Signs of skin aging are inevitable.
Premature aging, a term that refers to wrinkles and other facial changes generally associated with older age, is a common concern.
Several skincare products are formulated to assist in reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture, and similar problems that people experience. Retinol-containing products are a very popular option. Understanding how to use retinol cream and what retinol can do are all factors you need to consider before buying one of these products.
We look at ten important retinol facts about retinol creams and lotions that you should know before making a purchase.
1. Retinoids Can Be Used for Prevention
A common misconception among retinol facts is that retinoids are only used by those who have already developed signs of aging. When considering the addition of retinol to a skincare regimen, it is important to understand that it is not only meant to reduce the visibility of existing fine lines or wrinkles. It is both a treatment and prevention option, according to clinical studies.
You may not realize it, but with a good skincare regimen that includes retinoids, you could actually prevent premature aging and even delay the onset of wrinkles, fine lines, textural changes, and the common "crow's feet." Understanding how to use retinol cream on the face is important, however.
Using just the right amount gives you the ability to maximize the retinol benefits for skin without causing side effects.
2. Retinol Products Can Lead to Skin Irritation
While some people ask what the retinol benefits for skin are, others are more concerned about the negative effects of products that contain retinoids. It is always better to be on the safer side. Understanding how retinol benefits the face and skin is important, but one thing to be aware of is that redness and irritation can occur.
Knowing how to use retinol is important in managing the risk of skin irritation. Too much of a good thing can be irritating when it comes to retinol products. Applying too much too quickly can lead to adverse effects such as skin dehydration, peeling, and irritation. Dermatologists recommend starting slowly, with no more than a pea-sized amount a few nights per week to allow the skin to acclimate to this powerful ingredient.
3. Retinoids Should Not Be Used Alone
While on the subject of adverse effects, it is important to note that retinoids are better tolerated and more effective when used in a regimen with other products that include hydration, moisturization, exfoliation, and protection from environmental and UV damage.
Senté Dermal Repair Cream is ideal for providing hydration to control any dryness that results from adding retinol to a regimen while also adding other anti-aging benefits that enhance a complete skincare regimen.
4. Retinoids Should Always Be Used with Sunscreen and Antioxidants
It is important to realize that retinol benefits for skin are not the only effects. They can also cause the skin to become more sensitive to the sun—which is another reason a complete skincare regimen is necessary for reaching your skincare goals. It also helps you avoid having to treat dehydrated skin.
If you are using retinol to prevent or improve the signs of aging, your regimen should also include environmental protection from antioxidants and sunscreen products that provide a high level of environmental protection. Senté Invisible Shield - SPF 52 Tinted contains antioxidants with broad-spectrum SPF protection that shields skin from damage caused by environmental stressors, including:
- UVA
- UVB
- Pollution
- Infrared Light
- Blue Light
5. Perfect Timing Makes a Difference
Apart from understanding how to use retinol cream, it is important to know when you should use retinol products, as the timing of the application can make a difference in how it works. It also must not clash with your sensitive skincare product routine.
It is most safe and effective to use a retinol cream at night. During the day, retinoids can increase the sensitivity of your skin to UV exposure and can also be neutralized by sunlight. This can result in damaging effects on your skin. As the skin recovers during the night, this makes for the ideal time to apply retinoids—not only is your exposure to environmental factors and UV rays eliminated, but you also get to use the retinoids during a phase where the skin repairs and heals.
6. It’s Not Ideal for Use with Some Skincare Products
We’ve noted that retinoids are not intended to be used alone. Combining retinol with products that protect against UV exposure and other environmental damage would be considered ideal, along with hydrating creams to offset dryness and redness that can be triggered by retinoids.
This is an important retinol fact because certain skincare product combinations do not work well together. There are a few ingredients that should not be combined with retinoids. These include:
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid)
- Alpha hydroxy acid (lactic acid, glycolic acid)
The combination of these ingredients with retinoids may be dangerous and may prevent you from experiencing the full extent of retinol’s benefits for your skin. You may also find that the effects of these ingredients are canceled out by each other. Either way, it’s best to avoid these potentially damaging combinations.
7. Don’t Start with a High Strength
Some people may think that a stronger retinol may offer them better results, but the opposite is often true. Starting with a higher strength retinol on your skin might cause more dryness or irritation than expected. Consider starting with a lower strength option first.
When asking how to use retinol cream and how much should be in a product, start with 0.25%. This lower concentration will help your skin get used to the ingredient and reduce the risk of irritation and other potential side effects. You can then start to gradually increase the strength of the retinoids you use to see more effective results. Senté Bio Complete Serum is an ideal product for adding retinol to your skincare regimen.
With time-release retinol, Heparan Sulfate Analog, and hyaluronic acid, our sensitive skin-friendly serum delivers the benefits of retinol along with deep hydration to minimize the likelihood of irritation.
8. Retinoids May Not Be a Daily Essential
Some people use retinol products every single day. While a product with a very low percentage of retinol might be useful in a daily skincare regimen, it is generally not necessary to use these products each day to enjoy the retinol benefits for skin.
It is important to understand your own skin when using retinoids. When you apply retinol daily, you may find that it causes irritation. In this case, only apply the product a few times every week. Some people continue to benefit from the effects of retinol while only applying it two or three times every week once they have reached a level of improvement they are happy with. This is important to consider when learning how to use retinol cream.
9. Avoid Believing All the Myths
If you have been researching retinol products, then you might have seen a few adverse effects listed that may seem a bit extreme. It is important to consider the scientific evidence behind those claims.
A common myth about retinol benefits for skin is that retinoids cause the skin to become thin. The opposite is actually true. Products containing retinoids may rather cause a very slight increase in the thickness of your skin.
10. There Are Soothing Formulas
Some people find that applying retinoids to their face causes too much irritation. In these cases, you may feel discouraged, but there are still options that you can try.
A few products, such as our Bio Complete Serum, use retinoids in a more sophisticated way. Instead of just introducing retinoids to your skin, additional ingredients are added to provide a soothing effect. This can help eliminate the irritation that you experienced with a previous product.
What Does This All Mean?
Knowing retinol facts and how to use retinol products for wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging will add to your skincare regimen and results. Understanding how retinol works and what the benefits are and asking questions to understand if retinoids are safe should be a priority in order to make the decisions that are best for your skincare concerns. These ten facts about retinoids should be considered in helping you make an informed decision.
Be sure to contact your dermatologist about retinol’s benefits for your skin to see if this is the right solution for your skin concerns.
