How To Lessen Irritation When Using Retinoids
Retinoids are the gold standard in anti-aging. They increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen remodeling resulting to brighter skin, improved skin texture, fine lines, and wrinkles, and sagging. The only caveat to the use of retinoids is that most people cannot tolerate the skin irritation that occurs once they start using them. The skin appears red, very dry, peeling, and sometimes sore.
Here are some tips on how to lessen the irritation with retinoids:
1. Start with a pea-sized amount and the lowest concentration of the product like 0.025% cream. The cream formulation in this amount and concentration has the least irritant potential.
2. Apply the product every other night in the beginning. If the skin does not show any signs of irritation, add another night of application for another 2 weeks and so on until every night application is tolerated.
3. If the skin cannot tolerate the 0.025% cream, a plain moisturizer can be added to the cream to further decrease its potency.
4. Use an SPF 50 sunscreen in the morning indoors or outdoors. Retinoids can make your skin more sensitive to the sun and can further cause irritation and redness.
5. Stick to the regimen for at least one month. After a few weeks of application, the skin will adapt and the redness, peeling, and soreness will subside.
Here are some tips on how to lessen the irritation with retinoids:
1. Start with a pea-sized amount and the lowest concentration of the product like 0.025% cream. The cream formulation in this amount and concentration has the least irritant potential.
2. Apply the product every other night in the beginning. If the skin does not show any signs of irritation, add another night of application for another 2 weeks and so on until every night application is tolerated.
3. If the skin cannot tolerate the 0.025% cream, a plain moisturizer can be added to the cream to further decrease its potency.
4. Use an SPF 50 sunscreen in the morning indoors or outdoors. Retinoids can make your skin more sensitive to the sun and can further cause irritation and redness.
5. Stick to the regimen for at least one month. After a few weeks of application, the skin will adapt and the redness, peeling, and soreness will subside.