Taking care of your skin is a satisfying and fulfilling experience. Pampering yourself by diligently going through your skincare routine can be a relaxing moment. But, you also need something strong to handle your skin woes, like a Kiehl’s retinol serum.
Retinol serums are considered one of the most potent skincare products with their benefits. However, some people are wary of using this product because of the side effects they often hear about, such as redness, flaking, and dryness.
Side effects are normal when you first introduce retinol serums to your skin, but these typically go away a few weeks after using the product—your skin just needs to get used to the new ingredient. And with the proper use of retinol serums, you can achieve younger-looking, brighter skin.
How to Incorporate Retinol Serums into Your Beauty Routine
If you’re unsure how to use retinol serums, read this guide on retinol for beginners to learn how to introduce this product into your beauty routine with no worries.
- Start small
Start small and low. Retinol is a potent ingredient, so you need to give your skin time to acclimate to it to minimize the side effects. Since you’re new to retinol, it’s best to start with a low dose of around 0.025%. Kiehl’s anti-aging serum, for instance, has a micro-dose of retinol, so it delivers visible results with minimal redness.
Additionally, use it only once or twice a week during the early stages to allow your skin to adjust and get used to the product. Once your skin has recovered from the redness, you can bump up the usage to three or four times a week, but make sure to continue monitoring for side effects.
- Use a pea-sized amount
There is such a thing as “too much retinol,” so be sure to apply only a small amount of the product. With retinol serums, a little goes a long way, and a pea-sized amount should be enough for your entire face.
To ensure full coverage, you can dot nine spots across your face: three on the forehead, three across the cheeks, and three between your jawline and face. Then, gently rub the product while spreading it evenly.
- Use only at night
Retinol is best used at night, especially if you’re new to this ingredient. Retinol serums are sensitive to light and may break down from the sunlight, making them less effective. Moreover, new retinol users’ skin may be more sensitive than usual and more prone to sun damage.
Once your skin has acclimated to retinol, you can start applying your serum during the daytime, but with precautions. Make sure to use the right dosage and wear sunscreen to protect your skin.
- Mix it up
For newbies, you can help your skin adjust to the retinol serum by mixing it with your moisturizer before applying it to your face. If you don’t like to combine products, you can use your moisturizer first, then put the retinol serum on top. This is especially helpful for sensitive skin since it makes the product a little gentler on your skin.
Once your skin has gotten the hang of it, you can start applying retinol directly to your face.
- Don’t skip the moisturizer
In relation to the previous tip, never forget to use your moisturizer. Some retinol newbies can experience flaking and peeling when they first use this ingredient. When you use retinol, your skin loses water, making the top layer dry and diminishing its ability to shed itself. This may lead to dead skin cells getting stuck, making moisturizing essential in preventing skin dehydration.
For extra sensitive skin, consider applying a thin layer of moisturizer before and after using retinol to minimize irritation.
- Monitor your skin
Keep a close eye on your skin when starting with retinol serums, especially if you’re usually sensitive to new products in your skincare routine. You may notice slight redness and dryness during the early stages, but it’s a normal reaction.
However, if the side effects don’t go away after a few weeks, you may need to lower your dosage or reduce the frequency. For more severe side effects that persist or, as preparation, prior to starting retinol, consult with a dermatologist.
- Be patient
Like any skincare product, a retinol serum is not an overnight solution and will take time to deliver visible results. Consistent use of the product is recommended for 12 weeks, which is typically when you’ll start seeing changes in your skin. Just be diligent, and you’ll see how it takes care of your skin.
What Step is Retinol Serum in Your Skincare Routine?
Step 1: Cleanser
Step 2: Toner
Step 3: Retinol Serum
Step 4: Moisturizer
Step 5: Face Oil
Retain Beauty with Retinol
There are numerous products out on the market today that can rejuvenate your skin, making you look fresh as a daisy, such as a retinol serum. Even with its benefits, many are still wary of it, but there’s really nothing to be scared of. You just need to have the right product for your skin and learn its proper application.
If you’re looking for the right one for you, check out Kiehl’s retinol serum that can give you that younger-looking, radiant skin. Get a free skin consultation with Kiehl’s on Facebook today, and let’s bring out the inner glow in you.