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Meet the Experts
Why Would I Use Retinol or Retinoids?
There are plenty of reasons that derms and skin experts alike regard retinol as the be-all end-all in anti-aging.
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It can stimulate the metabolism of skin cells and encourage collagen production."
What Is a Retinol Purge?
Retinoids work at a cellular level to normalize skin turnover, explains Dr. Stephens.
What does a Retinol Purge Look Like?
It means the retinol is working to turn over your skin, he says.
How Long Does a Retinol Purge Last?
While it varies based on skin pop in, a typical retinoid purge lasts around four weeks.
Retinol purging is a temporary side effect; if possible, continue to use your retinol as directed.
With that in mind, Dr. Stephens recommends minimizing your skincare routine while incorporating a new retinoid.
Use a gentle cleanser, topical retinoid, and moisturizer, she suggests.
He explains that, in reality, overusing nearly any clinical-grade anti-aging treatments can cause more damage.
OurNourish Rehydration Maskdoes wonders to boost moisture while providing a hydrating barrier to prevent moisture loss.
Dilute Your Retinoid
If you havesensitive skin, you may be wary of using retinol at all.
If thats the case, Dr. Lancer says to simply dilute your product.
Dont use exfoliating scrubs or cleansers with other active ingredients likebenzoyl peroxideandsalicylic acid, Dr. Hartman says.
Stick to neutral pH cleansers meant for sensitive skin.
Never Forget Sunscreen
Retinoids make skin more susceptible to UV damage.
[Remember to] reapplysunscreenevery two hours, he adds.
These vitamin A derivatives are among the most studied and published ingredients in skincare.
