How to include retinol in your skincare routine

Retinol has always been a skincare ingredient I approach with caution, so I've been a little bit reluctant to use it. So I asked an expert how to easily include retinol into my skincare routine.

When it comes to retinol, I know we have to take some considerations, there are certain compounds that shouldn't be mixed with retinoids and you certainly should not apply retinol if your skin is going to be exposed to the sunlight. So if you wonder how to use it, here's a guide.

How to include retinol in your skincare routine

Retinol has powerful antiaging benefits, it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time, but it could be a little bit irritating, and the skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight, thus, the products with which you pair retinol should be very gentle. 

Nighttime skincare routine

Step 1: Cleanse (twice)

If you haven't heard of the double cleansing method, it is high time you did. It is perfect to get rid of makeup and grime buildup. Start by using some micellar water and follow by a gentle face wash. 

Step 2: Treat

Now that your face is super clean, wait for about 20 minutes and apply retinol. If this is the first time you are using retinol, start by applying it once or twice a week and slowly add a night every two weeks so as to tolerate it better. Work your way up from the lowest concentration of actives to reduce wrinkles and enhance your skin texture. 

Step 3: Serum

Now your skin is ready to add some moisture in, you can use niacinamide, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. These are great to replenish the loss of water in your skin.

Step 4: Moisturize

Now it's time to seal all the good ingredients with a moisturizer, choose a lotion infused with green tea and peptides. 

In the morning, replace the retinol with a vitamin C serum, and don't forget to apply an SPF after you've moisturized your complexion. This routine is super simple, yet effective to start treating the signs of age.