When to Use Retinol in Skincare Routine – Retinol is a beloved skincare ingredient best known for its anti-aging benefits. But, it’s also important to know that retinol can be harmful to the skin if you don’t do it right. It can cause dry skin, irritation, or even burning and peeling. Make sure to be careful when incorporating retinol into your skincare routine, especially on the first time.
A lot of people are still applying retinol the wrong way in their skincare routine. The truth is, timing matters when it comes to retinol. Follow these tips to know how and when is the best time to use retinol in your skincare routine.
Is It Best to Use Retinol at Night?
Yes, it’s often recommended to use retinol at night. The reason behind this is because at night, your skin starts the healing process, making it the ideal time to use retinol to boost this process.
Retinoids are also sensitive to sunlight. When exposed to sunlight, retinoids will break down, making them lose their potency. Retinoids are harsh and can actually thin down the outermost layer of skin, making you more prone to sunburn. That’s why it’s best to use it at night to avoid sunlight.
Can You Use Retinol Every Night?
It depends. If you’re just starting to use retinol in your skincare routine, then it’s recommended to start slow to prevent irritation. After your skin adjusts, then you may gradually increase the frequency.
When starting out, first do a patch test, then start to apply retinol 2-3 times a week. After some time, you can gradually increase the frequency to once or twice per day.
If you have sensitive skin, be careful when using retinoids. Besides starting with a lower concentration, you can use a technique called “buffering”. Mix retinol with your moisturizer to dilute it, causing less irritation. Applying moisturizer before retinol also gives the same effect.
How Long Does It Take for Retinol to Work?
Retinol starts to work in your cells right away, but you’re not going to get immediate results. It usually takes several weeks before your skin’s appearance and feel start to improve. In fact, your skin condition may look worse at first as your skin adjusts to the new routine. Don’t be too quick to increase the concentration or frequency.
That’s why it’s important to start slowly to prevent skin irritation that could make your skin look worse. You may also experience purging when first using retinol. Purging can cause increased skin sensitivity and acne breakouts due to increased cell turnover. If you experience purging, don’t worry since it will usually clear out in one to two weeks. But, if your skin burns or shows signs of irritation, then stop using it immediately.
Retinol can be one of the most effective skincare ingredients, but only when used properly. For the best results, stick to nighttime use, gentle introduction, careful layering, and daily sunscreen. With patience and consistent care, retinol can help you achieve smoother, brighter, and more youthful skin.
Sources:
- https://slmdskincare.com/blogs/learn/why-you-should-only-use-retinoids-at-night?srsltid=AfmBOorb6k3hXQWL7FrNqJBtkCqctN-mK7YaKjx_AaVP6SRtfi8y8vE8.
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23293-retinol.
- https://www.healthline.com/health/retinol-burn#prevention.
- https://www.dermatica.co.uk/skinlab/retinoids-why-skin-purges-and-how-long-it-lasts/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CSkin%20purging%2C%E2%80%9D%20or%20the,t%20experience%20it%20at%20all.
