How to start using retinol: the ultimate guide

From what percentage you should use to how often it's convenient to apply it, familiarizing yourself with the right routines to start using retinol is one of the best gifts you can give to your skin right now.

It is one of the most sought after active ingredients in any cosmetic, and it is no wonder if we consider that it is one of the few active ingredients that can really change the quality of the skin. In addition, both dermatologists and facialists do not tire of recommending that retinol be part of any skin care routine. Its advantages are multiple: it treats lines of expression and pigmentation, promotes collagen production and improves skin cell renewal, so that the skin becomes softer and brighter. However, given the enormous variety of retinol products on the market and the need to apply it correctly, it is normal that doubts arise when starting to use it.

Therefore, if you are the one who has decided to include the use of this "miraculous" active substance in your facial care routine this year, we have collected a number of very useful tips to apply it correctly and to get all the benefits retinol can bring to your skin. Learn them by heart and you'll see how quickly you begin to notice the "magic" effects of this vitamin A derivative on the skin of your face.

Start using it as soon as possible.

It's never too early to incorporate retinol into your facial routine. If you're in your 20s or just turned 30, congratulations, this is the best time to start familiarizing yourself with this asset. No matter whether the signs of age have not yet manifested, retinol is also very useful in preventing.

Put it in little by little.

Retinol can irritate the skin if used too often or if the formulation is too strong for our skin, so it is best to start with a low percentage formula-0.01% to 0.03%-and apply the size of a pea to allow the skin to acclimate. As for frequency, start with two days a week and gradually increase use, without haste, you will get the same benefits and save yourself unwanted effects.

Extended-release formulas can be a good idea

Especially if your skin is very sensitive and / or prone to irritation and redness. The key lies, as its own name indicates, in progressively releasing the active ingredient in order to avoid irritation.

Some side effects are normal at first

And you Don't have to worry. We refer to mild irritations, dryness or sensitivity to the sun, but if you experience desquamation, redness or intense burning sensation, consult immediately with a dermatologist, it may happen that your skin does not tolerate retinol-if so do not panic because there are many other amazing ingredients that fight aging.

Apply it at night and Don't forget the sunscreen

Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to UV rays and, in addition, the sun can decrease its effectiveness, so the best option is to apply it at night and be (very) disciplined with the use of a broad spectrum sunscreen and exposure 30 or higher. Finally, remember that it is better to avoid the use of retinol if you travel to warm places that involve a lot of direct exposure to the sun.

Regenerative anti-wrinkle serum, La Roche Posay

The Retinol B3 formula, by La Roche Posay, is an exclusive complex of pure retinol and progressive release for powerful anti-wrinkle action and continuous action. It contains vitamin B3, which helps moisturize and regenerate the skin. Suitable for sensitive skins.

Night cream with retinol, Revolution Skincare

It also contains rose seed oil musquette rich in vitamin C and transretinoic acid, which helps mature skins recover a rejuvenated appearance. In addition, we like it because its formulation includes bisabolol, a natural calming active that helps reduce redness and irritation.

Peel and neck creams with phyto-retinol, of bareMinerals

Formulated with phytorretinol, the plant alternative to retinol, this bareMinerals serum acts effectively on the most visible age signs in the neck and cleavage area, achieving results in just two weeks. In addition, it is suitable for all kinds of skins and all ages, is vegan and has not been tested on animals.

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