands away from your face and also being mindful of what products are making your skin peel even more.

Can I exfoliate in the morning and use retinol at night?

If you want to use both, try exfoliating and using your retinoid on alternating evenings, or exfoliating in the morning and using the retinoid at night. Also, because retinoids increase your sensitivity to the sun, make sure you're always using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 SPF, Dr. Lipner says.

Should I use retinol every night?

Retinol is best applied at night since it can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun. When you do go outside, be sure to use sunscreen to protect your face. It's worth noting that you don't need to use retinol on a daily basis for it to effectively treat your acne. Even two to three times per week might be enough.

Can I use retinol under my eyes?

Should you use retinol under your eyes? Yes, definitely. While it is true that retinol – a form of vitamin A – is a powerful ingredient and the skin under your eyes is delicate, there's no reason why you should miss out on the amazing benefits of retinol.

Does retinol tighten skin?

Engelman agrees: "Retinol is the most potent ingredient that helps build collagen and elastin, which leads to tighter, smoother skin."This mixture has the added bonus of hyaluronic acid, which "can smooth, firm, and tighten the appearance of the skin," Dr. Bowe says.

What does retinol purging look like?

Unfortunately, this process often makes the skin look worse before it looks better. Skin purging often includes increased breakouts, redness, and dryness. Certain ingredients like retinoids and hydroxy acid can cause this effect. There are several ways to manage the symptoms of a skin purge until it resolves.

Do and don'ts with retinol?

Do you moisturise after retinol?

Regardless of your skin type or which product you use first, a layer of moisturizer should always be applied after retinoids.

How long should you wait to apply moisturizer after retinol?

And now another rule to keep in mind: Many prescription-strength retinoids suggest users wait upwards of 20 minutes post-cleansing before putting retinol on their skin and 20 more minutes before putting anything else on, according to Reddit.

How do you exfoliate with Retin A flakes?

Gently Exfoliate

No matter what, you'll likely get some dryness and flaking early on. If it bothers you, gently exfoliate. The best way is to massage the skin with a soft, damp washcloth. Don't scrub too hard—you could make your skin feel worse.

Why does my skin look worse after using retinol?

In theory, retinol makes your skin cell turnover faster. The increased cell turnover temporarily sloughs off more dead skin cells. This creates a lag time before new, healthy cells come to the surface of your skin. Your new skin is exposed before it's ready, and redness or discoloration, and irritation is the result.

How long does skin peel with retinol?

In general, retinol is one of the more gentle varieties of retinoids, however, “if you're going to experience shedding it will begin on day three to five of daily night time use, and this usually continues for about five to 10 days depending on your skin type and the percentage of retinol you've used,” adds Ejikeme.

Should you put retinol on your neck?

Both the neck and chest require stronger formulations to reverse aging. Dedicated neck creams are more concentrated and powerful than most face creams, but some facial formulas with retinol, such as RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum, have been shown to work on the neck and chest, too."

What goes on first retinol or moisturizer?

You may be advised to use it after a moisturizer, which buffers the retinol and lessens risk of irritation. If it's a non-prescription retinol, apply it according to what type of product it is—a retinol moisturizer will act as the moisturizer step of your routine, while a retinol serum will act as the serum step.

How do I know if my retinol is too strong?

“If you're overusing your retinol, or if you're using a retinol that's too strong for you, it can lead to peeling, irritation, and excessive dryness, which may have led to retinol's association with skin thinning,” she says.

Should you rub in retinol?

Dot the retinol in nine spots: three on your forehead; three across the center of your face/cheeks; three between your jawline and chin. Gently rub the product in. Use your retinol product 2-3x/week during the first week of usage, and gradually increase from there.

What is the correct way to use retinol?

Can you wear makeup while using retinol?

“If your skin is inflamed from retinol, my best recommendation is to apply a bland moisturizer and skip makeup for the day if possible. You are better off letting your skin calm down so you can resume your normal makeup routine in the future,” says Dr. Zeichner.

How long do the retinol uglies last?

However, Green notes that the side effect should clear up within two weeks, saying, "These symptoms typically last five to ten days, depending on your skin type and the concentration of the retinol. Once your skin is done purging, your skin should be smoother, clearer, and brighter than it previously was."

Can retinol make you look older?

Retinoids sink into your skin and stimulate the production of new skin cells, which speeds up exfoliation, increases collagen production, brightens scars and dark marks, smooths fine lines and wrinkles, and, yes, destroys acne. Oh, and it can also make you look 60 years old when you're 78, apparently.