Hey there, gorgeous mama! If you’re on a quest to achieve that coveted, radiant complexion and get plump skin, you’re in the right place.
Are you tired of wasting money on skincare products that promise miracles but leave you disappointed? I’ve been there too, and I’m here to tell you that the key to achieving that enviable glow is right at your fingertips – in the form of retinol serum.
In this blog post, I’ll share with you how to apply retinol serum the correct way so you don’t waste your money! Get ready to discover the power of this magic potion and learn the precise steps to get plump skin and a complexion that turns heads. Say goodbye to dull, tired skin, and let’s embark on this transformative skincare adventure together.
What is Retinol?
Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is a true powerhouse ingredient that has value for the skin on several fronts: it’s a skin-restorative, an antioxidant, and a pro-collagen former.
It’s known for its potent anti-aging properties and is considered a go-to solution to improve skin texture and tone, hide wrinkles, promote skin renewal, and reduce the signs of aging.
It works by prompting surface skin cells to turn over and die rapidly, making way for new cell growth. This action can also help unclog pores, making them look smaller and reducing acne.
Can Retinol Treat Kaposi Sarcoma Lesions?
Retinol has been found to be effective in treating Kaposi sarcoma (KS) lesions, a skin disease caused by a virus. It’s believed that retinol works to inhibit the spread of KS lesions by targeting certain proteins required for their growth.
Research shows that retinol can reduce the size and number of these lesions, helping to reduce the appearance of KS-related skin lesions.
How To Apply Retinol Serum
Without wasting any more time, together, we are going to go through the 5 important steps when applying retinol the right way. Here they are:
- Wash your face
- Apply any eye cream of your choice
- Tone with toner
- Apply Retinol serum
- Finish with your moisturizer.
Step 1: Wash your face
Like any normal skincare routine, we need to start with cleansing our face so that we can have a clean base canvas to start building up skincare products on our skin.
Choose your favorite cleanser product/brand and take a pea amount from the product, lather on your wet face. In circular motions, go through your entire face, making sure you get in all the nooks and crevices like the sides of your nose and around your area.
Skin care tips: Don’t be too rough with the cleansing, use cleansers that are suitable for your skin, For example, if you have dry skin, choose a moisturizing cleanser and the opposite, and so on. There are so many cleansers to choose from on the market!
Step 2: Apply any eye cream of your choice
Using your ring finger, gently apply your eye cream of choice in a patting motion on the area surrounding your eyes. Remember to be gentle around that area, it is a sensitive part of the face.
Why eye cream?
This will help fight wrinkles, and reduce puffiness and dark circles.
Step 3: Tone with toner
Take a cotton pad or a reusable soft cloth and pour some toner into it. Gently sweep the pad/cloth all over your face, avoiding the eye area.
Why toner?
Toners are an important step to keep our skin hydrated all day long. It also helps the skin absorb products and stick them to your skin.
Step 4: Apply Retinol serum
Shake well before use! Take three to four drops of retinol serum onto your fingertips and apply evenly on your entire face in a circular motion. You should see results in as little as four weeks!
Skin care tips: You don’t need too much product, a few drops can go a long way. I managed to save money by doing this since retinol serums can be pricey!
Step 5: Finish with your moisturizer.
The last step is to moisturize. Apply a few drops of your favorite moisturizer all over the face and neck area. This layer helps lock in moisture and keeps the skin supple all day long!
Extra Step: Apply SPF (Daytime)
I like to emphasize the importance of UV protection because of how harmful UV can be for our skin. After your daytime skin routine, it wouldn’t hurt to add an extra step and apply sunscreen on your skin.
Apply a pea amount or any amount to cover your whole face, p.s: Don’t be stingy with sunscreens!
Types of Retinol
Retinol comes in various forms and strengths, each suitable for different skin types and goals. Here are some of the most common types:
- Retinyl Palmitate: This is the mildest form of retinol, making it a great choice for beginners or those with sensitive skin.
