It is generally safe to apply makeup over retinol as long as you take note of your skin and how it reacts. Using a moisturizer to create a barrier between the retinol and the makeup is a great idea as you know in skincare in general but works extra here.
“If your skin is inflamed from retinol, my best recommendation is to apply a bland moisturizer and skip makeup for the day if possible,” says Dr. Zeichner. “You are better off letting your skin calm down so you can resume your normal makeup routine in the future.” In need of a non-irritating moisturizer?
Don't Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. AHA and BHA acids are exfoliating, which can dry out the skin and cause further irritation if your skincare routine already includes retinol.
Summary: How do I know what products to avoid when using tretinoin? The key things to remember are a) avoid wearing makeup for the first few weeks if you can, b) wear an SPF sunscreen, and c) don't use any exfoliating AHA or BHA acids as these are most likely to dry and irritate skin.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, if your retinol is irritating your skin, you should apply a thin layer of moisturizer before applying it to give your skin a little barrier. If your retinol is not irritating your skin, then depending on the formula, you can apply it before your moisturizer.
The best thing to combine with a retinol is a moisturiser because it hydrates the skin while reducing the risk of irritation,” explains Dr. Mittal Gupta.
The best product you can use in conjunction with retinol, according to Dr. Zeichner, is a moisturizer, which can help hydrate skin and reduce the risk of irritation from retinol. “Some people even prefer to mix their retinol with a moisturizing cream to dilute it out,” he says.
Anyone who has used a tretinoin product before will know that the dryness is almost impossible to cover. Well, MAC's recently made-over Studio Radiance foundation is the solution. The light, watery texture skims over those peeling patches, making everything look hydrated and happy – even at close range.
Yes. It's perfectly safe to use a moisturizer with tretinoin. In fact, tretinoin without moisturizer is generally not recommended. Many dermatologists advise their patients to moisturize while using it to reduce their chance of developing dry, peeling skin.
It starts a few days after you first start applying the medication and can last about a month (give or take a couple weeks) while your skin builds up a tolerance. Even people with sensitive skin can generally use some form of retinoids, says Dr.
Retinoid or Retinol and Benzoyl Peroxide
“Benzoyl peroxide may deactivate the retinoid molecule,” says Dr. Sikora.
Retinol (leave to absorb for 10-20 minutes)
Retinol is also an ingredient that should be left to absorb sufficiently into the skin before following up with another product. “It is important to leave a 10-20 minute wait time before applying the next product.
With diligent use, most users see visible improvement to their skin tone, smoothness, and breakouts within the first few weeks. Fine lines and small imperfections take several weeks to months to start to fade, while deeper lines and more significant hyperpigmentation may take several months.
Personally, I just apply my retinol to bare, dry skin (dry is important — there's a school of thought that damp skin might exacerbate the stinging and irritation so no, thank you), then apply moisturiser about 20 minutes later.
The retinol uglies aren't inevitable—but should they occur, rest assured that the eventual pros are likely to outweigh any initial cons. As far as how long the skin purge lasts, Dr. Samolitis says it typically spans about two weeks.
If your mask contains exfoliating ingredients such as fruit enzymes or chemical exfoliants, you should avoid using harsh ingredients like retinol or AHAs, as this could over-exfoliate or dry out your skin.
After applying your retinol product, it's best to wait roughly 10 minutes before moving on to the next step in your routine.
You should always apply retinol at night, after cleansing, and before your nighttime moisturizer. Five minutes is enough to wait for your retinol to sink in before applying moisturizer; you want to layer them, not mix them.
Retinol and hyaluronic acid are two popular skincare treatments people use for fine lines, wrinkles, and sensitive skin. Both are powerful agents that offer a range of benefits, so you may be wondering, “Can I use hyaluronic acid with retinol?” The short answer is yes, you can.
Hair products that are irritating, such as permanents or hair removal products. Skin products that cause sensitivity to the sun, including those containing spices or limes. Skin products containing a large amount of alcohol (eg, astringents, shaving creams, or after-shave lotions).
Tretinoin is light-sensitive so only apply it before you go to sleep at night. In the morning, wash it off thoroughly before applying your other skin care products.
When starting out, apply moisturizer directly after applying tretinoin to minimize potential irritation. As your skin adjusts, you can leave tretinoin on for about 20 minutes before following up with a moisturizer.
If you're wondering whether you can put retinol under your eyes, the answer is yes! While the skin under your eyes is delicate and requires extra attention, using the correct retinol-infused eye care products under your eyes is a great way to tackle eye bags, wrinkles and dark circles.
You lose a layer of protection.
"Many of the most effective skin care ingredients like retinoids, salicyclic acid, and benzoyl peroxide tend to be very drying," says Dr. Bowe. So when you don't follow them up with moisturizer, you risk uncomfortable side effects like red, peeling skin.
Yes. In fact, retinoids work best if you use them daily. Specifically, try to use them at night because light and air deactivate some types. If you experience any side effects — like skin redness or dryness — then it's a good idea to back down to once every 2 or 3 nights.