Experts have provided tips on how to incorporate retinol into your beauty regimen, even if you are prone skin irritation.
Retinol is a powerful anti-aging ingredient, but it can be harsh on sensitive skin. This powerful skin ‘perfector,’ despite being the gold standard in anti-aging, can cause sensitive skin to become irritated, flaky, and red. It is important to note that sensitive skin types should not ignore the best retinol serums and creams. You may need to make some adjustments, such as the concentration and the frequency of application, but you will still reap the benefits.
If you’ve been hesitant about using retinol as an exfoliator or collagen booster, experts have provided their opinions on how to safely use it for your skin type.
Its potency can be a turn-off to some, especially those with sensitive skin. It’s important to research the application and concentration as well as your skin type before adding retinol to your skincare routine.
Daniel Isaacs is Chief Product Officer of Medik8. He says that retinol, the classic form vitamin A, is applied to the skin. When retinol (the classic form of vitamin A) is applied to the face, it is transformed into retinaldehyde, and then into retinoic acids (the active form to which all types of Vitamin A must be converted before they are effective on the face). “Once active retinol helps to smooth, brighten, and firm the skin. This results in a more youthful complexion.”
We’ve rounded six options for those who are looking for retinol for sensitive skin from brands like La Roche-Posay, Caudalie and more…
Dermatologist Dr Cristina Psomadakis explains that sensitive skin is hyper-reactive both to internal and external factors, such as stress, weather conditions, and cosmetic products. There are many causes of sensitive skin. These include genetics, underlying medical conditions or even skincare practices.
Sensitivity can manifest in many ways. Most commonly, your skin will feel tight, itchy, and red.
Retinol’s main purpose is to temporarily exfoliate dead skin cells and give you a more clear and smoother complexion. Here’s a red flag: the more you use, the greater the risk of new skin appearing before it is ready. The’retinol ugly’ is when the skin becomes flaky, red, and irritated. Those with sensitive skin should be careful about how much and at what concentration they apply.
Retinol can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. It’s important to use a broad spectrum sunscreen every morning, whether it is sunny or cloudy.
“It stimulates collagen production and cellular regeneration, providing a variety of benefits for your skin,” explains Daniel. Including;
Increased collagen production can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Increased cell turnover can result in a more youthful, brighter complexion.
Reduce melanin for a more youthful and even complexion
Reduces sebum production and helps to minimise blemishes
Promoting and maintaining skin health
Retinols are available in strengths ranging from 0.01 percent up to 3.0 percent. Dr. Maryam Zamani, a facial aesthetics doctor suggests starting with a concentration between 0.01 and 0.5 %. She then increases it gradually over time based on tolerance. “This allows skin to acclimate more gently to the product and minimises the chance of irritation.” She also recommends looking out for retinol formulas that are designed specifically for sensitive skin, or are buffered by soothing ingredients like antioxidants, peptides or ceramides. These can help minimise irritation, while still providing benefits to the skin.
Victoria Evans, Education Director at Dermalogica, recommends a gradual approach rather than an aggressive one when using retinol for sensitive skin. “Too much retinol too soon will result in dry, irritated and scaly skin because your skin needs to build tolerance.” Start by using it a few times a week. Gradually increase to alternate nights, and then nightly. Do this over a period of 4-6 weeks. Victoria suggests that you also introduce some skincare steps to prevent irritation.
Skin cycling: Rotate when you apply retinol and other actives such as AHAs and BHAs and rest on the days that you don’t.
Sandwiching: Apply retinol between layers of moisturiser
Buffering: Mix your retinol into a moisturiser
Dial up or dial down: Adjust frequency from a few times a week to every day or back, depending on your skin needs
“As with sunburn, the most important thing to do is STOP!” Dr Sam Bunting. You should also repair your skin barrier. “Consider a hydrating face mask to add oomph and a barrier repair product to speed up and amplify repair.”
Don’t forget to use a daily SPF of at least 30. Dr. Zamani recommends that retinols increase the skin’s sun sensitivity. It is therefore important to use a broad spectrum sunscreen every day to protect it from sun damage.
There are several options available if you want to find a high-performance alternative to retinol or a natural option. If you’re pregnant, then there are also some options that are suitable. Bakuchiol, a plant-derived product, can reduce skin discoloration due to environmental exposure. It also reduces the appearance of fine wrinkles.
Caudalie Resveratrol lift collection claims to be three times as effective in firming skin as retinol. It combines anti-inflammatory, antioxidant vine resveratrol and hyaluronic with a vegan collagen booster. Consider a Granactive Retinoid as a gentler option to Retinoic Acid. It offers the same efficacy but with less irritation. We love Dr Sam’s Flawless Nightly Pro £60.
