Retinol Products, Tips and Tricks

[KatieBT]

When should I start using retinol? How does retinol work? What are the side effects of retinol? How often should I use retinol in my current routine? What's the best retinol product for sensitive skin? Can retinol help with acne scarring? What are THE BEST retinol products?!

Many Community members have dabbled in the world of retinol, from those just starting their retinol research to experts who can talk at ends about "the best" retinol products on the market. On the other hand, many are (rightfully) overwhelmed and wondering "what is retinol and how does it work?" I know that was me before discovering this lovely community and learning from so many of the passionate skincare aficionados here.

We are opening up this thread to talk about all things retinol. This is a space to ask for advice according to your skin type, answer questions, or just give a shoutout to your favorite retinol product! It's all fair game...

Let's talk about retinol!

[Boudreau]

Thank you so much for starting this thread @KatieBT 

I have recently started using retinol products and am loving the results. One thing i've been investigating: Should you be using a separate retinol product for eyes? Eye creams/serums? If so, what would you recommend for a beginner with sensitive skin that won't necessarily break the bank?

[meou]

@Boudreau generally with creams you don't need to use an eye cream unless you are prone to milia. With retinol it can be a bit of a different story since it can cause irritation and the area around your eye is so delicate. What retinol product are you using now? 

[saaraahds]

• So I’m new to using retinol and someone at Sephora suggested I try 

REN Clean Skincare Bio Retinoid Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate Oil 1.02 oz/ 30 mL

for my sensitive acne prone skin. I started slow using it once a week for a few weeks and then bumped it up to two times a week now three times a week. However almost after the first two weeks I noticed I had gotten a bunch of small deep under the skin little white bumps and then later some emerged as large cystic pimples and white heads. I’ve heard of the purge (supposed to last 6-8 weeks) but it’s been 6 weeks and I’ve noticed only a minor difference since as I still have pimples emerging. But I don’t have any itching or burning or redness. What should I do? Continue usage till I get to the suggested every night and see what happens? Or stop now and see if something else works better? I was thinking THE ORDINARY - Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane

thoughts?

[zodalii]

Hi Love,

At night is the best time to use retinol. Start with every other night, and slowly build up to every night. I am currently using, and loving, the Peter Thomas Roth Professional 3% Retinoid Plus along with the Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum. I do a drop of each on my cheeks and on my forehead, blend together and I am good to go. I don't use a moisturizer, just an eye serum, and eye cream. 

[mvp393]

Do these two products cancel eachother out? I plan to try the vinoperfect serum and currently use the Origins Retinol Mosturizer in the evenings every other day. 

[Sephora85Maven]

This is the one skin care item I absolutely CANNOT do with out. I am six months into using Tretinoin and i couldn't imagine ever not using it. I am almost 34 and I started it as an anti aging treatment. Let's be real all the creams and potions and lotions in the world cant undo whats already been done so its important to start a good regimen early on. I cant speak currently on its anti-aging benefits as I haven't been using it very long and currently have no fine line or wrinkles.  (I did however do a lot of research and its the one product clinically proven to have indisputable results in that department.) However I didn't realize how much I would fall in love with it! I didn't have bad acne but I have the occasional breakout and blemishes from past breakouts. Tretinoin cleared up my skin and breakouts are rare it also cleared up the blemishes and evened out my skin tone dramatically!! I even noticed my skin texture improve immensely!!! I honestly cant sing its praises enough. I also invested in a great AHA/BHB, Vitamin-C, and Moisturizer. (I went with the Drunk Elephant line after many reviews and wanted something clean.) When I use the Drunk Elephant in combination with my Tretinoin my skin is noticeably different the next morning. (Lets be real I get lazy sometimes and skip it) The next morning my skin is radiant, glowly, smooth and beautiful. However it comes at a price...and not the cost of the products. ( Tretinoin prices vary depending on your insurance and Drunk Elephant is expensive) The first few months were rough (Dragon Lady Stage) My skin peeled of horribly, I could even wear makeup because it exacerbated the peeling. I would wash my face and it would start peeling shortly after so I was pretty scaly and gross for a hot minute. No moisturizer in the world could stop the process of my skin acclimating to the product. It's something you literally just have to wait out. I still get very minimal peeling from time to time around my mouth area. (I assume because my skin moves there more frequently.) Once you get past that thou its amazing and worth pushing past that time. Tips: Never apply it directly after washing your face. Water makes your skin more sensitive to it and can cause irritation and burning. Use less then you think you need this product goes a long way and in this case less is more. If you over use it you wont get better or faster results just more burning and peeling. Its nice because a tube last along time. I would suggest using it as directed don't stop because the peeling or dryness is bad it just prolongs the time it takes for your skin to adjust to the product, I promise it will be worth the wait. If you think its unusual, when in doubt talk to your doctor, sadly retinoids are not for everyone. You will have to pry this from my cold dead hands (and youthful face *wink*) Good Luck on your skin care journey friends! ❤️

