My experiences with retinols 🫣
As someone who used retinoids for acne problems here is how to use retinoids properly (very detailed explanation): Retinoids start from retinol as the weakest of the bunch and then we go up to retinal (also known as retinaldehyde) —; then adapalene —; and as the strongest tretinoin. Starting slowly with retinol is very recommended as the best way to prevent the ‘retinol purge’ (because retinoids speed up the skill cells renewal process, also known as skin cells turning, so everything that was under your skin comes up to surface with increased speed, therefore known as a ‘purge’). But worry not, that is one time thing upon starting retinoids. The weaker you start, the lesser is the purge. Retinoids can cause irritation, itchiness, redness and such if used incorrectly. How to incorporate them into your skincare routine? Simple! Start slow. Start with weak retinol (0,2%/ 0,3%) 2 times a week. You use it by washing your face and then applying pea sized amount of product onto your face, you wait 20 minutes and then continue with your routine per usual (except don’t use vitamin C and AHA and BHA acids at the same time as retinoids— if you’re using your retinoid in the evening, use earlier mentioned ingredients in the mornings). After that slowly increase the usage to 3 times a week, then 4 and so on. Once you’ve reached using your weak (0,2%/0,3%) retinol daily for some time, bump up retinol strength a little. And so on. Retinoids are way more effective to be used everyday in weaker dosages, than 2 times a week for stronger ones. Consistency is the key! Real and true results will be seen after 6 months of use so be patient because it will be worth it in the end. Retinoids, aside from acne, are primarily used to fight wrinkles and signs of aging. People who used it through their 20s and later on look at least a decade younger 🤩. Adapalene on the other hand is solely used for acne, since its molecules are too big to penetrate skin on level which would prevent wrinkles. Feel free to ask me any questions or message me, cuz I’ve seen and been through all with retinol. 🌸
