As you may have seen on social media and the Internet, retinol is the new superstar. Named one of the biggest beauty trends of 2023 by Hey Discount, this ingredient generated more than 1,2 billion views on TikTok, 9 million Google searches and 600,000+ Instagram hashtags. 

So you probably wonder: what makes retinol so famous? 

In this article, I am going to give you all the information you need to use it for best results. So, if you’re a retinol beginner: you won’t be new to this skincare powerhouse!

What Is Retinol and What Is It Used for?

Retinol is a type of vitamin A that has many health benefits. It can be used in dietary supplements to fight vitamin A deficiency and in skin care or cosmetics for its anti-aging effects and as an anti-acne treatment.

It is a part of the retinoids family and is also known as the vitamin A1. Retinol can be found naturally in animal foods such as: milk, cheese, butter, fish and meat. Once the molecule is absorbed by the body it is transformed into retinal and retinoic acid.

Retinol is an important part of many anti-aging products, because it can help to improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging. It can be found in over-the-counter creams, serums, gels and masks, or it can be prescribed by a dermatologist. 

It works by increasing the production of collagen, which is a protein that helps to keep our skin looking firm and elastic. Retinol also helps to stimulate new cell growth, resulting in firmer and smoother skin. 

When used consistently and correctly, retinol can help to give the skin a youthful, radiant appearance.

Retinol for beginners: how to use it for best results?

Who Should Use Retinol?

Anybody between 25 to 70 years old! This ingredient is perfect if your skin presents:

 

  • Deep wrinkles 
  • Fine lines around the lips and deep crow’s feet
  • Textured skin as it as an exfoliating effect
  • Acne and/or acne marks
  • Dull skin
  • Pigment spots
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Sun damage
Retinol for beginners: how to use it for best results?

Make Sure you Are Using the Right Type of Retinol

Retinol is perfect for all skin types, except very sensitive skin, which should be careful to use it less frequently. 

In some cases, Retinol can be irritating due to its peeling effect. So it’s important to use the right type and amount of product. 

You can find many different types of retinol and vehicule for the retinol products on the market, as:

Different concentration of Retinol

Here are the different concentration of retinol and who should use it:

 

  • 0,01% – 0,03% beginners  
  • 0,04% – 0,1% intermediate 
  • 0,3% – 1% advanced      

Encapsulated Retinol VS Non Encapsulated Retinol

What’s the difference between normal and encapsulated retinol? Encapsulated retinol is a technology that provides the molecule the ability to penetrate directly and deeper into the skin layer. Additionally, this form is considered more stable and therefore more gentle. For this reason, it may prevent reactions such as dryness, irritation and flaking. This type is probably the best for retinol beginners and sensitive skin!

Retinol’s Vehicles : Gel, Serum or cream versions

Retinol can be found as creams and serums, but also as lotions, ointments and gels.

What Type of Retinol Should I Use?

Now that you did identify the concentration of retinol you should use, let’s figure out the type and vehicle is right for you. 

First note that you should always use your retinol at night time and also ALWAYS wear sun protection during the day if you’re using any type of retinol, even mild.

Normal to combination skin : It’s recommended to use a cream or a serum vehicle with encapsulated or regular retinol.

Dry and dehydrated skin : It’s recommended to use a cream or a serum (most of them are oily) vehicle with encapsulated retinol.

Sensitive skin : It’s recommended to use a cream vehicle with encapsulated retinol

Oily and acne prone skin :  It’s recommended to use a gel or a lotion vehicle with regular retinol.

 

Be sure to use the right vehicle for your skin condition. 

In doubt, if you are considering adding a retinol product to your beauty routine, be sure to consult with a dermatologist or a beautician to ensure you have the right product for your skin type.

Retinol for beginners: how to use it for best results?

Here is How you Should Add Retinol to Your Daily Beauty Routine

How to Apply Retinol?

Here are the steps to follow when using retinol:

 

  1. Use it at night
  2. Cleanse your face from all impurities
  3. Completely dry your skin with a towel (retinol doesn’t like water) 
  4. Use a pea size amount (don’t use more!!! It is enough for your entire face, trust me!)
  5. Tap it all over your face and make the cream or serum penetrate 
  6. Apply a moisturizer on top, if needed
  7. Always wear sunscreen everyday when you use retinol in your skin regimen
  8. Done!

