How Integrating Retinol To Your Skincare Regimen Can Work Wonders

Clé de Peau Key Radiance Care

Skincare is a crucial aspect of our daily routine, and the benefits it offers are unmatched. Our skin is the largest organ of our body, and it plays a vital role in protecting us from harmful environmental factors. Proper skincare not only helps to maintain healthy and youthful-looking skin but also promotes a sense of well-being and self-confidence and retinol is currently the talk of the town.

What Is Retinol?
Retinol, a powerful and efficacious derivative of vitamin A, is a multifaceted skincare ingredient that is a must-have in any beauty regimen. Its prodigious properties make it a favoured ingredient among dermatologists and skincare experts alike.
It is available in over-the-counter formulations in low to medium strengths, while prescription-strength versions provide maximum potency. Retinol can be used in creams, serums, and oils, making it easy to incorporate into any skincare routine.

Benefits And Uses Of Retinol
Talking about why retinol should definitely be a part of everyone’s skincare regimen, Piyush Jain, Founder and CEO, SkinInspired, said, “Retinol is converted into retinoic acid when applied to the skin. This is the active form of vitamin A that works to increase collagen production and accelerate cell turnover. This aids in the reduction of acne, the improvement of skin texture and tone, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. One of the most notable advantages of retinol is its capacity to diminish the presence of almost fine lines and wrinkles. This is on the grounds that retinol supports collagen creation and paces up cell turnover, which assists with plumping up the skin."
He further added saying, “Acne can also be effectively treated with retinol. It clears pores and reduces inflammation, both of which can help prevent breakouts in the future. Retinol is a strong fixing that can assist with battling indications of ageing, diminish skin breakout, and further develop skin surface and tone."

In recent times, a lot of people prefer using retinol by adding it to their night cream- Most skincare experts and beauty influencers are always talking about the excellent results that they have received by doing so. But, have we ever closely analysed, why it is so?

Kakoli Sengupta, Skincare expert and Owner of Glitz and Glamour Academy stated, “Retinol is best for parched skin. A night cream infuses hydration so that the lines and wrinkles on your skin can fade away and the skin is hydrated. Buying a retinol-infused night cream or adding retinol to a night cream is absolutely worth it. If someone can apply retinol serum on their skin that will work wonders too."

When Can You Start Using Retinol?
If you know even a little about retinol, you’ve probably come to realize that it’s a very regimented ingredient. There are rules about how to start using it, how to coordinate proper sun protection with it, whether or not you can wax after use, and so on. But when it comes to when to start using retinol, there’s a lot of conflicting advice about what to do. Here, we’ve gathered all the information you need and reached out to an expert so we can share the facts about when to add retinol to your skin care routine.

When Should You Start Using Retinol?
You don’t hit a certain age and automatically know that adding retinol to your routine is something you’re supposed to do. The truth is, a dermatologist may advise their patients to start using retinol at different ages depending on their skin care concerns. As a result, it’s an ingredient recommended for a wide age range, including those in their 20s. 

Retinol can also be used by those who are younger than you may have expected. We spoke with Dr. Joshua Zeichner, NYC-based board-certified dermatologist and L’Oréal Paris consultant, who shares, “When it comes to retinol, you certainly can start using it at an early age. In fact, prescription strength retinoids are commonly given to teenagers to treat acne. Retinol enhances cell turnover and can prevent skin cells from sticking together within the pores,” he continues. So despite its known anti-aging benefits, you don’t necessarily have to wait until you notice signs of aging to start using retinol.

How to Add Retinol Into Your Skin Care Routine
Incorporating retinol into your skin care routine will depend on what type of product you’re using. If you’re using a retinol serum, apply it after cleansing and toning and before moisturizing. If your moisturizer contains retinol, use it at the end of your routine and before SPF if it’s daytime. When using a retinol cream at night, that should be your last step.

You’ll also need to allow for an acclimation period with retinol. Always check the instructions on your product (or the brand’s website) for best practices, as usage will vary based on several factors, including what other ingredients the product has been formulated with. If you notice irritation that persists, discontinue use and consult with your dermatologist. 

We also highly recommend consulting with your derm about any retinol product before you add it to your skin care routine, especially if you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant, as women are discouraged from using retinoids during pregnancy (more research needs to be done to confirm the effects of the ingredient on a developing fetus). 

How to Use Retinol in Your 20s
Your 20s are a great time to start a preventative skin care routine with retinol.“I love when my younger patients in their twenties are using retinol,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Strengthening the skin early in life will give you a stronger foundation on which you will age.”  

