Consider type of product - wash off vs. leave-on

If you have sensitive skin, choose wash off such as a mask, yet a cleanser is not going to be effective as it gets washed off too quickly. For non-sensitive skin, choose a leave-on product but do buffer with a hydrating serum or even moisturizer before using your retinoid product. 

Consider use frequency 

Start with using 1-2 times a week, observe, and if tolerance is built proceed to using more times a week but do take a break if dryness and irritation begins occurring. Note that most if not all clinical studies on retinoids are done in a 28-day period, so it’s best to continuously use when there are no side effects.

Remember to be consistent

While you should be able to see the skin becoming brighter within the 1-2 weeks of use (some might experience purging), it’ll take another 4-6 weeks for skin tone balancing effects and about 3-6 months for improvements in smoothness and wrinkles - so be patient and consistent. 

 

Layering Do’s and Don’ts -

Do’s:  1. use HA for skin hydration 2. use ceramides and lipids to protect barrier and reduce TEWL 3. use Bisabolol, Centella, Chamomile, Calendula…etc skin calming ingredients 4. for acne skin, use a peptides or sulphur acne spot treatment 5. to enhance anti-aging, use a Vitamin C product during daytime; can also incorporate a peptides in a separate step 6. for skin brightening, use Vitamin B3  7. to boost anti-oxidizing effects, use products with Ferulic Acid, Vitamin E, Co-enzyme Q10, Resveratrol

Don’ts:  1. do not use during daytime 2. do not use if pregnant, planning on getting pregnant, or breastfeeding 3. do not use if excessive sun exposure  [Explore Skin Need collections that contain Retinol and Bakuchiol]

Not recommended: 1. to layer with hydroxy acids 2. to layer with Vitamin C 3. to layer with benzoyl peroxide 4. to layer with hydroquinone 5. to use after excessive oil-absorbing clay masks or face scrubs