Retinol for Beginners: How to Start Using Retinol
What is retinol?
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Initial effects of retinol for beginners
It’s important to understand how retinol can affect the appearance and feel of your skin upon initial use. Because retinol is a strong skincare ingredient, there is potential for irritation or what is colloquially referred to as “the retinol uglies” . Some beginner retinol users may experience redness in the skin, dryness, flaking and initial breakouts. If you notice heightened skin sensitivity, it could mean that your retinol dosage is too concentrated, or you have been applying retinol too frequently. Allowing your skin to acclimate gradually can help mitigate these harsher side effects and improve your complexion at a slower, more controlled pace.
How to use retinol for beginners
Tolerance to retinol can vary among different skin types, so there is no definitive ‘best retinol for beginners’. However, there are several methods you can adopt to steadily incorporate retinol into your skincare routine and determine which retinol products are more appropriate for your skin type and concerns. If you find yourself apprehensive at the thought of introducing a more potent skincare ingredient, then read on – we have simplified the process and established a retinol schedule for beginners to help guide you through.
1. Choose the correct dose
We suggest a low strength retinol for beginners or people with typically dry or sensitive skin to allow your skin time to grow accustomed to the ingredient. When determining which dose is more suitable for your skin, consider the below potencies:
- Low-dose or micro-dose retinol: 0.1% - 0.03% concentration.
- High-dose retinol: 0.3% - 1.0% concentration.
2. Introduce retinol slowly
The best retinol advice for beginners we can impart is to start slow, using once or twice a week and then building on this once your skin has adapted to the ingredient. If you find that your skin has sufficiently acclimated after a few weeks, you can increase your dosage to daily application. For people who experience sensitive skin, we recommend a patch test before proceeding with gradual use once per week. People with mature skin and deeper set wrinkles can work up from a gentle retinol for beginners to a more potent form of retinol like Kiehl’s 0.3% Retinol Fast Release Wrinkle-Reducing Night Serum that penetrates up to 15 surface layers in the skin.
3. Layer the right ingredients with retinol
The application of retinol for beginners requires a specific order for product layering. Retinol can be applied after cleansing once the skin is sufficiently clean and dry. Opt for a gentle cleanser that won’t over-dry the skin, like Ultra Facial Cleanser.
Vitamin C can be used alongside retinol, but this is a potent ingredient in its own right and may increase skin sensitivity. We suggest alternating vitamin C and retinol at different times of the day and refrain from layering these serums directly. Vitamin C helps combat free radicals that your skin is exposed to during the day, so it can be worked into your morning regime seamlessly.
Retinol use makes the skin more susceptible to photosensitivity, so nighttime use might work best for you. Ensuring that you continue to a apply a broad-spectrum SPF in the morning to keep your skin well-protected.
Pair with hyaluronic acid and a moisturiser
A retinol schedule for beginners would be incomplete without a highly efficacious moisturiser. Retinol products can dry out the skin so you will need to make up for this dehydration with skincare products that pack a moisturising punch. This starts with using hyaluronic acid to keep hydration levels in check. Ensure you apply hyaluronic acid after cleansing but prior to retinol, then wait for the skin to dry completely before using retinol. A thick moisturiser will help support the skin’s moisture barrier during continued retinol use, and we recommend a squalane-based moisturiser such as Ultra Facial Cream.
The recommended retinol for beginners
Knowing that initial use of retinol is recommended at a gradual pace, Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum is a gentle retinol for beginners that is even suitable for sensitive skin types. This micro-dose serum is formulated with peptides and ceramides to help increase the skin’s tolerance to retinol and keep those “retinol uglies” at bay, minimising retinol side effects like dryness and redness. Designed to both accelerate the skin cell renewal process and strengthen the skin moisture barrier, this low-potency serum can be applied daily to address signs of ageing and refine skin texture, leaving the skin firmer after continual use.
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Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
The Kiehl's Skin-Renewing Retinol Serum is a potent retinol face serum that targets the visible signs of ageing skin. After continuous use, Kiehl's anti-ageing retinol serum visibly reduces the appearence of wrinkles, firms skin and refines the feeling of skin’s texture. Formulated with peptides, ceramides and retinol, this daily retinol serum is suitable for all skin types, making it the perfect retinol serum for sensitive skin and beginners
Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane
Our number one squalane moisturiser for ultra-lightweight, 24-hour hydration. The perfect daily moisturiser for all skin types, including sensitive. Help recover the skin barrier, and leave your skin softer, smoother and healthier with the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream. Paraben-free and fragrance-free.
Ultra Facial Cleanser
A hydrating face cleanser that is suitable for all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin. The foaming formula helps to remove the excess oil from the skin's surface without drying out the skin, revealing a refreshed and hydrated complexion.
Retinol Fast Release Wrinkle-Reducing Night Serum
The Pure Retinol Night Serum is a powerful Retinol serum for wrinkles and fine lines that helps accelerate skin surface cell renewal. Formulated with one of our highest concentrates of Retinol, this Retinol night serum visibly improve fine lines, wrinkles and deep wrinkles for smoother and more youthful looking skin.
