When it comes to a tried-and-true active ingredient that actually yields visible results and is backed by years of clinical research confirming its arguably unrivaled efficacy, Retinoids are undoubtedly the gold standard. Touted by dermatologists and estheticians for both its anti-aging and anti-acne magical powers, this chemical compound (derived from Vitamin A) helps accelerate cell turnover to reveal a new layer of younger-looking, brighter skin.

Retinol was first introduced to the mainstream skin care market as an acne treatment and was later found (by accident) to have anti-aging benefits as well. While retinoids won’t work to treat cystic acne, they’re a trusted remedy for blasting away blackheads due to clogged pores, and can also help to erase the aftermath of an acne battle by fading scarring and red marks left behind from your teenage years.

While the “shedding” process has some serious transformative effects when it comes to the appearance of our skin, the downside is naturally, well exactly that. The dead skin cells unfortunately don’t dissipate into thin air after they turn over, which leads to skin peeling, redness, and dryness because retinoids are an exfoliating active, peeling and some degree of irritation is to be expected for all skin types (even oily) if you actually want to see some results.

For sensitive skin types, Retinol can lead to of extreme dryness, painful (and un-concealable) skin-cracking, and the relentless burning sensation on the skin can be downright unbearable and impossible to hide

If you’ve ever felt utterly defeated after trying your best to get in on the retinol wagon, but ended your journey red and defeated because your dullness and dark spots look better than the flakes of dead skin and red patches, you may simply want to consider making a few changes to your application method or getting a milder alternative.

If you’ve tried using over-the-counter retinol  products to no avail, choosing an equally effective product like CLEAR SKIN SERUM can be a good enough alternative . When and if you feel that your skin has adjusted to the active, you can graduate to products containing retinol.

 

The Best Way To Use Retinol

  • Best to be used at night, because the skin repairs itself while we sleep, so any anti-aging ingredients will be more effective if applied at night time.
  • In addition, Retinol also increases the skin’s sensitivity to the sun,  and causing it be be less effective, hence best to avoid during the day.
  • Introduce Retinol products slowly into your routine, starting slowly at once a week and then gradually ramping up to alternate nights and then nightly as your skin tolerates.
  • Retinoids, retinols, and other vitamin-A derivatives are infamous for being harsh on the skin, leading to discomfort, irritation, redness, flaking, and extreme dryness.
  • These side effects may be a deal breaker for some who have a  hard time tolerating them (at first) and experience excessive dryness which may discourage usage, So I suggest using a good antioxidant serum like the SOLUTION SERUM to be applied before Retinol product to minimise irritation, followed by a HYALURONIC ACID Face cream for an intense moisture boost. These products will   compliment the vitamin-A derivative as they are both hydrating and soothing, without standing in the way of the retinol ability to do its job.

 

Skincare products not to be used together
Table
Products not be paired with retinol

 

If you need more information on how to effectively use Retinol in your skincare routine, kindly send us an email @nkechi.ofoegbu@bareskinnaturals.com , WHATSAPP 09099335787