How to use retinol for sensitive skin
If you’re into skincare, you’ve probably heard of the magic effects retinol can have on your skin. It’s true that retinol has a long list of skin benefits, but it's also a powerful ingredient that can cause sensitive skin to suffer. Luckily there are some key things you can do to make sure you reap the benefits of retinol, without experiencing irritation.
What is retinol?
Retinol is a topical skincare ingredient that is a form of Vitamin A. Retinol is able to penetrate deep into the skin and increase cell production - therefore helping to unclog pores. Retinol also works as an exfoliant, removing dead skin cells from your skin. As well as this, retinol can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while increasing the skin’s collagen production.
Retinol can be bought over the counter in various different forms such as creams, serums, lotions, ointments, or gels. A lot of anti-aging products will include retinol as a key ingredient - check out the labels to see!
Retinol starts working right away once applied, but the true results won’t show until consistent use of the ingredient for a few weeks to months.
What can retinol treat?
Retinol is most known for its anti-aging abilities, but there are a lot of other reasons to include it in your routine. Retinol can:
Improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles
Help fade acne scars and stretch marks
Target melasma and hyperpigmentation (dark spots)
Unclog pores
Help prevent acne
How can retinol affect sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin can be a tricky thing to deal with and can seriously put you off trying new products. Sensitive skin refers to a common skin type that is unable to cope with certain conditions, environments, chemicals or foods.
If your skin gets red and irritated after using certain products, if it stings in cold weather or if you easily get rashes you might very well have sensitive skin.
Having sensitive skin also probably means that you’re hesitant to introduce new ingredients like retinol to your routine. While its definitely good to be cautious, there are steps you can take to make sure your skin takes to retinol well, instead of reacting angrily. There’s nothing worse than painful, red, and aggravated!
How to use retinol for sensitive skin
Choose a product with a low concentration
Start your retinol journey with a product that has a low concentration of retinol. Look at the percentage to find this out. Generally, for sensitive skin, 0.25% is recommended to start with.
Use lots of moisturiser
When using retinol, it’s important to also keep your face hydrated. Without the layer of hydration, skin sensitivity is heightened. So, make sure to use your moisturiser either before or after (or both!) your retinol.
Use it sparingly
Retinol should only be used 2-3 times a week maximum to start with. Use a small pea-sized amount each time and keep an eye on how your skin is reacting. If you start experiencing any irritation, dial it back.
Skip other harsh ingredients
When using retinol, avoid using other ingredients like alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), benzoyl peroxide, vitamin C or salicylic acid. Using these at the same time can increase the chances of irritation.
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