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 tried using tretinoin yet, you’ll find today’s blog post extremely helpful. So if you want to know exactly how many times a week you can use retinol, as well as other questions we’ve received recently, stay tuned.
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. With retinol’s benefits making 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 this, make sure you are using a low percentage product. Start with 0.05% as this will help 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 initially use a higher percentage 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 will 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, you can use a serum containing hyaluronic acid, which can transform the skin, boost the hydration of your complexion, and lock 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 have found 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 improve.
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 to your skin, as this can cause severe dryness, discomfort, and may lead to pain and peeling. Just a pea-sized amount is enough to apply all over your face without any side effects. As I mentioned before, you can also combat dryness with skincare products that are rich in moisturizing 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 very important to follow the instructions on the packaging, as every formula and product is different. If you have any questions, consult a doctor or trained professional to make sure you are using the correct dosage. It is important not to rush into using retinol. If you are not sure what I mean, you can read our blog post which goes into more detail about 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 love skin, you can follow us on Instagram for exclusive discounts, new product launches and daily skincare tips.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
