{"id":3454,"date":"2022-02-27T22:15:14","date_gmt":"2022-02-28T06:15:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/?p=3454"},"modified":"2022-02-28T10:51:44","modified_gmt":"2022-02-28T18:51:44","slug":"how-to-use-retinol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/how-to-use-retinol\/","title":{"rendered":"The complete retinol review, part 3: How to use retinol effectively, while side-stepping side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Since the 1970s, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/search\/search-results\/?keywords=retinol\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">retinol<\/a> has been the skincare go-to for tackling concerns from acne to wrinkles. While most experts recommend retinol as part of a preventative or corrective skincare regimen, its association with sensitivity, redness and itching can put off some people. If you\u2019re curious about <a href=\"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/?p=3457\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">what retinol does<\/a> and how to make retinol work for you, keep reading for our best strategies that help maximize benefits, while avoiding side effects. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can you incorporate retinol into your skincare routine?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Retinol is most effective when you use it properly and follow these tips:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Ease into it:<\/strong> Over-the-counter retinol products contain varying percentages. When first introducing retinol into your <a href=\"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/?p=3436\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">skincare routine<\/a>, only incorporate it a few times per week, once per day. This will give your skin time to adjust.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Avoid over-applying:<\/strong> When considering how much retinol to use, more isn\u2019t better. Applying large amounts of retinol won\u2019t intensify or speed its results, and can lead to skin irritation and dryness. Usually, a pea-sized amount is all you need.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Monitor irritation<\/strong>: Because retinol can lead to dry skin, minor irritation can be typical for the first couple days. However, if skin irritation or dryness worsens, discontinue use and speak with your dermatologist.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Assess your tolerance:<\/strong> Once your skin adjusts, you can start using your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/product\/retinol-youth-renewal-serum\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">retinol serum<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/product\/new-retinol-youth-renewal-night-cream\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">retinol cream<\/a> every other day, or even once a day.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Use retinol at night:<\/strong> Dermatologists recommend using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/product\/new-retinol-youth-renewal-night-cream\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">retinol at night<\/a> because it can make your skin sensitive to UV light, and retinol\u2019s rejuvenating benefits pair nicely with your skin\u2019s natural overnight repair process. Always be mindful of sun exposure during the day and protect your skin with an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/products\/spf\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SPF<\/a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Building your skincare routine with retinol&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Creating a <a href=\"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/?p=3436\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">complete skincare regimen<\/a> can help maximize retinol\u2019s results.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Apply to clean, dry skin:<\/strong> Prep your skin for treatment with a gentle <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/search\/search-results\/?keywords=cleanser\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cleanser for your skin type<\/a> to lift away oils and debris without over-drying. If your skin is damp when you apply <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/product\/retinol-youth-renewal-eye-mask\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">retinol<\/a>, the retinol is absorbed more deeply into your skin, which may cause irritation more easily.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Use your tools:<\/strong> If you like, follow your application of retinol with a jade roller or gua sha, using upward and outward motions to massage skin. &nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Wrap it up with hydration:<\/strong> Let your retinol product dry completely, then follow with a hydrating <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/search\/search-results\/?keywords=serum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">serum<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/products\/moisturizers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">moisturizer<\/a>. Don\u2019t dismiss the hydration step\u2014even <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/solutions-for\/oil-control\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">oily skin<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/solutions-for\/acne-blemish\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">breakout-prone<\/a> skin types can suffer from dryness caused by retinol. If you\u2019re concerned about a moisturizer feeling too heavy, try a lightweight, hydrating serum.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Start every morning with SPF:<\/strong> Applying <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/products\/spf\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sunscreen<\/a> every day is a critical part of any good skincare routine and because retinol pushes newer, thinner (and thus more vulnerable) skin cells to the surface, SPF defense becomes all the more important. Be mindful of sun exposure when using retinol and apply a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/products\/spf\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">broad-spectrum SPF<\/a> daily.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re <a href=\"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/?p=3427\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">new to retinol<\/a> or just need a refresher, here are a few essential rules to live by.