This guide from Bolo Haq explains Skin Care Routine. The name of Retinol is heard a lot in the skin care routine today. People make it a part of their routine for the concerns like fine lines, uneven skin texture, dullness and acne prone skin. Retinol is not something that gives instant results. it works well, when you use it in a right way with consistency and patience.
When I started using retinol, initially I also was not able to understand in what quantity and how many times it should be applied. Gradually I understood that in case of retinol, more does not mean better. It is very important to give proper time to the skin to adjust.
What Is Retinol ?
Retinol is a form of vitamin A, often found in skin products. It supports the skin’s renewal process, which makes my skin texture smoother and the skin look fresher.
Additionally, I have found that it helps target concerns such as correcting all fine lines, dullness ,even skin tone, and acne prone skin. But when I started using it, I noticed that its results are not visible immediately. It is important to include it properly in the routine and use it with consistency.
Why is retinol so popular ?
One reason for retinol’s popularity is that it targets more than one skin concern. Like an all-in-one solution, retinol can help with several skin concerns. Whether you have fine lines , even skin tone, texture , acne prone skin or dullness. This makes the appearance of these less noticeable
When my skin was dull or rough, I added retinol to my routine and I found it very useful. But this does not mean that it will suit everyone as every person’s skin response is different, hence it is not necessary to apply the retinol from your skin after seeing someone else’s result.
How To Include Retinol To Your Skincare Routine ?
When I tried retinol for the first time, I thought starting slow was the best approach.
such as :
1. Start At Low Strength
If you are a beginner, then it may be easier for you to start with a low-strength retinol. If you start with a stronger product, then first give the skin time to adjust with the ingredients.
2. Use It At Night
Retinol is generally included in the nighttime skincare routine. After cleansing the face, dry the skin thoroughly and then apply it.
When I tried Retinol for the first time, instead of applying it daily, I started it only once or twice a week. This gave me time to observe the reaction of the skin and the routine was also manageable.
3. Keep Quantity Low
It is not necessary to use large amounts of retinol. Usually a small amount is sufficient. It is better to follow the product instructions and avoid excessive application.
Don’t Ignore Moisturizer
While using retinol, I had made moisturizer an important part of my routine because with retinol, the skin often gets dry, with tightness and irritation.
When I started doing retinol, my skin used to be a little dry for some time, that is why I included moisturizer in my routine and I used to do it in a sandwich method, first moisturizer, then a retinol and then moisturizer on top of that.
If your skin is very dry and sensitive, you should take extra care of hydration. If you are using retinol and you have super sensitive skin, then first decide as per the product instructions with the advice of a dermatologist
Sunscreen Is Most Important
Even if you are using Retinol in your night time routine, you should not skip sunscreen during daytime. That’s why applying broad spectrum sunscreen in the morning is an important step in overall skin rejuvenation.
I myself understand the importance of regularly using sunscreen even more. when i included retinol in my routine.
Which Product Should You Use Carefully With Retinol ?
If you are already using multiple active products then it is better to keep the routine simple instead of starting all of them together.
A simple routine can be something like this.
Morning:
Mild Cleanser
Moisturizer
Sunscreen
Night:
Mild Cleanser
Retinol
Moisturizer
Then when the skin starts tolerating retinol, you can gradually adjust your routine accordingly.
What changes can occur in the skin after starting Retinol ?
I noticed some redness and dryness in the skin initially after starting retinol. But some people may also feel slight irritation or feeling. This does not mean that the product is wrong for skin
I also understood that some dryness is normal but it is not right to ignore the signals of your skin.
in skincare. If the irritation is more then it may be better to reduce the frequency of retinol or stop it temporarily.
Is Retinol Suitable For Everyone ?
Actually, retinol is not suitable for every skin. If your skin is already irritated or you are treating a skin condition, it is important to consult a dermatologist before starting retinol. If you are following a doctor’s prescribed skin care routine, then do not add retinol as per your wish.
Retinol and topical retinoids are generally avoided during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or have concerns about breastfeeding, my advice is that you should consult your doctor.
When are the results of retinol visible ?
According to my experience, the results of retinol are not found immediately. It takes time for the skin to adjust and for noticeable improvement, regular use and patience are necessary
Final thoughts
Retinol can be a useful ingredient in your skin care routine, but it is not necessary to use it in casually excessive quantities. If you are a beginner, then start with your lower strength. Use it limited times a week and give the skin time to gradually adjust.
However, Keep moisturizer and sunscreen an important part of your routine and don’t ignore it if you have irritation. Patience matters a lot when it comes to retinol.
In my experience, the most important thing about retinol is how to use it, and a consistent approach is more practical.
FAQs:
What is retinol ?
Retinol is a form of vitamin A, often found in skin products. It supports the skin’s renewal process, which makes my skin texture smoother and the skin look fresher.
How To Include Retinol To Your Skincare Routine ?
When I was a beginner, I started with low strength and used it once or twice a week to give the skin time to adjust.
Should you take retinol daily ?
Initially I use less quantity and then gradually increased the quantity as per the tolerance of my skin.
Should I wear sunscreen while taking retinol ?
Yes, When I do it at night, I definitely apply sunscreen during the day.
Disclaimer:
In this article i have shared general information and my personal experience with retinol. as every person has different skin type. retinol can also react differently on every skin. kindly before using it check its instructions and ask your skin specialist first.