Retinol is one of the most powerful skin care ingredients for anti-aging in the world. It's also excellent for treating acne and anyone in their mid-20s should consider including Retinol in their nightly skin care routine. While this ingredient is a powerhouse when it comes to smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, there are definitely some tips and tricks to using Retinol effectively for your skin:
1) Apply Retinol at night only and use a broad-spectrum SPF the next morning. 2) If you're sensitive, pat dry after cleansing before applying Retinol. This reduces the chance of irritation by decreasing absorption. 3) Use a pea-sized amount of Retinol, dab on fingertips and apply in upward and outward motions, starting at the chin. 4) Always apply moisturizer after Retinol to help hydrate the skin and reduce chances of irritation. If your skin does show irritation, mix your Retinol into your moisturizer. 5) Use Retinol about 3x per week. If starting out, use 1x per week to acclimate your skin.
My Favorite Retinol: Obagi Retinol 1.0%
Over the years, I've tried many different retinol products. Lucky for me, I've got extremely reactive skin that gets red, irritated and blows up like a pufferfish whenever it doesn't like something. As you can imagine, I've had some not so great experiences with different Retinol creams I've tried! Which brings me to Obagi Retinol 1.0% - OMG, do I love this Retinol! From the texture, to the way it feels on my skin, to the fabulous packaging (a pump tube!), it's simply the best of the best for me. No irritation, noticeable diminishing of fine lines and wrinkles after only a few uses and my skin is dramatically smoother when I use this product. It also comes in a 0.5%, which is great for first-timers or sensitive types. What are you waiting for? If you're over 25, go buy Obagi Retinol and let me know what you think!
Diana O'Donnell