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Don\u2019t use retinol if you\u2019re pregnant<\/strong>: Many pregnant women experience hormonal-induced skin problems like melasma (the mask of pregnancy) that might be helped by retinol. However, it\u2019s recommended that women avoid using retinol while pregnant, due to possible birth complications. More research is needed to fully understand this connection and until then, experts recommend avoiding retinol while you\u2019re expecting.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Do mix accordingly: <\/strong>Mixing retinol with some ingredients can increase sensitivity and dryness. A good rule of thumb when considering how to use retinol with other skincare essentials is to use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/product\/retinol-youth-renewal-eye-mask\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">retinol at night<\/a> and use your other products, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/product\/daily-clarifying-peel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AHAs, BHAs<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/search\/search-results\/?keywords=vitamin+c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">vitamin C<\/a> during the morning. Or, use these ingredients on days when retinol isn\u2019t part of your regimen.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Don\u2019t ignore irritation:<\/strong> Minor irritation is quite common for new retinol users, but if that irritation becomes more serious and includes burning, itching, or tightness from extreme dryness, it\u2019s time to contact your dermatologist.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Do be patient<\/strong>: You won\u2019t get a six-pack after just a few workouts, and similarly, the visible effects of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/search\/search-results\/?keywords=retinol\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">retinol<\/a> on any skin concern can take anywhere from weeks to months for most lasting results. Be patient and consistent with retinol and you\u2019ll see the benefits.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Murad, and are for informational purposes only, even if the advice of physicians and medical practitioners are included. This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be considered specific medical advice.\u202f<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>More about retinol here:<\/strong>\u202f\u202f\u00a0<br><a href=\"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/?p=3427\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/?p=3427\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The complete retinol review, part 1: A beginner\u2019s guide to everything you need to know about the powerhouse ingredient<\/a><\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/?p=3436\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/?p=3436\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The complete retinol review, part 2: A basic manual for putting together your ideal restorative skincare routine<\/a><\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/?p=3457\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/?p=3457\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The complete retinol review, part 4: Debunking the viral myths around skincare\u2019s continually buzzy ingredient<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>References for this information:&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<br><a href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/asj\/article\/30\/1\/74\/199813\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Aesthetic Surgery Journal,<\/em> 2010, volume 30, pages 74-77<\/a>&nbsp;<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aad.org\/public\/everyday-care\/skin-care-secrets\/anti-aging\/retinoid-retinol\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>American Academy of Dermatology Association Website,<\/em> Everyday Care&nbsp;<br><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dermchicago.com\/blog\/the-beginners-guide-to-retinol\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Medical Dermatology Associates of Chicago Website<\/em>&nbsp;<br><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3114665\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Official Publication of The College of Family Physicians of Canada<\/em>, 2011, volume 57, issue 6, 665-667<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Since the 1970s, retinol has been the skincare go-to for tackling concerns from acne to wrinkles. While most experts recommend retinol as part of a preventative or corrective skincare regimen, its association with sensitivity, redness and itching can put off some people. If you\u2019re curious about what retinol does and how to make retinol work [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":3602,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3454","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-skin"],"metadata":{"_edit_lock":["1679607018:21"],"_edit_last":["29"],"adobe_analytics_repeatable":["a:1:{i:0;a:2:{s:4:\"name\";s:0:\"\";s:5:\"value\";s:0:\"\";}}"],"show_featured_image":["1"],"_show_featured_image":["field_609ee1cf1ce13"],"primary_category":["5"],"_primary_category":["field_608c33bdd26d5"],"mobile_image":[""],"_mobile_image":["field_60bf7692abe28"],"_post_views_count":["field_6107dfafd6a27"],"_yoast_wpseo_content_score":["30"],"_yoast_wpseo_estimated-reading-time-minutes":["4"],"_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":["5"],"_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":["Don't know how to use retinol? Our experts are here to help! Read on for our top tips and advice\u2014including how much you should use."],"_thumbnail_id":["3602"],"post_views_count":["7152"],"_wp_old_date":["2022-02-23"]},"aioseo_notices":[],"acf":{"show_featured_image":true,"primary_category":{"term_id":5,"name":"Skin","slug":"skin","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":5,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":238,"filter":"raw"},"mobile_image":false,"post_views_count":"7152"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3454","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/21"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3454"}],"version-history":[{"count":23,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3454\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3660,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3454\/revisions\/3660"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/3602"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3454"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3454"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3454"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}