Tips When you Start Using Retinol

Tip #1 : As I said: only use a pea size amount of product on dry skin! This amount is enough for the entire face. If you use more, you can have irritation from retinol – and we don’t want that to happen!

Tip #2 : If this is your first time using retinol, start gradually. Apply retinol once a week, at night and for a couple of weeks to see how it goes. 

Tip #3 : If you have Sensitive, Dry or Dehydrated skin, don’t forget to apply a good moisturizer on top, because as retinol has a rejuvenating effect, it can cause flakiness and dehydration. 

Tip #4 : I suggest using retinol between two hydrating layers: first use a hydrating serum, second your retinol and third your moisturizer. This method will help your skin to stay hydrated and minimize the chance to get skin irritations. 

Tip #5 : Use a retinol with a low concentration. Start with a 0,25% or a 0.5% retinoic acid or 0,3 retinol or encapsulated retinol – 1% can be too high to start. 

Tip #6 : Apply retinol all over your face, not only as a spot treatment, to get the best results. Avoid eye contour and lips, as these are more fragile areas.

Tip #7 : Don’t forget your neck and décolletage. Because retinol has an anti-aging effect, we don’t want those areas to age faster.

Tip #8 : If AHA’s or other exfoliating products are part of your regimen, use these products on different days to minimize irritation. 

Retinol for beginners: how to use it for best results?

After How Long Do We Get Results with Retinol?

The answer is simple: retinol will start to work on the cells from the first application. However, it can take a few weeks or even a few months depending on your skin type or skin problem before you see improvements on the look of your skin. In addition, when you start using retinol, your skin condition may be worse than it was in the beginning. Don’t panic! The watchword with retinol is patience.

Retinol Products You Should Add to your Wish List

Now you must be thinking: there are so many products on the market… which brand should I choose? Don’t worry, I got you! Here are some of my favorite products.

Vie Collection Retinopur Retinol Mask and Fluid

Retinol Fluid Retinopur by Vie Collection is the perfect product to fight wrinkles, uneven skin, imperfections and to get smooth, purified and refined skin. 

Retinol Mask Retinopur by Vie Collection is also known for its anti-acne and anti-aging powers. Its results are numerous: purified and smoothed skin, tightened pores, mattifying effect and refined skin texture.   

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INTENSIVE_RETINOL_MASK_VIE_COLLECTION

Esthederm Intensive Retinol Cream and Serum

Intensive Retinol Cream by Esthederm is also one of my favorite products to get all the benefits of the retinol molecule. It evens out the skin’s texture, smoothes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and also visibly improves the skin’s tonicity. The cream’s texture is comfortable, creamy and velvety.

For best results, I like to use this product with the AHA Peel also from Esthederm. To learn more about this iconic duo, I invite you to watch the video below or click here!

Intensive Retinol Serum by Esthederm has a very high vitamin A concentration to fight the signs of aging. This oil serum smoothes wrinkles and fine lines to get a “new skin” effect. It helps to give a firmer and denser look to the skin. Personally, I am a big fan of its natural lifting power! 

Esthederm Retinol Cream for Wrinkles and Uneven surface of the skin
Esthederm Intensive Retinol Oil Serum
Esthederm Intensive AHA Peel Concentrated Serum

What Products should I Use with Retinol?

As I said earlier, it is better to use retinol products with a moisturizer! You must keep your skin moisturized & hydrated at all times, second, you must protect your skin with a generous amount of sunscreen every morning.

 

Sunscreens I recommend:

ESthederm UV Protect EQlib
Refreshing Organic Sunscreen Full Spectrum 360º SPF 50 COOLA
Esthederm Sun Sublime Protective Face Care 3 Suns
I think you are now ready to add this magical ingredient into your skincare routine. But remember when you start using retinol: 

  • Be sure you are using the right type and amount of product
  • Don’t forget to moisturize and protect your skin with a good sun protection
  • Patience, patience, patience: consistency is key!

 

I hope this article was useful and helped you find all the answers to your questions. 

Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments how retinol worked for you!

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