1. Is Retinol For Acne?
Research confirms that retinols are a helpful treatment for acne because they help regulate oil production and dry up existing acne. However, retinol is also effective as an anti-aging product due to its ability to promote collagen growth.
2. Would Retinol Dry Me Out?
If you are worried that retinol might dry out your skin, there is some truth to this concern. However, the degree of drying depends on factors such as concentration, frequency of use, and time of day.
Over-the-counter retinols are generally less intense than prescription-strength retinoids, but it's still important to use them with a moisturizer.
3. Can I Use Retinol While Pregnant?
The safety of using retinol products during pregnancy varies depending on their strength. Dermatologists often recommend low-concentration retinol products for pregnant women, as these contain only small amounts of vitamin A.
However, topical retinoids pose more risks than retinol products because they contain higher levels of active vitamin A. It's best for pregnant women to avoid oral retinoid products altogether.
4. Can You Apply Retinol on Only One Area of the Face?
Using retinol to target specific areas of the face, such as crow's feet or smile lines, isn't very effective. This is because retinol travels underneath the skin and can stimulate the entire face, rather than only one area.
It's also essential to avoid applying retinol to the delicate skin around the eyes, unless the product is specifically formulated for the eye area.
5. What to Do on "Off" Nights with Retinol Use?
Retinol encourages damaged skin cells to rise to the surface for easy removal. On nights when you're not using retinol, using a gentle exfoliating acid once or twice a week can accelerate the removal process.
If you're concerned about acne, go for a salicylic acid exfoliating serum; if you're worried about hyperpigmentation, pair retinol with an AHA exfoliating serum.
6. Should I Use Retinol in the AM or PM?
While retinol can cause sun sensitivity, it's best to use it at night because sunlight can deactivate it. Nighttime is when skin repair happens most effectively, making retinol a vital part of any evening skincare routine.
7. Should Retinol and Vitamin C Be Used in the Same Routine?
Yes, you can use retinol and vitamin C together as part of your skincare routine, but never layer them. A good strategy is to use a high-concentration serum containing L-ascorbic acid and ferulic acid like Vitamin C Plus Serum (20% VC) during the day to provide strong antioxidant protection and inhibit melanin formation. At night, use retinol to promote collagen growth and cellular turnover.
8. Should I Use Retinol on Damp Skin?
Applying each product in their skincare routine to slightly dampened skin promotes deeper absorption except for retinol. Applying retinol to damp skin can be irritating. It's best to wait for at least five minutes after gently cleansing and patting the skin dry before applying retinol to the entire face.
9. Will Retinol Thin My Skin?
Retinol does not thin the skin. Instead, it works by thinning out the top layer of the skin, which creates a dewy, glowing look with consistent use. This is also why retinol makes the skin more sensitive to the sun. Overall, retinol helps to thicken the skin by promoting active collagen production.
10. Must I use Retinol With Sunscreen?
Retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, and new skin cells stimulated by retinol are vulnerable to damaging light. Therefore, it's essential to use a hydrating, mineral sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher like Neutriherbs Broad Spectrum SPF 50.
If you plan to spend extended periods in the sun, discontinue retinol use for seven days before your trip. Wait until after sun exposure has ended to resume retinol use.
11. Will Retinol Make Me Purge?
Some people may experience skin purging, marked by increased acne breakouts and blemishes, when using retinol products. This is because retinol accelerates the skin's renewal process, which can lead to more frequent breakouts initially.
Purging typically lasts between two and six weeks but is followed by less frequent breakouts over time. Though purging isn't fun, it's worth sticking with retinol use for the long-term benefits.
