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6 rules for using retinol. Find out when and how to use it

 

Retinol - what is it?

Retinol is a chemical compound, organic, included in the group of carotenoids. You associate well - it is a derivative of vitamin A. The isolated compound is perfectly fat-soluble, and this has a considerable impact on its application. This allows it to act on the deep layers of the skin. Among other things, its task is to stimulate fibroblasts - cells that produce collagen and elastin.

Start by choosing a concentration

Although retinol is a miracle compound, reducing the appearance of pores, brightening hyperpigmentation, smoothing wrinkles or reducing scars, its application is not easy. Why? Because it's a potent substance that, if used without preparation, can lead to skin irritation, burning or peeling. What can you do to avoid this? Prepare your skin for skin care with retinol to save it a huge shock. Retinylation - as the process is called - can pass gently if you start with a low concentration of what is, after all, a potent substance like retinol. What concentration will be appropriate? Initially, it should be a maximum of 0.5%. Ideal here, for example, will be emulsion serum from BasicLab. Is that all there is to it? Of course not. There are many more rules!


Retinol - when to apply? Initially...rarely

After choosing the right concentration - for the first date with retinol, and then the next meeting with it, you will have to wait a while to get your skin used to this substance. After the first use, take a break for five days. During this time, watch your skin very carefully to catch any abnormalities. Be careful, because the first symptoms can appear even three days after use! If your skin clearly didn't like retinol and is still inflamed after five days, it's better to let it go. Not forever, of course. Give it a few more days to let it calm down. Re-applying retinol to irritated skin will leave you with even more redness, dryness and even flaky skin. However, if your skin has responded properly, you can slowly reduce the interval between applications. Do it slowly, every two weeks. There is really no room for haste here. Sometimes it's better to use retinol less often than not at all - because of severe irritation.

Don't start in the summer!

Although retinol can be used year-round, this is possible only after building up a tolerance. If you are just beginning your wonderful adventure with this substance, it is best to do it in autumn. Why? Retinol and UV rays are not a matched pair. The vitamin A derivative sensitizes the skin to the sun, so irritation, sunburn and hyperpigmentation can occur. Remember that sunlight affects the skin not only in summer. So if you use retinol, it is essential to include in your daily skin care routine a good SPF50 cream.


It's not just "when to use retinol" that matters. The "how?" also matters.

You already know the immense power of retinol. When to apply this substance so as not to harm your skin? In the evening, on cleansed facial skin. Never do it during the day - precisely because of retinol's difficult relationship with the sun. When applying, remember to avoid the eye area, but also the lips, which can also react with severe redness and peeling of the epidermis. The rule for applying retinol is one: better too little than too much. In the first case, you will wait a little longer for the effect. In the second...well, we've already talked about the side effects.

Retinol and hydration are a good pair

Regardless of whether you have a skin with enlarged pores, acne, vascular or dry skin - you need to keep your skin moisturized during retinol treatment. All this to take care of the hydrolipidic barrier, which is put to the test. So in your makeup bag you will need creams that are rich in content, strongly regenerating and moisturizing. You will see that this is one of the best ways to combat dryness and flakiness of the epidermis.



Retinol - when not to use and when to use?

You already know how strong the effects of retinol are. When to start using this substance, and when is it better to let go? Retinol strengthens the skin if it is introduced into the routine with a head. Therefore, sensitive or vascular skin can benefit from this relationship. However, it is worth staying with low concentrations, for your own safety. Retinol is banned for pregnant women and nursing moms, as well as if you are under the care of a dermatologist and do not have a green light from him to use this substance.

These few rules will certainly help you introduce retinol into your daily skin care routine. Safely and effectively.