Exactly How To Start Using Retinol In Your 20’s

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Want to know exactly how to use retinol in your 20s? Here is everything you need to know.

So, I’m in my 20s and would love to start using retinol, but I have a lot of questions and want to ensure I do it the right way. I really want to get clear, radiant skin and also improve my texture. Plus, I’m really scared of wrinkles so retinol felt like the best choice for me.

Hence why I did a little bit of research (more like a lot but you get the point ahah) and I came up with the perfect guide to start using retinol or retinoids as a beginner.

Since retinoids and retinol can irritate your skin it’s recommended you start slowly and build up a tolerance to them. Begin with a once-a-week application and if you are not experiencing redness or flaking work up to two or three times a week.

Many girlfriends of mine started using retinol just by starting gently with it, but there is actually a lot more to know about it if you want to enjoy all of its benefits while minimizing the side effects. The information written on your retinol product may not be enough.

What is Retinol?

Retinol belongs to a group of vitamin A derivatives called retinoids.

Its small molecules penetrate deep into your skin and, once they reach the middle layer, they are able to fight free radicals. Also, they boost elastin and collagen production, meaning they will make your skin supple and plump.

Retinoids and retinol, what is the difference?

Retinol is a type of retinoid that is generally used to describe weaker over-the-counter retinoid formulas while retinoids usually describe more powerful prescription products.

Retinol basically is an over-the-counter version of retinoids. In most cases, retinoids need a prescription while retinol products don’t.

Here’s the catch. Retinol is a weaker version of a retinoid. Retinoids exist as retinoic acid and can easily fulfill their purpose in the skin. Retinol however needs to be converted into retinoic acid first to achieve the same effect.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, though. Since retinol is less potent and takes more time to achieve the desired effect it is a little more tolerable than the prescription alternative and will irritate your skin way less.

Retinol benefits in your 20s

As we said retinol can boost the production of elastin and collagen, therefore creating a “plumping” effect. This can help reduce:

• Fine lines
• Wrinkles
• Enlarged pores

I know you are young, so you may not be as interested in this particular benefit as other women may be, but I promise you one day you will be. I mean, is better to be safe than sorry right?

Retinol is also used to help treat acne as well as acne scarring. Severe acne though is usually treated via a prescription retinoid so this is something you need to consider when choosing your retinol or retinoid product.

Finally, retinol has an exfoliating effect which means is able to improve texture and tone.

Here is a list of retinol benefits that can help you determine your goal when using retinol:

• It reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores
• It prevents sun spots and other signs of sun damage called photoaging
• It improves uneven skin texture and evens tone
• It improves the look of melasma and other types of hyperpigmentation

The best way to incorporate Retinoid or Retinol into your skincare routine

The first thing you need to do before starting to use retinol in your 20s (or ever really) is to identify your goal. What do you want to achieve with this skin care product? This is important as it will help you in choosing the product that fits your needs.

Next, you need to set your budget. For example, this could help you choose whether you prefer an over-the-counter or a prescription option.

Remember you have to use retinol regularly for it to work. It takes several weeks to see the first results. In fact, it may look worse before it gets better.

I really encourage you to take before and after photos. This way you will be more likely to continue this journey.

When and how often you should use it

Retinol and retinoids should only be used at night. Also, do not forget to use SPF every morning! These ingredients make your skin a lot more sensitive to UV rays and you need to protect it. In fact, it’s best not to use them during the summer or at least when you go on vacation.

Now it’s the time to come up with a schedule, mark the days you want to use retinol in your calendar, this way you won’t forget. Remember, start applying it just one to three nights a week. I’m telling you this because when I first started I tried to remember by heart and I failed horribly, so if you are as forgetful as I am consider doing this😂.

Exactly how to apply retinol

Here is the exact retioln routine you should follow:

1. Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser
2. Pat it dry with a towel
3. Apply an eye cream (you can just use your regular moisturizer under your eyes)
4. Apply retinol/retinoid product: you just need a pea size amount (or half a dropper, depending on the packaging and density of your product)
5. Wait 10-20 minutes for it to dry
6. Apply your favorite moisturizer

Aurora’s tips

When applying retinoids and retinol use upword and outward motions. ALSO, don’t forget your neck and décolleté!

Should you apply anything before or after retinol?

What not to mix with retinol

Here is a quick list of what to absolutely not mix with your retinol as it will irritate your skin even more:

• Vitamin C

• AHAs and BHAs

• Benzoyl peroxide

If you still would like to use these products you can. Just make sure you apply them on a different day or at least in the morning since you won’t be using retinol then.

If you’re interested in how you can use retinol and vitamin C together I have an entire article on the topic!

The Drawbacks of Retinoids and Retinols

People who use retinol commonly experience dry and irritated skin, especially when they first approach the ingredient.

The most common side effects include:

• Redness
• Itchiness
• Peeling skin

Also, you may experience what is called the “purging phase“. It refers to the first period in which you use retinol, during this time it’s possible your skin gets worse. For example, is fairly common to experience acne flare-ups or even just a few more breakouts than normal.

More severe drawbacks, normally due to prescription retinoids, can be

• Eczema flare-ups
• Discoloration of the skin
• Photosensitivity to UV light
• Blistering
• Stinging
• Swelling

If you find retinol/retinoids to be way too irritating for you, don’t give up just yet! Try skin cycling, Dr. Bowe’s method to make retinol suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.

Great retinol products to start with

This post was all about how to use retinol or retinoids in your 20s.