Can I use retinol after a tooth extraction?
A visit to the spa and a soothing facial are heavenly, but many skin experts stress that getting facials regularly is not conducive to maintaining overall good skin health. However, for many of us, monthly trips to our favorite spa aren’t a feasible task, so in today’s blog post, we’ll learn how to maintain the impressive results of your facials. We’ll also explore whether or not you can use retinol after a tooth extraction, so without further delay, let’s learn more.
Before we dive in to find out more, here’s a quick summary of retinol and its benefits for your skin.
What is retinol?
Retinol is a retinoid derived from vitamin A that has a variety of benefits in over-the-counter products, medical, and professional skincare formulas. Retinol is often mistakenly referred to as an exfoliant, but it actually speeds up the skin’s natural cell turnover. It removes dead skin cells from the skin, revealing radiant skin underneath. You’ll find a host of benefits that retinol can have on your skin. Here are some of the most common examples.
Retinol reduces hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and sun damage.
Retinol works on the lower layers of the skin to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.
Retinol can help control bacteria on the skin and fight the appearance of breakouts, spots, and blemishes.
Retinol can fight uneven skin texture and help maintain a smooth complexion.
Retinol can fight signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.
Retinol can help clear out enlarged pores and reduce their visibility.
If you want to learn more about retinol and its skin benefits, you can read our dedicated blog post on this powerful force here at The Beauty Insiders.
What to use after a tooth extraction?
If you have a professional tooth extraction, you should heal quickly after the extraction, aside from some minor discomfort during the process and some redness.
If you want to put something on your skin after an extraction, the best ingredients and formulas are something that is lightweight and rich in hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide.
By using these products, you can soothe your skin while locking in moisture and keeping out irritants and impurities. If you notice inflammation after an extraction, avoid heavy formulas to prevent clogging and further inflammation of the skin.
If you are concerned about the effects of applying to your skin, do not disturb it until the next day to allow the skin to naturally rebalance and calm down.
How long does it take for skin to heal after an extraction?
For most extractions, expect 1 to 3 weeks for the wound to heal. Keep in mind that this is the healing time for extractions that do not involve lasers or require sutures. You may find that it takes longer to heal because the skin will have some changes in your skin tone. By this I mean that it may take longer for your skin tone to become more even and for the wound to heal.
If you have questions about the healing of an extraction or are unsure about what skin ingredients to apply to your skin, ask your doctor or dermatologist for help right away.
What should you not do after a facial?
If you have just had a facial, there are some things you should avoid. Here are some examples of things you should avoid to prevent skin damage.
Avoid steam baths
While steam baths may be relaxing, exposing your freshly extracted skin to more steam can cause skin irritation, redness, and inflammation. Therefore, any form of exercise or any activity that causes you to sweat should be avoided for 24 hours after a facial.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Since your facial uses professional ingredients, sunbathing or using tanning beds is a definite no-no. The skin becomes more susceptible to sun damage, which can lead to a host of issues, from fine lines and wrinkles to dark spots caused by sun damage.
Avoid Shaving, Waxing, or Laser Hair Removal
You’ll notice that many facials involve deep exfoliation, especially if you’ve had a professional exfoliation. When any form of hair removal is involved, some form of peeling is also involved. This can be too much for the skin and can cause irritation, redness, and sometimes even burning. To avoid this, try to split your facial and hair removal treatments on different days if possible.
Avoid Strong Retinols and At-Home Peels
Before using at-home peels or applying any form of retinol to your skin, make sure you allow enough time between professional extractions or facials. This is because overusing retinol on skin that has undergone extractions or facials can lead to the skin becoming irritated by stripping it of important sebum and needed moisture.
How Often Should You Get Facial Extraction Procedures?
This largely depends on your skin’s requirements. People who are prone to oiliness and acne will need extractions every four to six weeks to maintain a healthy skin barrier. For those who don’t breakout often, a facial once or twice a month may be enough to maintain skin clarity without causing irritation, dryness, redness, or other reactions.
What Should You Apply to Your Face After Blackhead Removal?
You’ll notice that your pores will appear smaller after blackhead removal because dirt and oil are removed and the pores become less noticeable. To keep your pores clear, you should use an exfoliating toner after blackhead removal, especially one that’s rich in antibacterial ingredients like salicylic acid, as this will remove bacteria, dirt, and debris that remain on the surface of the skin.
Avoid contact with your skin as much as possible to allow the skin to rebalance over 24 hours, or use nourishing and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid to soothe inflammation.
Now you have a better understanding of how to use retinol after extractions. If you have any additional questions, you can find me on Procoal’s Instagram.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
