Ultimate Retinol Guide: 10 Retinol Myths Debunked, Step-by-Step How-to-Use Retinol & Favorite Retinol Products & Benefits
The use of retinoid or retinol skincare products is such a hot topic of debate in the skincare world! There are people that claim that retinol is a no-go, never-to-use, evil product that can damage your skin and wreak havoc on your life. Others stand behind the fact that retinol, or Vitamin A, is one of the most thoroughly researched and studied ingredients on the market, and will stake their life on it! I lie gently somewhere in the middle. I think that an excess of any ingredient or product can be harmful to your delicate skin but also don’t believe that retinol products are the grim reaper ready to drag your skin to the underworld! Why? I’ve personally witnessed both extremes with my skin coaching clients. I’ve witnessed people undergo years of detox or recovery from Accutane or Tretinoin (prescription-grade retinoids.) I’ve also had the major blessing of witnessing the benefits of retinol when used properly and with caution! Below are my findings on retinol. The ten retinol myths debunked, a how-to-guide for proper retinol use and the best results, and the Refine Overnight Retinol Kit from my organic skincare line that have worked wonders for myself and others!
Retinol Myths Debunked
Retinol & Sensitive Skin Don’t Mix: Retinol can be used by nearly anyone is you start slow and with a low dosage! if you have sensitive skin, it’s a great to layer products underneath such as facial oils & toners to create a bit a barrier between your bare skin and the retinol product. This will decrease your chances of irritation! It’s also crucial to assimilate your skin to retinol. Begin by layering & applying it to your skin once a week or as a spot treatment for 2-3 weeks. Observe your skin, and your increase to 2 times and week for another 2-3 weeks. Some people work there way up to 5 times a week but I find that 3 times per week is my sweet spot!
Retinol is For People 40 or Older: Yes, retinol should and is often used by people over 40. This is because one of the natural signs of getting older is thinning of the skin, and retinol is often prescribed to thicken the thin. But retinol isn’t only for people with mature skin. It’s also beneficial for teens with acne, adults suffering from dark spots, and even those of us with dull, dry skin!
Retinol Only Improves the Appearance Fine Lines: Retinol is fantastic treatment for fine lines and wrinkles but it wasn’t coined for these properties until the 1980’s. Retinol is also a fantastic ingredient that can lightens dark spots, prevents acne, brighten dull skin, even skin tone and soften textured skin.
Retinol Thins Your Skin: There’s a misconception that retinol thins the skin. Thin skin is skin that bruises, tears and breaks easily. Retinoids have the opposite effect on your skin. They stimulate collagen production which may help to thicken the skin.
Retinol Must be Super-Potent to be Effective: Retinoids comes in many different forms! There’s Isotretinoin better known as Accutane (oral prescription), prescription grade retinoic acid (retin-A, or tretinoin), and over the counter options such as retinoid esters and retinol. They vary in potency from strongest to mildest, respectively. The good news is that you don’t need the highest potency to achieve results! In fact, most people don’t need more than an over the counter product to reach their desired result. Whether you use a retin-A or retinol, the key is to use the products consistently over a 2-6 month period to see true results.
Retinol Must Be Used Daily: Retinol should be used depending on your end goal. If you’re suffering from cystic or hormonal acne, a stronger prescription may be needed but even then you don’t have to use it daily to experience the benefits of retinol. Your goal should be to acclimate your skin to the retinol products by using it once a week for 2-4 weeks to gauge your skin’s response to it. Once your skin is accustomed to retinol, you can use it 2-3 times a week for maximum results. You can expect to see results anywhere from 2-6 months depending on the potency of your product.
Retinol Can’t be Used Under Your Eyes: For many years it was believed that retinol could not be used around the eyes because the skin around your eyes is so delicate and thin. For this reason, retinol eye creams and other retinol formulations have been created that are gentle enough for the under-eye area while diminishing the appearance of fine lines & dark under eye circles.
Retinol Causes Sunburn: Retinol itself is not skin sensitizing, and therefore, does not cause sunburn. Retinol can, however, decrease the skins protective capacity which is perhaps why this assumption is made. This why using sunscreen or SPF 30+ is crucial. Retinol, afterall, is a treatment and must be used with caution.
Retinol & Vitamin C Can’t be Used Together: There is a misconception that retinol and vitamin C cancel one another out when used together because the skin requires two different pHs to absorb the ingredients. However, studies show that both ingredients work very well together! Here are two ways to incorporate retinol and vitamin C into your routine. 1. Retinol can be used as part of your nightly routine while Vitamin C can be used during the day to benefit your skin. 2. Retinol can seamlessly be formulated with Vitamin C to brighten dull skin & lighten dark spots.
Retinol Exfoliates: Retinols and exfoliants work very differently! Retinol is an antioxidant ingredient that when applied is absorbed increasing the production of new skin cells by working the deeper layers of the skin. Exfoliants such as BHA or AHA differs from retinol by targeting the uppermost layers of the skin and removing dead, unhealthy cells that get built up.
Benefits:
Softens Textured Skin
Brightens Dull Uneven Skin
Diminishes fine lines and wrinkles
Prevent and reduce breakouts and acne
Minimizes the appearance of large pores
Balances oil production to minimize the appearance of oily skin
The Refine Overnight Retinol Kit
The Refine Overnight Retinol Kit is a simple skincare solution consisting of two products that achieve all the benefits mentioned above and more!
The Refine Overnight Retinol Face Mask is a gentle and hydrating mask with the texture of a cream that brightens dull skin, diminishes fine lines, prevents breakouts and that softens textured skin! (1.7 oz can last up to 3-months with nightly use.)
The Overnight Retinol Bright Eye Cream is a gentle and hydrating eye cream that brightens dark under-eye circles, and leaves your eyes looking bright and awake! (.5 oz can last up to 3-months with nightly use.)
How to Retinol Steps:
Thoroughly wash your hands and cleanse your face with the Aloe Rose Water Cleanser.
Press 2-3 pumps of the Aloe Rose Toner to your face & neck.
Apply a pea size of the Overnight Retinol Bright Eye Cream underneath each of your under-eye areas.
Apply 1 pump of the Refine Overnight Retinol Mask all over your face and neck or as a spot treatment to target areas on your face.
PRO TIP:
If you’re a retinol beginner or have sensitive skin, apply 3-5 drops of the Facial Oil to your skin as a buffer prior to applying the Retinol Mask. If new to retinol, begin by using the Refine Overnight Retinol Mask once per week for 2-3 weeks. Increase use to 2-3 times per week after that.)
Always apply SPF 30+ to prevent sun damage when using retinol products.
Purchase the Refine Overnight Retinol Kit at 20% off for a limited time!