Retinol is a must-have product in your skincare routine. This derms-swear by-it ingredient is the holy grail and can reverse the signs of aging.
Roberta Moradfar is a celebrity aesthetics nurse practitioner who founded EFFACEAesthetics. She says that “retinol is one the most studied topical skincare ingredients” and is a miracle ingredient. It can clear acne, reduce hyperpigmentation and smoothen rough texture. It also helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, even deeper ones.
There is one problem. This little hero is annoying, especially when it’s first started to be used. Common side effects are redness, dryness, and skin peeling. These side effects can be temporary. You may even get breakouts. These side effects can last from a few weeks to a few years and are triggered by an increase in strength.
Although frustrating and annoying, it is worth the effort for long-term results. We have some good news. The retinol sandwich skin care technique can reduce the severity of this temporary reaction. Continue reading to find out more about this skincare technique and what it could mean for you. This ingredient can be incorporated into your skincare routine.
Retinol sandwich refers to applying a moisturizer before and after using retinol. This helps reduce the topical retinol potency and ensures that your skin has enough moisture. She is also a beauty project co-founder and the head of innovation.
You can make your skin more comfortable with retinol by reducing its potency. Retinol sandwiches do not serve as a long-term treatment. They are meant to help you get used to the ingredient. You want to slowly introduce the element to your skin and gradually increase it over time to reap the anti-aging benefits.
Dr. Akis Ntonos is a board-certified aesthetic dermatologist who co-founded Aion Aesthetics.
Learn how to make a retinol sandwich. It is essential to use the correct products.
Use a gentle cleanser, a gentle, non-exfoliating, gentle cleanser free from active ingredients such as AHAs and BHAs. Do not rub your skin.
You can apply a thin layer of moisturizer to freshly cleansed skin. Dr. Ntonos suggests using a non-oil-based moisturizer to reduce side effects and achieve better results when using a retinol sandwich. After the first application, let it absorb before applying the retinol. It should not contain any active ingredients.
After 30 seconds, apply a thin layer of retinol to the top of your moisturizer. Shane advises avoiding sensitive areas such as the corners of your mouth and around the nostrils.
Take it slow if you are new to retinol. Begin by using retinol once to twice a week. Keep an eye on your skin. You can go up to nightly use if you don’t experience irritation. You can then increase the formula concentrations.
Apply only to healthy skin: Dr. Ntonos advises that retinol products should not be used on sunburned, irritated, or scaly skin.
You should always wear sunscreen. You don’t want sunscreen to go unapplied when you use retinol. Also, it is vital to apply sunscreen consistently throughout the day. You can see some of our favorite sunscreens here.