[ElleElleG]

Glad you started this discussion @KatieBT  !!  I've been dabbling in the new Drunk Elephant retinol and I believe there's a definite learning curve.

Now to dig through these insights 🤓

[RNGesusPls]

Brief Background of Retinol in Skincare:

Retinol is an over-the-counter (OTC) and weaker version of retinoids, an umbrella term that includes all the derivatives/variations of vitamin A. Some of the most studied and efficient retinoids include adapalene and tretinoin/retinoic acid, which could treat acne and KP (keratosis pilaris) and require a prescription. So, retinol is best suited for beginners or those with sensitive skin. The DRUNK ELEPHANT - A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream 

is pretty strong though and those new to using retinols should be careful and listen to their skin. Overall, when it comes to skincare, you're in it for the long term if you want to see results.  

When using any retinoid, moisturize a lot, and if it's sunny wherever you are, don't forget to use sunscreen!

When should I start using retinol?  

When you want to reduce acne, begin an anti-aging routine, reduce inflammation or redness from rosacea, reduce skin texture,  

How does retinol work?  

It increases skin cell production and turnover. The enzymes in your skin convert retinol into retinoic acid so that the skin can use it, and this process could take at least several weeks (hence long term). Using AHAs and BHAs can then help exfoliate the surface skin cells.  

What are the side effects of retinol? 

Dryness, flaking, redness, stinging, peeling, general signs of irritation if you overdo it, so listen to your skin and moisturize, reduce the amount/frequency, and/or temporarily stop using whatever product(s) that could be causing it (AHAs, BHAs, etc.). Purging is also a common side effect too. Because of the way retinol works, the increased cell turnover increases the photosensitivity of your skin so sunscreen (spf 30-50) is important if you'll be out in the sun. Speak with a doctor if using while pregnant, just in case.  

How often should I use retinol in my current routine?  

In the beginning, it's best to start slow in small amounts. If instructions like in DRUNK ELEPHANT - A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream

say to use a pea size amount, start with a much smaller amount, like a pin-head size. Then mix into moisturizer to buffer the effects once a week. Then you can increase the amount and frequency over time and eventually use it daily, without needing to buffer, or use alongside AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C, etc. if your skin can tolerate it since there's always a risk of over-exfoliation and irritation (see side effects). @greeneyedgirl107 mentioned a good read from Paula's Choice "6 Myths on Retinol Busted" about how AHAs, BHAs, and retinol (and other ingredients like vitamin C and azeliac acid) complement each other in boosting their efficiency.  

What's the best retinol product for sensitive skin? 

It really depends on the person's skin since everyone's skin is different, but retinol products are generally more suited for those with sensitive skin. I have combination skin and have noticed less acne and redness after using DRUNK ELEPHANT - A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream

in my routine for 2+ months. The most effective OTC retinoid in the US that I know of at the moment is Differin/adapalene.

Can retinol help with acne scarring? 

Yes, especially when paired with AHAs/BHAs and vitamin C if your skin can tolerate it. Retinol to increase skin cell production/turnover, AHAs/BHAs to exfoliate surface, and vitamin C to brighten scarring. However, severe scars like ice pick scars require further treatment since there is no topical product that'll make it go away I think.  

Please feel free to correct me on anything. Other skincare science reads to check out include Lab Muffin and Simple Skincare Science. Aaand check with doctors, specifically dermatologists, for skin-related questions, concerns, and science (they're not estheticians). They provide more credible information than what we general internet folks say 🙂

[sprocketta]

This was very helpful @RNGesusPls Thanks!

