Which steps can you skip and which are essential?
Skincare enthusiasts love retinol.
Its a holy-grail product that can reduce fine lines, even skin texture, and fade spots.
What is retinol, and how do you pick one?
(The last step of your morning skincare routine should always be a healthy slathering of SPF!)
While retinol itself doesnt exfoliate or remove dead cells, it does have an effect on texture, too.
As long as youre careful, this can be an excellent addition to your routine.
Youll ultimately want at least .25% retinol, but you should start small.
First-timers should consider a low-strength retinol, so look for .01% to .03%.
Elect for a concentration of less than .25%, saidDr.
Most over-the-counter options are at that level.
Once you build tolerance, you might upgrade to a prescription grade (.5%).
Dermatologists can also prescribe tretinoin and retinoic acid.
These are much stronger than what you could pick up at a drug store or online.
Be warned, however: That means the uglies can be stronger, too.
What are the retinol uglies, and how can you counteract them?
The uglies can include quite a bit of ugliness.
When you start using retinoids, your skin may peel or become red.
Some people even have a big breakout while their skin purges.
This can be disheartening.
Isnt the point of incorporating this much-hyped step into your skincare routine that it should make you lookbetter?
Dont be discouraged here.
First, know youre not alone.
Look at Reddit for proof that this truly happens to even the most seasoned skincare veterans.
Theyalsoswap the tips and tricks that helped them avoid the uglies going forward.
Again, start with a lower-dose concentration and slowly increase to two to three applications per week.
Use retinol in conjunction with a moisturizer.you might apply moisturizer before and after you use your retinol.
Parcells calls this the sandwich technique.
Retinol can dry the skin out, so youll want a nice, heavy-duty moisturizer.
Some retinols, like Glossiers, come with moisturizing ingredients built in.
Pick up a moisturizing sleeping mask, too.
Just layer it on before bed and wash it off in the morning.
Or try a night cream with retinol in it.
Parcells sellsthis one, which has a .5% formulation.
Hyaluronic acid, like retinol, is a beloved skincare staple that is seemingly always having a moment.
Hell, evenKylie Skinmakes one of these serums (and it has great ratings, too).
Even once you amassallthe holy grail products, you must not use them all at the same time.
Plan out your schedule carefully.
Some nights are for certain products and certain products only.
Avoid using toners, scrubs, AHAs/BHAs, and vitamin C around a retinol session.
Dont use too much.You want to use a pea-sized amount of retinol for your whole face.
This is not like a mask or a moisturizer.
It is potent and powerful enough in small doses.
Put the tiny dab on your fingers and rub it around, then transfer it to your face.
Always use sunscreen.This is going to make your face more sensitive to the sun.
You dont need a sunburn on top of your peeling and purgingor ever.
Their Unseen Sunscreen blends out invisibly and works great, even under your makeup.
Some foundations even include SPF.
Drink water.Moisturize from the inside out.
While your skin is flaking, you oughta hydrate.
Chug water all day.
Keep a water bottle and a travel-sized moisturizer on you at all times.
When you reach for one, check that to use the other.
The uglies can last for months, but the payoff is worth it in the end.
