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How To Pick The Best Retinol For Your Skin Type + Application Tips, From A Derm

Author:

Hannah Frye

October 06, 2022

Assistant Beauty & Health Editor

By Hannah Frye

Assistant Beauty & Health Editor

Hannah Frye is the Assistant Beauty Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.S. in journalism and a minor in women’s, gender, and queer studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Hannah has written across lifestyle sections including health, wellness, sustainability, personal development, and more.

Mature woman beauty and skincare routine morning - night rejuvenating treatment

Image by ohlamour studio / Stocksy

October 06, 2022

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Every beauty professional has their nonnegotiable steps. In our series, Like A Pro, we tap experts for the top three techniques they absolutely swear by. Here, you'll hear from a variety of industry insiders on the fail-safe tricks they always keep in their back pockets. We're all about simplifying your beauty regimen wherever you can, and sometimes the best routines are as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Oh, retinol—the forever buzzy vitamin A derivative that may be a holy grail for some and a point of fear for others. Due to the potency of retinoids (the umbrella term for both prescription-strength and over-the-counter retinol), these ingredients can easily be misused, leading to irritation, redness, sensitivity, etc. Yikes, we know.

However, when used correctly, retinol can offer showstopping benefits, from managing breakouts to easing fine lines and wrinkles, diminishing hyperpigmentation, and more. You just have to know the right way to use it for your skin type and concerns. In order to understand how to pick the best retinol for your skin goals, we spoke to board-certified dermatologist Courtney Rubin, M.D., FAAD, chief medical officer and co-founder of Fig.1. Here's your retinol 101:

Take your skin concerns into account.

If you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, you'll want to be extra mindful when shopping for a retinol product. Remember: Retinoid is an umbrella term, and there are a few different kinds of products that fall into this category, along with a wide range of concentrations.

See, retinoids contain a class of molecules that help to unclog blocked pores, Rubin says. But depending on what kind of acne you have, you may get better results from prescription-grade retinoids, like tretinoin or Tazorac. However, starting with an OTC product and increasing the strength over time might not be a bad idea (more on that in a bit).

On the other hand, "For those with sensitive skin, I love to look for products that contain encapsulated retinol, which utilizes a technology that 'time releases' the retinol more slowly, so it's not hitting your skin all at once," Rubin explains.

Further, those with sensitive skin will benefit from a retinol formula that contains barrier-supporting ingredients as well. A few of Rubin's favorites include glycerin, squalane, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. (This could mean your retinol comes in a cream rather than a serum.)

Always, always ease into retinol.

"One of the hardest parts of starting to use retinol is the process of retinization, where the skin can become irritated or sensitized as it acclimates to retinol," Rubin explains. Translation? Slow and steady wins the race. This means both with product potency and how frequently you use it.

Not sure where to start? Luckily, Rubin and the Fig.1 team formulated the perfect soft launch for retinol use. "We at Fig.1 developed a retinol step-up system, which allows your skin to acclimate to retinol at its own unique pace, without irritation," she explains. The first step: Fig.1 Retinol Night Cream No.1.

After using a gentle retinol for six to eight weeks, Rubin recommends bumping it up to a slightly higher potency. How often you apply your serum is truly dependent on what your unique skin can tolerate. In general, though, potent retinoids will likely cause irritation if used more than once or twice a week. Again, it's best to start slow and move your way up as needed.

Pair your retinol with barrier-loving ingredients.

On the evenings you use retinol, all of your other steps should focus on hydration. "I love to layer hydrating products with hyaluronic acid and soothing products with niacinamide with my retinol. These ingredients support the skin barrier and help to reduce the risk of irritation," Rubin explains.

The most important rule: Avoid chemical exfoliants on your retinol night—period. Mixing these ingredients will significantly increase your risk of irritation. However, using an exfoliating serum the night before may actually help make your retinol even more effective (i.e., skin cycling).

Shop these products

Fig.1

Retinol Night Cream No. 1

$42

SkinCeuticals

Blemish + Age Defense

$96

Naturium

Retinol Complex Serum

$20

The takeaway.

Thanks to its impressive list of benefits and a lengthy list of how-to's, retinol has become quite the beloved (yet confusing) ingredient in the skin care space. If you want to use this ingredient, remember to take into account your skin type and concerns, start slowly, and always use it in conjunction with hydrating ingredients rather than exfoliants. Not sure where to place retinol in your skin care routine? Here's a step-by-step guide for layering your nighttime skin care products.