Retinol Tips!!

So after lots of research, asking questions and so on I compiled a note on what to remember/do when starting retinol. I thought it maybe a good idea to share this note after seeing @anitaind’s discussion asking for beginners tips Anyways here is my note directly copied and pasted from my phone notes. Feel free of course to add anything you may feel I have missed :) Retinol Get a good sunscreen (spf 30-50) before starting - Start at low % (0.2 then 0.5) - Before using test on skin to see how you react - Start at once a week then twice and so on - Listen to your skin before upping uses - Only use at night as it is light sensitive - Skin may feel irritated or dry after first uses that is normal - Don’t apply onto areas that are damaged/sensitive such as breakouts - No exfoliating or using actives while using (don’t use products with AHA or BHA same night as retinol) - AHA’s are Alpha Hydroxy Acids such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, hydroxycaprylic acid and hydroxycapric acid - AHAs help remove dead skin cells to exfoliate top layer of skin but are sensitive to UV rays - BHA’s are Beta Hydroxy Acids which refers to salicylic acid and is in anti aging creams and acne treatments - BHAs can penetrate deeper into the skin to help unclog pores and minimize their appearance - Use moisturizer before retinol and again after (sandwich technique! - water base before cream base after) - Hyaluronic Acid can be used to put on before retinol as it’s watery (hyaluronic acid is an “active” but can be used with retinol!) - Apply onto neck as well - Always put sunscreen/spf on that morning and next morning! Hope this is helpful for all beginners ☺️☺️