As a skin care ingredient, retinol works to neutralize free radicals, stimulate collagen production and accelerate skin turnover, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles and blurring acne marks and other blemishes in the process.

Retinol is very effective when it comes to reversing damage, but application plays a big part, because applying too much or too often can have the opposite effect and actually cause more damage.

Here’s how to incorporate retinol into your skin care routine:

Step 1: Wash your face and apply eye cream. An eye cream would be able to protect the delicate skin around your eyes.

Step 2: Wait a few minutes until your skin is completely dry. This is important, because if your skin is at all damp, the retinol will be able to absorb more deeply into your skin and might cause irritation. 

Step 3: Take a pea-size amount of your retinol serum and, starting at your chin, apply with your fingertips in upward and outward motions.

Step 4: Finish with your moisturizer.

Step 5: Remember to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen the morning after.

It is stressed to start using only a dime-size amount of the serum, and to start by applying it to your entire face every other night. Remember that it takes several weeks for your skin to adjust to the product, so it’s best to use it sparingly at first and then gradually increase your use as time goes on. If your skin becomes dry or irritated, limit use to every other night or even once per week. 

Essentially, over-the-counter concentrations are weaker and deemed safe by the FDA to be used without the supervision of a medical professional. There can be, however, a “retinoid reaction,” which causes skin peeling and redness for around two to six weeks or so after application. For most people, this is just an adjustment period, and this irritation goes away. It also can make you more sensitive to the sun so make sure to wear a daily sunscreen.

As with any other skin care product, the key to results is consistency. Even with consistent use, retinol will not deliver visible results quickly, so patience is also an essential key to results. Improvements in the texture of your skin take about two to four months to start to become visible and with continued use, you’ll see more and more positive changes.

If you are ready to add retinol into your skincare regimen, why don't you have a look at the retinol products, a serum and a moisturizer, offered in our specialty collection.