- Retinol: The most common form used in over-the-counter products, it offers substantial benefits without a prescription.
- Retinaldehyde: A slightly stronger form of retinol, it’s often used by those looking for more substantial results.
- Adapalene: Also known as Differin, this is a strong retinol form available without a prescription. It’s excellent for treating acne.
- Tretinoin: Also known as Retin-A, this is a potent form of retinol available only with a prescription. It’s often used for serious skin care concerns like severe acne or signs of aging.
- Tazarotene: The most potent form of retinol, available only by prescription. It’s used for severe skin conditions like psoriasis and acne.
When choosing a retinol product, it’s important to consider your skin type, the product’s strength, and any potential side effects. Always remember to start slow and gradually build up your skin’s tolerance to avoid irritation.
Benefits of Retinol
1. Improved Skin Texture
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that helps to improve skin texture and tone. It can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging by stimulating collagen production. Additionally, retinol can help to reduce the appearance of acne scars and discoloration.
2. Smoother Skin
Retinol can also help to make skin smoother by increasing cell turnover. This means that dead skin cells are shed more quickly, which helps to prevent them from clogging pores and causing breakouts. Additionally, it can help to reduce pore size and minimize the appearance of large pores.
3. Reduced Sun Damage
Retinol can also help to reduce sun damage by reducing the formation of free radicals in the skin caused by UV exposure. Free radicals can damage collagen fibers, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. By using retinol regularly, you can help protect your skin from further sun damage.
4. Evened Out Skin Tone
Another benefit of retinol is that it can even out your skin tone by reducing hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure or hormonal changes. It does this by inhibiting tyrosinase activity, which is an enzyme responsible for producing melanin in the body.
5. Improved Hydration
Finally, retinol can also help to improve the hydration levels in your skin by increasing ceramide production in the outer layer of your skin (the stratum corneum). Ceramides are lipids that act as a barrier against transepidermal water loss (TEWL), helping to keep your skin hydrated for longer periods of time.
In Short…
If you’ve read this blog to this part, you’ve probably just bought a retinol serum and want to make sure you are doing it the right way (smart!) or struggling to see results from retinol (don’t worry, now you know!).
I know how hard and self-conscious it can be to feel insecure about my wrinkles and dark spots, It’s one of those things you gotta sacrifice for your family, and that is why you deserve to pamper yourself with things like this.
I hope the skin care tips and steps that I’ve shared with you will help you with your skincare routines, these tips worked for me.
FAQ
What are the terrible side effects of retinol?
Despite its potency, retinol is typically well-tolerated by most skin types, but its strength and how it’s used can result in dryness or irritation if not managed properly.
Is retinol effective?
Yes, retinol is effective in helping to reduce the signs of aging. It also helps improve skin texture and tone, smooth out wrinkles and fine lines, reduce sun damage, even out skin tone, and improve hydration levels. However, results will vary from person to person depending on their individual skin type and condition.
Can I use retinol in the morning?
Yes, retinol can be used both at night and in the morning. However, it is best to apply it during your nighttime routine as this is when the skin repairs itself and absorbs ingredients more effectively. Additionally, you should always use sunscreen if using retinol during the day.
How long does it take to see results?
It typically takes 3-4 weeks to start seeing results from a retinol serum. However, it can take up to 8 weeks or more for the full effects of retinol to be visible. During this time, it’s important to be patient and consistent with your application in order to achieve the best results.
How often can you use retinol?
It’s important to take it slow when starting with retinol, as your skin needs time to adjust. Start by using a lower-strength product and apply it every other night or every 3 nights. You can gradually increase the frequency of use once your skin has adjusted.
Is retinol suitable for young skin?
Yes, retinol is suitable for young skin, as long as it’s used correctly. Since younger skin is typically more sensitive and prone to irritation, it’s best to opt for a milder formula with lower levels of retinol or alternative ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).
