Retinol has long been considered a "star" in the world of skin care thanks to its ability to promote collagen production, improve wrinkles and smooth the skin surface.
However, not everyone has achieved the desired results. In fact, using retinol incorrectly can cause the skin to become irritated, flaky and even more seriously damaged.
Dr. rupika Singh, dermatologist and founder of Akiya Aesthetics Dermatology Clinic (India), said that retinol is very effective but is also a component that can easily cause reactions if not used properly. According to her, the problem is not retinol itself but common mistakes of users.
The first mistake was to switch to too much too quickly. Many people think that the stronger retinol is, the more effective it is.
However, starting with high levels can overload the skin's barrier, causing inflammation, acne and peeling.
Retinol promotes cell regeneration, while the skin needs time to adapt. The solution is to start with low levels (0.10.3%) and take it only 2 nights a week, then gradually increase.
The second mistake was applying retinol every night from the start. With retinol, more does not mean better.
Continuous use can cause redness, dryness, and prolonged sensitivity. Notably, many people mistakenly irritated themselves with the phenomenon of "pushing acne" and continuing to increase the dose, causing more severe skin damage.
Dr. Singh recommends intermittent retinol nights with recovery nights.
The third mistake was applying retinol to moist skin. Moist skin will absorb active ingredients more strongly, increasing the risk of irritation.
Common consequences are burning, unusual peeling, or rashes around the eyes, nose, and mouth. According to the dermatologist, you should wait at least 1520 minutes after washing your face, when the skin is completely dry, before applying retinol.
The next mistake is to ignore moisturizer or choose the wrong one. Retinol should not be used directly on the bare skin.
When the skin lacks moisture, the protective barrier will weaken, leading to peeling and irritation. The recommended method includes: applying a layer of light cream, followed by retinol and locking in moisture with cream containing ceramides, glycerin or niacinamide.
Finally, not using sunscreen in the morning is a serious mistake. Retinol makes skin more sensitive to UV rays.
Skipping sunscreen not only reduces treatment effectiveness but also increases the risk of dark skin, premature aging and long-term damage. Dr. Singh recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 30 or more per day, even indoors.
Retinol can bring beautiful, healthy skin if used properly. On the contrary, small but repeated mistakes can become a risk to the skin.
(The article is for reference only, not a replacement for professional advice. Always consult a doctor or medical professional if you have any questions).
