It pays to start earlier than later with the magical near-cure-all of the skincare velt, retinol
Keep in mind that retinol was initially invented as an acne treatment, meaning parent and teenager can both benefit (and can even use the same product!). Cell turnover unclogs pores from sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Retinol regulates oil production and reduces inflammation and the appearance of acne marks. It also tackles sebaceous filaments, blackheads, and whiteheads. Initial retinol use on acne might make skin look worse before it gets better, but again: patience and consistency.
Percentage on over-the-counter labels should be ignored because there is no one consistent retinol formulation used in regular products, so percentages do not signify strength. Prescription retinoids, however, do have consistent percentages.
Don’t run before you can walk. Skin usually requires time to adjust to retinol, and it will also take a few months to start seeing results. So start with a low, over-the-counter concentration, like Roc Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream or Serum, and be consistent. Try applying it only twice a week at first, and if there is a violent reaction, wait until skin calms down before trying again.
Don’t apply right after cleansing. Allow skin to air dry for a few minutes, because it won’t work correctly on wet or damp skin. Before application, also have a basic moisturizer like Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion or Cream on hand (that’s what my dermatologist recommended). Apply it first, then the retinol on top. Then, if skin seems okay, apply retinol directly, then moisturizer on top. Areas to avoid: Do not apply retinol to the lips, and only to the eye area after first applying a thick moisturizer. The skin is thinner in these areas and requires caution.
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