Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative that boosts collagen production and reduces fine lines and wrinkles and therefore retinol serum has become one of the most popular choices for anti-aging serums. In this blog, we’ll delve into the correct application time for retinol serum and how you can add it to your skincare routine for the best results.
Retinol application: Why nighttime is preferred
One of the most commonly asked questions is in which routine should you add retinol face serum! Let’s understand adding retinol serum to both of these routines first!
Morning routine
- If you choose to add retinol face serum to your morning routine, you will have to skip any other active serum like Vitamin C serum, as adding both of these to the same routine can potentially cause irritation.
- The real reason to not use retinol during the day is because UV rays break the retinol molecule and thus the potency of it is reduced and highly impacted. The retinol ingredient itself is sensitive to sunlight and breaking it will lead to no desirable results.
- UV rays can also reduce the efficacy of retinol serum.
Night routine
- At night, the skin barrier heals itself, introducing a retinol based serum at night helps this process.
- Applying retinol serum at night is also beneficial because of the absence of UV rays at night
This is why nighttime is preferred when it comes to applying retinol serum.
How to incorporate retinol serum into you nighttime routine
Following is a step-by-step guide to applying retinol serum correctly in your nighttime skincare routine:
Cleanse: Remove makeup, dirt, or any other kind of impurity from your face using a gentle cleanser.
Apply retinol serum: Apply 2-3 drops of retinol serum to the dry face after cleansing. Avoid areas around your eyes to prevent potential irritation.
Moisturize: Apply moisturizer after the serum has absorbed to lock in the moisture.
Start by using retinol serum 1-2 times a week and gradually increase the frequency to daily usage.
Conclusion
Retinol serum benefits our skin by tackling signs of aging and wrinkles, providing us with a youthful appearance. Add it to your nighttime routine to reap the full benefits.
FAQs
1. How can I reduce irritation from using retinol serum?
Look for a retinol serum with a lower concentration (0.1-0.3%) and additional hydrating ingredients to soothe the skin and reduce potential irritation.
2. Can retinol serum help with acne?
Yes, retinol serum can also help with reduction of acne if used consistently.
