According to a Dermatologist, You Might Be Using Retinol Wrong—Here’s How to Get the Best Results

Skincare is all about discipline. In fact, it’s literally another name for transformation. It requires consistency, effort and the right guidance to help oneself be more secure and confident. The one element of skincare that has garnered the attention of the masses is a retinol, and rightly so. Retinol is basically a derivative of Vitamin A which is loved thoroughly by the doctors and the skincare enthusiasts. One can’t blame them, considering the kind of benefits this product has to offer for the masses. However, if you are already using a retinol, or have planned to use it, you must know how you can use it effectively before you plan to do anything else. Some of the common retinol red flags include:

1. Jumping in way too fast: Never begin with a strong retinol. It’s always ideal to start with lower potency or with an encapsulated retinol and slowly build a routine from there.

2. Neglecting a moisturizer: Most of the dermatologists now recommend the application of retinol with a moisturizer. You should know that a moisturizer is your best friend. It is perhaps the only element in your skincare routine which will help keep your skin nourished and prevent any possibility of irritation.

3. Ignoring SPF: You should never neglect a sunscreen. It’s the only addition to your skincare routine that can actually help you shield yourself from the wrath of the sun. Using a retinol makes one’s skin extra sensitive to the sun. This is exactly where it becomes imperative to wear sunscreen at all costs! Protect your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen at all costs.

4. Not being consistent: As stated before in the article, the only key to good skincare is consistency. Retinol will only bring good results over time. Hence, you ought to be very consistent with your skincare routine.

5. Quitting a retinol way too soon: Never be too afraid of the purge. Retinols will only do the work if they are used for a considerable amount of time. Try to be as patient as you can with your retinal routine.

All the dermatologists have emphasised a lot upon skin cycling, skin sandwiching and starting out very slow and steadily. Skin cycling is a process that actually helps build skin tolerance and supercharges results by alternating nights between retinol, chemical exfoliants, and hydration. An example of a skin cycling routine may involve the use of a chemical exfoliant on day 1, the application of retinol on day 2 and giving a break from the actives for two nights, loading up on ceramides, antioxidants, hydrating factors, and the ingredients which help build the barrier. Whilst skin cycling isn’t the only way to actually make optimum use of retinol and get accustomed to it, it surely does wonders for beginners. Now, let’s dive into the very basics of retinol:

- Who should be using a retinol?

Anybody who wants to avail the benefits of anti-ageing should be using a retinol. Even the people who have sensitive skin can slowly build up their tolerance with a good, efficient encapsulated retinol.

- Who should avoid using a retinol?

The people who suffer from skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, or disrupted skin from a procedure should avoid retinol until their skin is treated or healed. Pregnant and nursing women should also avoid retinol because its safety is unclear.

How can one incorporate a retinol in one’s routine?

The best way to incorporate the use of a retinol in your routine is by using a pea-sized amount on clear, clean skin at night, which is then followed by a moisturizer or a moisturizing product as needed. One should also never forget to use proper sunscreen with this.

How to choose a retinol that suits your skin?

The best way to choose a retinol that suits your skin is by consulting your dermatologist. A doctor can help you understand your skin better and ensure what exactly works well for your skin. However, it’s always ideal to start with an encapsulated retinol.

What is an encapsulated retinol?

In simple words, an encapsulated retinol is basically a retinol molecule that's wrapped up inside a carrier system. It allows the ingredients to penetrate deep into the skin’s layer before completely getting activated. It also has way higher stability and a greater penetration potential.

If you’re looking for an encapsulated retinol that does its job extremely well, you should go for Uniqaya’s Uniqaya 1% Encapsulated Retinol Face Serum. It is a very powerful anti-aging serum that targets fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.

Enriched with the benefits of Kakadu plum, Pearl algae, vitamin E and Squalane, this skincare product is formulated to help you achieve younger looking, radiant skin. It also helps in fighting fine lines, wrinkles, an uneven skin tone and promotes elasticity and firmness. It’s ideal for those who want to tackle their fine lines and wrinkles particularly. Uniqaya’s Retinol can help you regain your youthful skin and look a class apart!