Retinol is a skin-transforming super ingredient that has carved out a niche in the skincare world. But as with any powerful tool, there are precautions. In this blog, we delve into the world of retinol and explore the products you shouldn’t combine with it.
We also explain the "cleansing" phenomenon that sometimes accompanies the use of retinol. Last but not least, we look at the key reasons to avoid retinol during pregnancy. Let’s dive in!
Retinol and skin sensitivity. Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and is known for its powerful exfoliating and collagen-boosting properties.
When applied to the skin, it speeds up the skin's natural exfoliation process, loosening old dead skin cells to reveal new, healthier skin cells underneath.
Increase cell activity: Because retinol promotes increased cell activity, it can make your skin more sensitive to a variety of positive and negative factors. This increased sensitivity can manifest as:
Dryness and peeling: Retinol can cause dryness, flaking and peeling because it sloughs off the outer layer of skin cells. This may cause your skin to feel more sensitive and prone to irritation.
Make sure to use a moisturizer after using retinol to avoid this if possible. Redness and Irritation: Some people may experience redness and irritation when using retinol.
This is especially common if you use higher concentrations or don't gradually incorporate retinol into your skin care routine. If this is your first time using retinol, we recommend introducing it slowly!
Sun Sensitivity: Retinol can make your skin more susceptible to the sun’s harmful UV rays. If you use retinol, be sure to wear a product with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher during the day to protect your skin from potential damage.
Clay And Glow's Retinol Night Serum is designed to prevent this irritation as much as possible. This serum is formulated with niacinamide, glycerin, and vitamin E, all of which are soothing and prevent irritation.
The powerful combination of retinol and these soothing ingredients gives you the best of both worlds! However, caution is still recommended when using retinol, especially if you have particularly sensitive skin!
Friends of Retinol. While retinol is transformative, it can make your skin more sensitive. Therefore, certain ingredients should be used with caution:
Powerful active ingredients: Combining retinol with other powerful ingredients, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), beta hydroxy acids (BHA), or vitamin C, may exceed your skin’s tolerance.
This can lead to redness, irritation, and a weakened skin barrier. Severe peeling: When using retinol, avoid mechanical peeling with abrasive particles. These products increase sensitivity and may cause microtears in the skin.
Fragranced products: Fragrances in skin care products, even natural ones, can be irritating, especially when mixed with retinol. Strong-smelling products increase the risk of discomfort.
That's why Clay And Glow's Retinol Night Serum is fragrance-free, so it's gentle enough for all skin types! Essential oils: Certain essential oils, especially when used undiluted or in high concentrations, may not pair well with retinol, especially for people with sensitive skin.
Be careful when considering products containing essential oils. What if you want to use these ingredients? If you do want to incorporate these ingredients into your skin care routine, consider using them at different times of the day or on different days instead of retinol.
For example, you could use a retinol night serum in your nighttime skincare routine and a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine. Use both serums gradually and monitor your skin's reaction to them closely to avoid overloading and damaging your skin barrier.
Learn about retinol-powered cleansing:
Detoxification is a phenomenon that often occurs when using retinol.
Here's what it means and why it happens:
What is cleaning?
"Buy-in" is the skin's temporary reaction to certain skin care ingredients, especially retinol. It may appear as an increase in pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads, and can be confusing because it often resembles a breakout.
However, the cause and duration of detox are fundamentally different than normal breakouts.
Why do tidal waves occur?
Cleansing occurs because retinol accelerates the skin's natural exfoliation process. It promotes the shedding of old, dead skin cells and promotes the production of new, healthier skin cells.
During the process, retinol brings existing microcomedones (clogged pores) to the surface, making them look like acne.
How long does it take to rinse?
Flushing is temporary and usually lasts a few weeks. This suggests that retinol is working by clearing congestion from the skin. After this phase, you should notice an improvement in the texture, clarity, and overall appearance of your skin.
Patience is required here!
Why retinol should be avoided during pregnancy:
This section is for moms only! Retinol and its derivatives, such as retinyl palmitate, should be avoided during pregnancy. This is because high doses of vitamin A (a form of retinol) may cause birth defects. Although topical retinoids cause fewer problems than oral supplements, it's best to err on the side of caution during pregnancy.
Ask your doctor about safe skin care alternatives during pregnancy. In the meantime, there are many safe and effective options to address common skin concerns.
Retinol: A powerful ally, but use with caution!
While retinol is an effective ally, it requires a thoughtful and careful approach.
Be careful with the ingredients you use and be prepared for possible cleansing as your skin adjusts. If you're pregnant, remember to exclude retinol from your skin care routine to ensure a safe pregnancy. When you use retinol with knowledge and caution, you can harness its transformative potential while keeping your skin healthy and happy!
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