[Kughla]

I am on the Tactupump that has Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide 0.1/2.5%. As mentioned above, as I understood, Adapalene is a stronger version of Retinol. It was recommended to me, by another user, that I need Retinol to combat with my dehydrated skin. Is this true, even though I have a stronger version of it?

[RNGesusPls]

@Kughla Adapalene is a retinoid that's stronger and more efficient than retinol and is also an FDA-approved treatment for acne. Adapalene already does what retinol does and more. You won't need retinol if you're already on the Tactupump.  

[Robyn96]

I recently ran out the same TactuPump and can't get a new prescription anymore. What are some OTC products that would hopefully give me similar results? 

[greeneyedgirl107]

Thanks for the detailed info @RNGesusPls !  🙂

[MadisonBC]

So here's my two cents. I'm 53 years old and have been using retinol since I was in my late 30s. I have no wrinkles and barely any crows feet. My advice is start with a formula for sensitive skin and use it as much as you can...nightly if your skin allows it. I did this for a couple years or more. I then slowly started using more concentrated formulas and now my skin will tolerate it with barely any redness. I'm fair-skinned and blonde with some-what sensitive skin, so I'm prone to redness. The bottom line is that you need to be consistent and this is a long-term commitment. It will be worth it. I'm often mistaken for being 10 years younger than I am and I'm often told how great my skin looks. I actually feel comfortable not wearing a foundation in public now. I recently added a vitamin C serum by Drunk Elephant to my routine in the morning (retinol at night) and I'm extremely pleased with the quality of my skin. I honestly believe retinol is one of the products out there that actually works. Good luck!

[picky2]

You suggested starting with a retinol for sensitive skin, which I have. Which one did you start with? I don’t know which ones are for sensitive skin. I appreciate your thoughts.

[TrysBeautyItems]

@picky2 I have sensitive skin, but it's the type of retinol that matters, along with the other ingredients. Whatcha sensitive to?

A retinoid like adapalene will be gentler than pure retinol. What are you looking to treat?

what do you consider a sensitive retinol?

@MadisonBC 

[udaydream2]

I have heard that retinol should not be used at the same time as products containing Vitamin C because the two ingredients cancel each other out rendering each (relatively) ineffective. Is this information correct?

[greeneyedgirl107]

@udaydream2 I read this a while back about retinol myths (by Paula Begoun):

Spoiler

MYTH #6: YOU SHOULDN'T COMBINE RETINOL WITH VITAMIN C

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid and its derivatives) is another ingredient often cited as a problem when combined with retinol. As with the AHA and BHA myth, this one is also based on the pH/acidity issue.

The truth: Vitamin C (depending on the form) requires a low pH (or no pH at all, as is the case in non-aqueous, silicone-based formulas) to remain stable. We know retinol works in an acidic environment and that skin's pH is naturally acidic, so from what the research has shown us, here's a clear case where the coupling of vitamin C + retinol makes sense.

Research has shown that a combination of vitamins in cosmetics is the way to achieve the best results, including the combination of vitamins A, C, and E. In a double-whammy myth-buster, retinol proved to be not only effective when paired with vitamin C, but the two also worked beautifully to defend skin against free radicals when applied under a sunscreen! That wouldn't be the case if retinol made vitamin C ineffective or vice-versa.

Vitamin C actually helps retinol work better! It fights free radicals, a process that helps protect retinol from oxidization as it penetrates deeper into the skin—thereby increasing its anti-ageing benefits! One could argue that not using retinol with vitamin C (or some other potent antioxidant) puts your skin at a disadvantage.

[RNGesusPls]

Great mythbusting tip @greeneyedgirl107 !

Certain products do work better at certain pH levels and when combined, they can increase efficiency (e.g. using an AHA and BHA together where AHA helps BHA penetrate into your skin more easily, or using vitamin C and niacinamide to brighten skin tone and control sebum production, etc.).  

The key is to pay attention to your skin so you know when to dial it down on the products and/or buffer them with other products like moisturizers since it could be irritating for some.

[TrysBeautyItems]

Niacinamide can be used with retinol 😉