Retinol, retinal and other versions of retinoids are the gold standard of skin care, but they are also somewhat specific ingredients that you should be well informed about. Correct arrangement of the routine, as well as active listening to changes in the skin, is necessary to reduce the possibility of irritation. Mistakes are the best way to learn, so today we bring you the top 5 mistakes that can happen when using retinoids, which affect long-term results.
1. Insufficient hydration
Ensuring sufficient moisture is essential for both the health and good appearance of the skin. By itself, it contains NMF ( natural moisturizing factors ), but moisture is continuously lost in certain conditions such as cold, lack of a well-arranged routine and the like. Without proper hydration, normal processes in the skin do not take place at the required level. In addition, retinoids in certain situations also carry the risk of irritation and drying, which is why it is necessary to compensate for moisture - every day and regardless of the type or condition of the skin.
We distinguish between morning and evening routines, and retinoids are part of the evening routine. In the morning, it is therefore good to introduce products such as Hidro Toner and/or Hyaluron Hydrator 4H before SPF. In the evening, it is good to choose a high-quality, sufficiently soothing cream with a favorable ratio of emollients and humectants, which will hydrate and nourish the skin, and will not interfere with the retinoid process. A proposal for this is Amino Activator CM , a light cream based on azeloglycine, amino acids and CM molecules for strong skin soothing. Optionally, an occasional treatment with a hydrating mask such as Hidro CICA Face Mask can be introduced.
2. Frequency of use
Most retinoids are introduced gradually. However, the frequency of use of cosmetic products based on retinol or retinal must inevitably be increased in order to achieve a long-term effect. This does not always apply to other prescription forms. For example, Vitamin Serum RA is used every third evening in the first week, then every other evening for two weeks. After that, it should be used every evening if the skin tolerates it, and in exceptional cases it can be applied alternately, every other evening.
3. Impatience or giving up too quickly
Skin care is mostly a marathon, not a sprint. This is especially true of retinoids. They show their effect on acne already within a month and a half, through the eventual skin cleansing phase, and then the improvement of the condition. Wrinkles take longer. Concrete effects on signs of premature skin aging such as wrinkles and fine lines will take 6 months or more, making retinoids a part of your lifestyle, rather than a quick fix.
4. Adding new products too often
The arrangement of novelties on the bathroom shelves is actually connected with point 4 and impatience, but also with the fear of missing out on a new, better, performatively superior product. It is important to remember that the skin is its own story and each effect depends on us. This includes the selection of the rest of the products. The introduction of new active ingredients, especially acids or high concentrations of vitamin C, can make it difficult for the skin to adapt.
In addition, the introduction of a minimum number of new products, especially with the implementation of a patch test on the forearm before use, will make it easier to monitor the effects and possibly omit products that simply do not suit the skin.
5. Not using sun protection products
This appeal is often repeated, but for a reason. Sun protection products are still not recognized as the ultimate anti-wrinkle heroes, when in fact they are. No other type of cosmetics will prevent long-term microdamage of the skin and early aging, and at the same time round off and complete the selected routine . No serum, exfoliant or cream that does not contain UV filters has the power to independently fight against the effects of UVA and UVB radiation. It's simple - replace the morning moisturizer with Professional Face Fluid SPF 30 or SPF 50 , and pay attention to thorough cleansing in the evening.
