1:Sunscreenis the single most important antiaging product out there.
2:Retinolis number two.
Everyone and their mother should be on retinoid, board-certified dermatologist Adam Friedman tells SELF.
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(Superhero, seriously.)
Here’s how to use retinol in a way that gets the most benefit out of every drop.
This isnt like your acne spot treatment that you just dab on the areas its needed.
Retinol cream and serum work best all over the face.
Retinoid should be treated like the caviar of your skincare routine.
Rub the product between your fingertips and spread evenly from forehead to chin.
Related:Is Retinol Really The Best Antiaging Ingredient Out There?
Start with a lower concentration every other night and increase slowly.
Over-the-counter retinols come in different strengths, ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 percent.
Linkner typically reserves the highest concentrations for her male patients, since they haveoiler skinand can tolerate it better.
Most forms of retinoid are photolabile, meaning they break down with sun exposure, says Friedman.
Sure, you could wear sunscreen over it, but why risk limiting retinol’s awesome effects?
Apply the product at night when you’re free to get the full benefit without the worry.
Many derms will tell you to put moisturizing products on damp skin to help the actives absorb better.
This tip should not be applied to using retinol, especially if you havesensitive skin.
Retinol is strong stuff.
Retinol is powerful enough on dry skin.
Theres no need to give it an extra boost.
Retinoid use is not advised for women who are expecting.
This transition period is called retinization.
For the first couple of weeks, you might experience redness, dryness, peeling, and light breakouts.
Most people do adjust to it [within] four to five weeks.
And Linkner explains that this isn’t a quick fix.
Like most beauty products, the real results can be seen after about three to six months of use.
Plus, you’ll have to continue using the product to maintain the benefits.
But that’s a reasonable commitment for clearer, brighter skin, right?
