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HOW TO USE RETINOL FOR BEGINNERS

Article Overview

Retinoids like retinol provide effective results across a range of skincare routines – including those geared towards anti-ageing, acne-prone and brightening skin concerns. For first time users, knowing how to implement the potent ingredient can cause confusion.
Retinol creams and serums are available in different concentrations, which allows you to select a retinol strength tailored to your skin type and concerns. What percentage of retinol is good for beginners depends on a few factors and intended use. Ahead, see how to create a beginner retinol routine and how to integrate the ingredient for best results.

HOW DO YOU USE RETINOL FOR BEGINNERS

A derivative of vitamin A, retinol has an important function within skincare. As the skin cell cycle slows with age, skin cells remain on the surface layer for longer. This can result in a roughened skin texture, ageing skin signs like fine lines and wrinkles, as well as enlarged pore size. To combat this, retinol benefits skin by increasing the rate of skin cell turnover, surfacing fresh skin faster. When adding retinol to your skincare regime, choosing a retinol concentration for beginners is one of the first considerations.

IS RETINOL 0.3% GOOD FOR BEGINNERS

Retinol products with a concentration of 0.3% impart a low but effective dose of the ingredient, which is ideal for those with sensitive skin or using the ingredient for the first time. We recommend 0.3% as a retinol starting point, before building up dosage levels slowly over time. This retinol concentration for beginners encourages skin cell turnover to aid in the improved appearance of hyperpigmentation, blemishes and signs of ageing. It also introduces retinol at a controlled level, so that your skin can acclimate to the ingredient comfortably.

IS RETINOL 0.5% GOOD FOR BEGINNERS

A slightly higher retinol concentration for beginners, SkinCeuticals 0.5% retinol products imparts the ingredient at a controlled rate. Using retinol at this concentration helps to reduce the appearance of skin discolouration, blemishes, facial lines and wrinkles. A product containing 0.5% retinol is suitable for continued use or to acclimatise the skin in preparation for products with a concentration of 1%. Skin dryness, flaking and tight sensations can indicate you need to reduce use of retinol and give your skin more time to adjust. Always introduce retinol slowly and watch how skin responds.

HOW TO APPLY RETINOL FOR BEGINNERS?

When considering how often to use retinol for beginners, constant monitoring of skin and a shift in your other skincare products is recommended.

Ingredients to pair retinol with:

Hyaluronic acid. As retinol begins to work on skin, quickened cell renewal starts to occur. To support your skin throughout the process, an uptake of hydrating skincare such as hyaluronic acid is recommended. Our HA Intensifier Hyaluronic Acid Serum deeply hydrates skin, helping to promote optimal moisture levels. Apply retinol to cleansed, dry skin, and follow with hyaluronic acid serum.
SPF. Even low retinol concentration for beginners can increase skin’s sensitivity to UV rays. To ensure skin stays protected from external stress, broad spectrum sunscreen should accompany retinol usage. Ultra Facial Defense Sunscreen SPF50 provides a high level of protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply each morning as the final step of your skincare routine.

Ingredients to alternate with retinol:

Vitamin C. The pure form of vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid, requires a low pH level in order to permeate skin. Retinol conversely is most effective at a higher pH. To ensure both ingredients have an optimal effect on skin, it’s recommended to spread out the use of retinol and vitamin C by using vitamin C in the AM and retinol in your PM skincare regime.
Glycolic acid. Similar to vitamin C, glycolic acid and retinol perform best at different pH levels. To benefit from the exfoliative functions of glycolic acid within a beginner retinol routine, it’s recommended to separate the application of ingredients at either end of the day, or on alternate days.

RETINOL PRODUCTS FOR BEGINNERS

An initial retinol concentration for beginners of 0.3% or 0.5% helps skin to acclimatise to the efficacious ingredient. To implement beginner retinol into your skincare routine, SkinCeuticals’ retinol formulas are delivered in a stable and supportive formula. Explore retinol products for beginners below.

Retinol 0.3 anti-ageing night cream

This night time cream imparts 0.3% pure retinol in a stabilised formula. To assist first time retinol users, bisabolol is included to comfort the skin. Non comedogenic, fragrance free and supportive, the 0.3% concentration is suitable for all skin types. Use is recommended within evening routines to address the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, laxity and discolouration. Discover Retinol 0.3 Anti-Ageing Night Cream.

Tripeptide-R retinol neck repair cream

Designed specifically to address visible neck ageing, this retinol cream contains 0.2% slow-release pure retinol. To further support skin firming, 2.5% tripeptide is included. Key benefits include the improved appearance of neck wrinkles and encouraging skin tone uniformity. This formulation is suitable for those with early to advanced signs of ageing. Discover Tripeptide-R Retinol Neck Repair Cream.

Enjoyed our guide on retinol for beginners? Keep reading to discover the right antioxidant for your skin type.