5 Tips to Successfully Use Retinol in Your Skincare Routine

So you’re ready to take your skincare game to the next level. You want to even out tone, firm things up, and – if it’s not too much to ask – diminish the signs of some sunspots. Is there a secret ingredient you’ve been missing?

It turns out there is! And it’s called retinol. Of course, if you’re reading this article, then you already know that. This nearly miraculous substance is the perfect accompaniment to any existing regimen, so the question becomes: How do you use it successfully?

If you have recently purchased a retinol product and want to ensure you’re using it correctly and in the proper order with their other products, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got all the retinol skincare tips here, including the best time to use it, which other products you should be using, and how to select the right retinol formula.

Don’t wait any longer to get the latest skincare trends and start seeing long-term results. Let’s get into what all the retinol hype is about!

Why Retinol?

The first part of a good retinol skincare routine is to understand why you're using it in the first place. For what reason is retinol such a positive addition to your existing lineup?

A formulation of the naturally occurring vitamin A, retinol, is sold as an over-the-counter and a prescription product. It is doctor-recommended because it naturally boosts the production of collagen, the body's plumping and firming substance, which increases your skin's youthful appearance.

In addition, it evens out tone and texture, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and fades sunspots. Plus, it's easy to add to your existing regimen.

How to Use Retinol Successfully

If you’re wondering “how to use retinol?” and feeling a little intimidated, don’t be. With five simple steps, you’ll be on your way to skin that looks years younger.

1. Choose Doctor-Recommended Products

First and foremost, only choose products that have a physician's endorsement. This is perhaps the most important of these retinol skincare tips because it will help ensure that no harm comes to your complexion.

Any skincare product backed by a doctor (from cleansers to moisturizers and everything in between) is bound to be better for you and use better ingredients. They're also less likely to irritate sensitive skin and work for all skin types, from oily to dry and everything in between.

2. Integrate One Product at a Time

Many people are compelled to replace their entire skincare regimen all at once. At Sobel Skin, we support better products, but when starting with a retinol product, try not to change anything about your routine.

Even if you buy a cost-effective, doctor-recommended skincare kit with multiple products, be wary of starting them all at once. Unless the kit specifically instructs you to do so, read each product carefully to learn how to use it, then integrate them one at a time.

3. Moisturize Your Skin as Usual

Again, although it can be tempting to throw your current products out the window in favor of new ones, don't. Getting rid of anything you're currently using is unnecessary to starting a retinol skincare routine.

Instead, you can incorporate your new retinol-rich products into your skincare routine, provided it's working. And one of the most important products to continue using is a moisturizer, which traps water and provides a barrier against the outside world.

Bottom line: Retinol is not a replacement for moisturizer but an addition.

4. Opt for Nighttime Use

Retinol is best used at night for the simple reason that they are photosensitive. People sometimes confuse this with thinking that they make the skin more sensitive to light, but it actually means that the retinoids – the compound you’re paying for – are more likely to degrade in the presence of the sun.

For that reason, make sure you use retinoids before bedtime. This, in turn, means you should buy a compound specially formulated for use as a night treatment, where your money will stretch furthest, and the product will do the most good.

5. Don’t Jump to Conclusions

When you first start using retinol treatment, you might feel disappointed. The results do not take effect for a while, and it’s normal not to see results for 6-8 weeks. Most people notice maximum changes after 6-12 months, so don’t ditch your efforts simply because they don’t pay off immediately.

Have Questions? Sobel Skin in New York City Can Help

If you have questions or concerns about any retinol product or want to consult on your skin in general, we invite you to reach out to us!