How many times a week can you use retinol?
Given the many benefits and accolades that come with retinol, you’ll definitely want to reap the rewards of this impressive ingredient. However, along with this accolade and myriad benefits come a few caveats that you should keep in mind as you introduce this powerhouse into your daily routine.
If you’re already using retinol, you’ve probably experienced how much time and effort it takes to build up your skin’s tolerance to this form of vitamin A. If you haven’t yet tried using a retinoid, you’ll find today’s blog post extremely helpful. So stay tuned for specifics on how many times per week you can use retinol, as well as other questions we’ve received recently.
Before we dive in: If you need a refresher on the benefits and expected results of retinol, check out our dedicated blog post.
Can retinol be used daily?
The short answer is yes, the longer, more detailed answer is that it depends a lot on the effectiveness of the formula. Due to the benefits of retinol, which makes it a powerful ingredient that helps fight free radical damage like sun exposure and pollution, and boosts collagen production, I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to use it daily. However, before you do so, make sure you’re using a low percentage product. Start with 0.05% as this helps build up your skin’s tolerance without being too irritating.
For higher percentages, my advice would be to avoid using it every night and instead use it up to three times a week. Don’t forget to consult your doctor or dermatologist if you have any questions to avoid any unwanted irritation or reactions.
How often can retinol be used? You can start by using a higher percentage of retinol once or twice a week. However, you should only do this once you have properly incorporated the retinol product into your daily routine so that your skin has developed a tolerance. Once you have done this and your skin is happy with the increase, you can use retinol three times a week or every other day. Common side effects, also known as the “retinol ugly,” are something everyone who starts using retinol will experience. There will be some dryness and flaking of the skin on your face, and it can often feel very uncomfortable and tight. Over time, this will all pass and you will really see the true benefits of this powerhouse. In the meantime, if you want to stop the itchiness, use a serum with hyaluronic acid, which transforms the skin, boosts the hydration of your complexion, and locks in moisture on the outer surface. How long do you need to use retinol to see results? For over-the-counter formulas, you may notice a difference after 5-6 months of regular use. Your skin will appear smoother, more even-toned, and overall more youthful. If you use a medical or prescription product, the waiting period is similar. However, some users find that some issues, such as rashes and acne, often improve after as little as 12 weeks. Other issues, such as sun damage, dark spots, and signs of aging, may take longer to see improvements. How much retinol is too much? The saying “the more you apply, the faster you’ll see results” simply doesn’t hold true when using such a powerful skincare ingredient. When using retinol, you should avoid applying too much retinol to your skin, as this can cause severe dryness, discomfort, and potentially pain and peeling. Just a pea-sized amount is enough to apply all over your face without any side effects. As I mentioned earlier, you can also combat dryness with skincare products that are rich in hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to keep your skin barrier balanced and functioning properly. Can I use retinol once a week? Yes, you can, but it really doesn’t make sense to use it only once a week. It’s true that retinol has a drying effect initially and can cause slight irritation. But this won’t last long and once your skin gets used to the formula, you can use it every other night. If you still only want to use retinol once a week, by all means go ahead and do so, if it suits you and your skin type. You can also combine this powerful ingredient with other ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid. Just check if your skin is happy with this routine. The last and extremely important step is to always apply a product with SPF 30 or higher every day to protect your skin barrier from the sun and free radicals. What happens if you use too much retinol? If you use a medicated or prescription formula, you’ll find that it can cause severe itching, irritation, and peeling on your face if you’re not too careful. It’s important to follow the instructions on the packaging, as every formula and product is different. If you have any questions, consult a doctor or a trained professional to make sure you’re using the right dosage. It’s important not to rush into using retinol. If you’re not sure what I mean, you can read our blog post which goes into more detail on which retinol strength you need and can benefit the most from. Now you have a better idea of how often to use retinol per week. Don’t forget: If you’re into skin, you can follow us on Instagram for exclusive discounts, new product launches, and daily skincare tips.
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.
