Do you have sensitive skin? Are you tired of searching for a retinol cream that is not irritating your skin? I know people with sensitive skin have to be extra cautious of what they apply to their skin. Especially, retinol which is a form of Vitamin A, when not used gently, can irritate your skin. However, retinol helps you keep your skin healthy. Do not worry! We have listed out step-by-step tutorials to keep your skin healthy using retinol. These are based on the advice of dermatologists.

Gently cleanse your skin

A good thumb rule is always gently clean your skin before applying retinol. The dermatologists suggest you cleanse your skin with a product that contains moisture and hyaluronic acid. Products such as Neutrogena, Burt Bee, Cerave’ hydrating gel, etc., have these ingredients that can deeply cleanse your skin and then moisturize it.

Go gentle first

The dermatologists suggest testing your skin retinyl ester first. Now, you may think about retinyl ester? Retinyl ester is a milder form of Vitamin A, and it is less irritating than retinol. Look for products that contain retinyl propionate. One such product is Murad’s Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream. This product has retinyl ester and also reduces wrinkles.

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Moisturizer is your friend

The dermatologist says to apply moisturizer to your skin, then the retinol. It does not mean that the moisturizer helps retinol work in any way. It is because when our skin is hydrated enough, we are bound to feel minor irritation. So, you can say that moisturizer prevents you from having any irritation on your skin.

You can apply a hydrator with retinol in many ways. You can do it by taking a pea-size amount of vitamin A derivative with facial cream to water down the sensitivity. The dermatologist also suggests another way to do it is that apply the cream first. Then you use retinol and later on the moisturizer. This method does not water down the effect of retinol. Also, it lessens the sensitivity of the skin.

Do not overdo it

The dermatologists say that incorporating retinol in our skin is beneficial, but not overdo it as we all know that it might increase the skin’s sensitivity. They suggest taking it slowly. First, start taking a small quantity and applying it for 2-3 days if your skin is getting dry, flaky or red. It is done so that our skin can adapt and reap the benefits. Then, you can increase your usage. Apply it on every other night. However, as soon as you feel that your skin shows any symptoms. Then, stop at once. Don’t get disheartened that you won’t be able to get the benefits of retinol. On the contrary, the study says that applying of derivative of Vitamin A for three days a week is enough.

Ditch those harsh ingredients now

Dermatologists say not to use any product which contains ingredients like glycolic and other acids. These ingredients make your skin dry and irritate. Instead, apply creams with a gentle formulation and soothe your skin.

Look at cream formulation critically

In the previous point, it was mentioned to use the lighter derivative of Vitamin A. It was said so that the skin does not irritate. The dermatologist recommends using the counter products than serum or gel because serum and gels are highly concentrated. This will be risky for the skin.

Let us train the skin

The dermatologist recommends a technique in which you have to apply retinol on the skin and leave it for some time. After that, wash your face. As your skin becomes familiar with the technique, then you can increase your frequency. You can leave it overnight and then wash off your face. Your skin will look healthy and glowing. But, remember to take it in a small quantity.

Patience is the key

Retinol is effective to treat your dark patches, acne or any other skin problem. The dermatologists say that if the derivative of Vitamin A is incorporated in our daily skincare routine, then we might start seeing the results in 6 weeks. And three months at the top.

If you start seeing results such as your skin tone is evening out. Your skin is glowing, and your fine lines are reducing, then your retinol is working. Suppose you see that your skin is getting worse by using the over the counter retinol. Then, stop using and go prescription based retinol as there are different levels of retinoids.

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Retinol myths

Retinol and Retinoic acid are same

It’s a 50-50 % situation here. The prescription based retinol is effective against fine lines and wrinkles. At the same time, the counter option turns to retinoic acid at the cellular level of the skin. Also, many studies suggest that retinol is more effective than retinoic acid. Although, retinol takes a longer time to show its effect. Pro-retinol is also a kind of retinol, and it is weak. Although, it is soothing to the skin. The dermatologist says that retinol is the most effective among other derivatives of Vitamin A.

Retinoids exfoliate your skin. 

No, it does not. If your skin begins to peel, this means it did not suit you well. Retinoids go inside your skin and produce more collagen. It makes your skin glow and reduces hyperpigmentation.