How to Use Retinol in Your 30s
If you didn’t jump on the retinol bandwagon as a teen or in your 20s, it definitely isn’t too late to start. While prevention is great, minimizing the look of wrinkles is also a valuable benefit of retinol. In your thirties, you can use a retinoid for improving the appearance of wrinkles by incorporating a retinol serum or moisturizer formulated with retinol into your routine.

One of the biggest highlights of the product is that it offers broad-spectrum sun protection, which is key for a daytime moisturizer. As per the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), retinoids are known to increase skin’s sun sensitivity, so skipping sunscreen is a non-starter. Remember to reapply frequently, especially after sweating or swimming.

How to Use Retinol in Your 40s
Don’t stop using retinol when you hit your forties. Instead of completely switching up your routine, we recommend adding to it. Keep using your retinol serum, but make sure your regimen includes a moisturizer with retinol, too. 

How to Use Retinol in Your 50s and 60s
Once you enter your 50s and 60s, you should still use retinol. Make sure you’re taking care of not just your face but your neck, too. Your neck is a key spot that can show signs of aging, which is why you won’t want to overlook it (the key is to start early and continue when you are in your 50s and beyond).

How to Use Retinol In the Summer Without Irritating Your Skin
Retinoids are a revered skincare ingredient, however, there is a ton of misinformation surrounding it. For instance, you may have heard that retinoids should not be used during the summer if you want to avoid irritation. While this is a prevalent myth, it's simply that, a myth. The truth of the matter is that retinol can and should be used during the summer (or any time of year for that matter). However, the trick is using it correctly so as not to experience any adverse side effects. To learn more, we tapped two dermatologists for their expert advice on how to use retinol when spending fun in the sun.

How to Use
The good news: Retinoids can absolutely be used daily during the summertime. "The frequency of applying retinol or retinoid in the summer does not necessarily need to be altered unless there is a significant sensitivity to retinoids used," says Dr. Erum Ilyas, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group.

However, keep in mind that when using retinoids, start out slow. "With prescription strength, I usually recommend using one pea-size amount once and week then working up from there," Dr. Farhang shares. "With retinol, there are a few tricks such as starting off once every few nights, waiting 30 minutes after washing your face before applying it, mixing it with your moisturizer, and applying moisturizer right afterward." Some more tips, below:

Take Your Skin Type and Concern Into Consideration
Dr. Sheila Farhang, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Avant Dermatology, says it's important to consider your skin type and concerns (like melasma) and the other ingredients in your skincare routine when using retinol during the summer.

"Skin types that do need to be careful when retinol application in the summer are those with melasma and who may be using other ingredients that exfoliate the skin such as AHAs, hydroquinone, and kojic acid because red, irritated skin, if not properly sun protected, can worsen existing melasma," she says. The same goes for darker skin tones which may be more prone to hyperpigmentation. And if you experience dryness, peeling, or exfoliation, Dr. Ilyas recommends decreasing the frequency of use to prevent photosensitivity.

Wear With Sunscreen
Retinol makes skin sensitive to the sun, so always wear it with SPF. Or you could even apply a sunscreen with retinol as an ingredient (yes, it exists). "I would suggest leveling up on the SPF — that means using at least SPF 30 on the face and reapplying every few hours," says Dr. Farhang. "If you are out and about sweating or doing activities, opt for a water-resistant sunscreen."

Additionally, Dr. Ilyas stresses that you should be applying sunscreen even if you aren't going outside. "A daily skincare routine should include at baseline a sunscreen every morning, even when not planning to be outdoors, to avoid running a risk of even unplanned excess sun exposure," the dermatologist says. And if you do go outside, she recommends wearing a hat for additional protection.

Incorporate Into Your P.M. Routine
To promote effectiveness, Dr. Farhang says to use your retinoid product at night and points out that higher concentrations of vitamin A, which are found in prescription formulas, are most likely to cause irritation. While the goal is to work your way up to using the retinoid every night, if your skin still doesn't tolerate it after a few months, Dr. Farhang suggests trying another product.

How to Treat Retinoid Irritation
If you do experience any irritation like redness or peeling, stop using retinoids immediately. "Take a break from retinoids for about a week. If excess redness or peeling is noted, the use of a low potency steroid topically, such as hydrocortisone 0.5% cream, for a few days can help reduce the inflammatory response," Dr. Ilyas says. "Use aloe vera gel at night to give the skin an opportunity to restore and repair itself overnight."