Our Retinol Protocol: By Dr Wade Merchant
Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is a powerful active ingredient with a wide range of proven benefits for the skin. From improving texture and boosting collagen production to reducing dark spots and acne, retinol has become a staple in skincare routines worldwide. However, it’s important to use retinol with care to avoid potential side effects such as irritation and redness. In this blog post, we will share Dr. Wade Merchant’s protocol for using retinol creams and products effectively.
HOW TO USE RETINOL FOR OPTIMAL RESULTS
To ensure the optimal application of retinol, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Take a pea-sized amount of your retinol cream or product.
- Step 2: Gently apply it to your forehead, each cheek, chin, neck, and chest areas.
- Step 3: Apply retinol at night only, as part of your evening skincare routine. Retinol increases your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so it should be used in the evening, followed by sunscreen during the day.
RETINOL TO SENSITIVE SKIN OR RETINOL BEGINNERS
For patients with sensitive skin or those struggling to introduce retinol into their routine, here are three techniques to help you ease into it:
Retinol Sandwiching Technique:
This method involves applying a layer of moisturizer to damp skin first. Allow the moisturizer to dry completely, then apply a pea-sized amount of retinol. After letting the retinol absorb for 2-3 minutes, follow up with a second layer of moisturizer. This technique helps buffer the skin from potential irritation.
Dilution with Moisturizer:
Start by mixing half a pea-sized amount of retinol with half a pea-sized amount of your moisturizer. Apply this mixture to your skin. Over the next 2-3 weeks, gradually increase the ratio of retinol to moisturizer until you’re comfortable using retinol on its own.
Contact Time:
For this method, apply a pea-sized amount of retinol in the evening and leave it on for just 1 hour before washing it off. Start by doing this once in the first week, then increase to 2-3 times per week as your skin adjusts. Eventually, you’ll be able to leave the retinol on overnight.
SUN PROTECTION WITH RETINOL
Before delving into the details of retinol usage, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of sun protection. Dr. Wade Merchant strongly advises all patients considering retinol to apply a medical-grade SPF daily, ideally with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 50. If you’re uncertain about which SPF is best suited for your skin type and needs, our team of qualified and experienced doctors and aesthetic therapists are here to assist you.
PRE AND POST-TREATMENT PRECAUTIONS
If you’re planning to undergo any skin treatments, it’s important to adjust your retinol usage accordingly. Stop using retinol three days before the treatment and resume only once your skin has returned to its normal condition, typically around two weeks post-treatment.
More Retinol tips & tricks
Gradual Retinol Usage
To minimize potential side effects, it’s crucial to start slowly and gradually increase retinol usage over time. Dr Wade Merchant recommends the following schedule: For the first 2-3 weeks: Apply retinol twice a week until your skin becomes well-tolerated. From the third/fourth week: Start alternating your retinol application, using it every second night until your skin adapts. From the fourth/fifth week: Once your skin has become accustomed to retinol, you can apply it every night, if well-tolerated.
Continuation
You may continue using retinol until your skin can tolerate nightly usage. However, if you experience excessive redness, dryness, or flakiness, it’s essential to take a break from retinol usage for two days and then restart. Should any issues arise, please don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance.
Individual Skin Tolerance
Not everyone’s skin can tolerate daily retinol usage, and that’s perfectly fine. The key is to incorporate this important ingredient into your skincare regimen to enjoy its benefits. If you still experience dryness despite using retinol infrequently, our aesthetic therapists can recommend a suitable moisturizer to prevent this issue.
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