Retinol (vitamin A) has become a popular ingredient lately. An ingredient that you can add to your skincare if you want to work effectively on fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, acne, scars or enlarged pores.
Retinol is a strong ingredient that you need to have respect for. In addition to its fantastic properties, the skin can also react negatively with e.g. dryness, photosensitivity and redness. But don’t worry, we'll help you get started with Retinol. Here are our 5 commandments in the Swiss Clinic’s bible about Retinol.
1. Choose the right retinol product
There are an incredible number of retinol products on the market that contain different textures and that work in different focus areas. There are also different strengths that you need to consider. If you haven’t tried Retinol before, we always recommend starting with a low Retinol percentage.
What works for your friend may not work for you. It is important to always listen to YOUR skin.
2. Start gently and increase gradually
As we mentioned earlier in this article - retinol is a strong ingredient that should be accustomed. Start by testing a milder retinol product with a lower percentage of retinol in it, about once a week to see how your skin reacts. When you notice that your skin accepts the product, you can increase it to 2 times a week and then continue to gradually increase the use and increase more in percentage. Hurry slowly! Do not stress and stick to the schedule. You get the best results if you use retinol continuously and for a long period of time.
Note! If you have sensitive skin, you should be extra careful with Retinol. Test on a small piece of your neck before starting in the middle of your face. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are not recommended to use Vitamin A / Retinol during that period.
3. Retinol + Acid = Not a great match
There are so many opportunities a week to apply skin care products, you do not have to do everything at once! Retinol can cause your skin to be flaky, as it stimulates the skin's cell renewal and can then give an exfoliating effect. If you use a powerful acid that also exfoliates the skin, your skin will be thin, weak and extra sensitive. Rather spread out your acids and retinol. An experienced retinol user can recommend using vitamin C in the morning and Retinol in the evening.
Feel free to use extra soothing, emollient and moisturizing products in your skin care routine to strengthen the skin during the period you use Retinol. Also add a soothing serum or cream for extra care.
4. SPF
Due to the skin becoming more sensitive and thinner during the use of Retinol, it is important to protect your skin with UV protection. Feel free to use SPF50 daily, all year round, for the absolute best protection.
5. Retinol is not for everyone
Last but not least - not all ingredients are for everyone. Your skin is unique and you must always listen to it! If you have very dry skin, young skin, eczema or rosacea, it may be that retinol does not work for you. You can test, but we always recommend testing on a small protected area and not in the middle of your face.
You will notice if the ingredient or product is not for you if you do not see any effect for several months or if you continue to flake and be red.
