Retinol: The Anti-Aging Hero
Goal: Speed up cell turnover, reduce fine lines, and clear acne.
How to Use Retinol
- Start clean: Wash and dry your face completely.
- Wait: Wait 5 minutes to ensure your skin is totally dry (damp skin makes retinol sting).
- The portion: Squeeze a pea-sized amount onto your finger. That is enough for your whole face.
- Apply: Dot it on your forehead, cheeks, and chin. Rub it in gently.
- Avoid: Do not put it on your eyelids or directly under your lash line.
- Sandwich (optional): If your skin is sensitive, put moisturizer on before the retinol, then retinol, then moisturizer again.
- Finish: Follow with a thick moisturizer.
Pro Tip
Only use retinol at night. Sunlight deactivates retinol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start with 1-2 times a week. Build up slowly as your skin gets used to it.
Work up to every other night, then nightly if your skin tolerates it.
This is called retinization. It is normal for the first few weeks. Use more moisturizer.
No, it breaks down in sunlight and makes your skin sun-sensitive.
Yes. Retinol makes you prone to sunburn, so SPF is mandatory.
Mid-20s is a common time to start for preventative aging.
Use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night to avoid irritation.
No, it thickens deeper skin layers over time.
Doctors generally advise avoiding retinol during pregnancy.
It is a long game. Expect 3-6 months for major changes.