beginner friendly retinols

Hello 👋🏻 Both the inkey list and the Ordinary have great beginner friendly retinols. He granactive retinoids are probably the gentlest, but the retinols are very gentle as well, so i wouldn’t be too worried about trying hem, just go slow and let your skin get used to them 🥰

These ones below are affordable and gentle. If you are inexperienced with retinols: • start slowly with once per week and slowly increase to max 3 - 4 times weekly • use it only in the pm • always always always wear spf during the day! • if any irritation, redness or peeling occurs stop using it until it is sorted out and continue with retinols less frequently • be aware that results need at least two months to show, so be patient

I am also nervous about retinoids. I have decided to try Bakuchiol first. It has been called the natural alternative to retinoids. It is supposed to give the same benefits but does not increase sensitivity in skin or cause irritation. I am sure it is not as powerful as retinoids, but for me I am going to try this for a few months and see if I want to progress to retinoids. The product I have started using is Acure and if I decide to move onto retinol I will try the Paul's Choice.

Here are some beginner friendly ones along with some tips: •start slow - it can be quite irritating at first but gradually build up tolerance as your skin becomes accustom to it. I’d say once a week to start with but it’s up to you and how you find your skin •hydrating routine - make sure to pack in a lot of hydrating, soothing and moisturising products. These all help maintain your skin barrier and can help with any purging that could occur •avoid conflicts - don’t use retinol with strong acids (AHA and BHA) along with other acne treatments or ascorbic acid. These could increase the risk of inflammation and irritation, along with you not getting the maximum benefits of your retinol as certain products work at different pH’s and can break down other ingredients •SPF - make sure to wear SPF in the morning and if possible, use retinol at night. Your skin goes through more work at night - skin renewal is higher along with your skin being more receptive to actives. Retinol is also more susceptible to the sun. •purging and irritation - know the differnace! Retinol is known to purge to begin with but many can mistake it, causing them to use a product which their skin cannot handle. If this causes you irritaiton, I suggest use a retinol with lower concentration or a derivative. To reduce chances of irritation at the start, you can use the sandwich method - moisturiser, retinol, moisturiser. You could just mix a bit of the retinol into your moisturiser.

I would go for this as it’s very gentle, suitable for beginner