How Many Times a Week Can You use Retinol?
With the number of benefits and praise that comes with retinol, you’d want to reap the rewards of such an impressive ingredient. With this is praise and countless benefits however comes some precautions you should follow when introducing this powerhouse into your routine.
If you already use retinol, chances are you’ve already experienced how much time and effort it takes to build the skin’s tolerance towards this form of vitamin A. If you haven’t yet taken the plunge in using a retinoid yet, well, you’ll find today’s blog post extremely helpful. So, stick around if you want to find out exactly how many times a week you can use retinol as well as other questions, we’ve has sent to us recently.
Before we dive in, if you are needing a little refresher about the benefits of retinol and the results you can expect to see, check out our dedicated blog post.
Can you use retinol every day?
The short answer is yes, the longer, more detailed answer is this is very much dependant on how potent the formula is. Because of the benefits of retinol resulting in it being an effective ingredient to help combat free radical damage, such as sun exposure and pollution, as well as boosting collagen production I wouldn’t blame you for wanting to use it every day. Before you do, however, ensure you are using a product containing a low percentage, starting with 0.05% this will help build your skin’s tolerance and is not too aggressive.
For more potent percentages, if you wanted my advice, I would avoid using every night and instead only apply them up to 3 times a week. Don’t forget, if you have any concerns consult with your doctor or a dermatologist to make sure you avoid any unwanted irritation or reactions.
How often can you use a retinol?
You can use a higher percentage of retinol once or twice a week to begin with. This should only be done once you have introduced your retinol product into your routine the correct way resulting in the skin building its tolerance. Once this has happened and your skin is happy for you to up the ante, you are able to use retinol 3 times a week, or every other day.
The common side effect, also known as the “retinol uglies” is something that everyone who starts their retinol journey will experience. The face will have patches of dry skin, flakiness, and can often feel quite uncomfortable and tight. This will pass over time, and you’ll really see the true benefits of this potent powerhouse. In the meantime, if you are wanting to combat the itchiness, apply a serum packed with hyaluronic acid will transform the skin and give the complexion a boost in hydration and lock moisture into the outer surface.
How long do you have to use retinol to see results?
For over-the-counter formulas you can expect to start noticing a difference after consistent use in 5-6 months. The complexion will appear smoother, have a more even skin tone, and all-over improved youthful bounce.
If you are using a medical grade or prescription only product, you’ll find it will be a similar wait time, however, some users have found there is an all over improvement in some concerns, such as breakouts and acne as quickly as 12 weeks. Other concerns, such as sun damage, dark spots, and signs of ageing will take longer to show improvement.
How much retinol is too much?
The saying “the more you apply, the faster results you’ll see” just doesn’t ring true when it comes to using such potent skincare ingredients. With retinol you should avoid applying too much to the skin as this can lead to severe dryness, discomfort, and potential soreness and peeling. Using roughly the size of a pea-sized amount for the entire face will be more than enough to reap the rewards without the side effects. As I have already mentioned you can also counteract the dryness with skincare products packed with hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid to keep the skin barrier balanced and functioning correctly.
Can I use retinol once a week?
Yes, you can, but there’s really no point in only applying it once a week. It is true that retinol is firstly initially drying and can cause some mild irritation. But this doesn’t last long and once your skin is accustomed to the formula you can build to applying it every other evening.
If you still wish to only use retinol once a week, by all means if it works for you and your skin type continue to do so. You may want to team this powerhouse with other ingredients, such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid for example, just check your skin will be happy with this routine. One final and highly important step is to always ensure you apply a daily SPF of 30 and above to keep the skin barrier protected from sun exposure and free radicals.
What happens if you use too much retinol?
If you use a medical grade or prescription only formula you’ll find if you don’t pay too much attention you can result in severe itchiness, irritation and peeling of the face. It is of the upmost importance that you follow the instructions on the packaging as every formula and product are all different. If you have any concerns check with a medical or trained professional to check you are using the correct amount. It is important to not rush into using retinol, if you are unsure about what I mean by this you can check out our blog post which goes into a little more detail about which strength of retinol you would need and benefit most from.
So, there you have a little bit more of an insight into how many times a week can you use retinol. Don’t forget that if skin is your thing, you can come and 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.
