Here’s How You Should Be Using Retinol (And What Happens If You Do It Wrong)
This skincare powerhouse comes with its own set of rules.
Ah, retinol—the skincare superhero that promises to turn back the clock on your complexion. If you’re not already incorporating this magical ingredient into your routine, then it’s time to join in on the anti-aging party. FYI: Dermatologists generally recommend using retinol in your late 20s to early 30s as this is the time when collagen production starts to decline, causing the first signs of aging become more apparent.
But first, what is retinol?
Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is a potent skincare ingredient renowned for its anti-aging properties. It stimulates collagen production, promoting skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. As a cell-communicating ingredient, retinol enhances skin cell turnover, helping to fade dark spots, and even out skin tone. It is widely used to address various skin concerns, from acne to signs of aging.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, retinol is effective in improving skin texture and reversing photoaging effects. This is precisely why it is a key component in many derma-recommended skincare routines for achieving a youthful and radiant complexion.
How to use retinol
Given just how powerful this ingredient is, proper usage and application is crucial—more so if it’s your first time to incorporate retinol into your regimen. If you’ve been wondering how to unleash its magic without any missteps, you’ve come to the right place.
Here, we break down how you should be using this anti-aging superstar, and what might happen if you don’t.
- Start slow.
One common mistake most people make is diving headfirst into a high-concentration retinol product. After all, you’ve unlocked a new beauty secret—and you want it to work fast, right? Hold your horses. Retinol usage is all about a slow and steady approach. Begin with a low concentration, usually 0.025% or 0.05%, and let your skin become accustomed to it first.
Dr. Maximin Navarro, Bella Pelle’s resident dermatologist, and a Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) fellow, recommends: “Apply a pea-sized amount on the whole face in the evening, starting with a frequency of every other evening for at least two weeks. Then, increase frequency as tolerated in succeeding weeks.” Depending on your skin type, it may only take a few weeks for your skin to get used to applying retinol regularly.
What happens if you use a high-concentration retinol without prior experience? Potential dangers include skin irritation, sensitivity, and flare-ups of existing conditions. In short, your skin might be in far worse condition than what you started with—all because you didn’t go for a gentle introduction.
Try this newbie-friendly formula:
ZO Retinol Skin Brightener 0.5%, P7,550
This anti-aging solution rapidly improves the appearance of uneven skin tone for a brighter, clearer, and smoother complexion.
- Timing is everything.
Retinol works wonders while you sleep, leveraging on the skin’s natural rejuvenation process. This timing aligns with enhanced collagen production, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Night use also minimizes potential daytime sensitivity to sunlight, a common side effect of retinol.
By incorporating retinol into your bedtime routine, you maximize its efficacy, waking up to a revitalized complexion.
Mesoestetic Age Element Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream, P6,000
A night treatment cream, it features active ingredients—including retinol vegetal—favoring detoxification, renewal, and restructuring while you catch your Zzz’s.
- Don’t forget your SPF.
We already know that slathering on sunscreen daily is a cardinal rule of skincare. But it becomes even more crucial when you’re using retinol. The ingredient, after all, makes skin more susceptible to UV damage and burning. Those with sensitive skin are more likely to experience such side effects, which may manifest as redness, dryness, or flaking.
To stay protected, make sure you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, and to re-apply every four hours.
Neostrata Matrix Support SPF 30, P3,950
This day cream with SPF 30 has .1% retinol to provide anti-aging benefits while also protecting from UV damage.
Shop more sunscreens here.
- Avoid the eye area.
While retinol can work wonders on your face, the delicate skin around your eyes needs a gentler touch. Steer clear of the eye area unless you have a specialized eye cream with a retinol derivative, like this pick from Froika:
Froika Retisome Eyes, P2,520
Containing 0.1% retinol in liposomes, this regenerating cream is designed to target aging and dryness around the eye area.
- Follow up with a moisturizer.
Retinol might be the main character, but every hero needs a sidekick. Enter: moisturizer. Retinol has a reputation for being a tad drying, so keep your skin hydrated by using a nourishing moisturizer. It’s like giving your superhero partner a well-deserved power boost.
Froika Hyaluronic Face Serum, P2,500
This oil-free hydrating serum works wonders in boosting skin barrier function, and is also enriched with antioxidant properties to help in skin repair.
TDF Ultra Light Hydrator, P1,700
This sheer, weightless moisturizer is specially formulated to combat skin dryness caused by acne treatments and anti-aging acids.
What happens if you use retinol incorrectly?
Straying off course when it comes to your retinol regimen can lead to several potential dangers for your skin:
Irritation and redness: Applying too much retinol or using it too frequently can cause irritation, redness, and peeling. This can be uncomfortable and may discourage continued use.
Dryness and flaking: Incorrect application may result in excessive dryness and flakiness, especially if not followed by an adequate moisturizer.
Increased sun sensitivity: Failing to use sunscreen during the day can lead to sunburn and long-term sun damage.
Purging: Some users may experience a “purge” phase, where the skin temporarily worsens before improving. Incorrect usage may exacerbate this phenomenon.
Uneven pigmentation: Incorrect application, especially without proper sun protection, can lead to uneven pigmentation and discoloration.
Exacerbation of existing skin conditions: For those with sensitive skin or existing conditions like eczema, incorrect retinol use may worsen these issues, causing increased redness and inflammation.
Over-exfoliation: Excessive use or combining retinol with other exfoliating products may lead to over-exfoliation, compromising the skin barrier.
Ready for retinol?
In the grand scheme of skincare battles, retinol is undoubtedly a champion. But this superstar ingredient is only as good as how you use it—so make sure you use it well.
To know more about how to safely incorporate retinol into your routine, you may book a face-to-face or virtual dermatological consultation with Dr. Maximin Navarro, Bella Pelle’s resident dermatologist and a Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) fellow, here.
You may also contact the Bella Pelle Skin Solutions Center at (63) 999-887-1933. For a full list of facial services and other treatments, click here.
Bella Pelle Skin Solutions is located 2/F L Building, #142 Katipunan, Brgy. Saint Ignatius, Quezon City. The center is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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SHOP OTHER PRODUCTS:
 Neostrata Potent Retinol Complex, P4,500 |
 ZO Radical Night Repair 1% Retinol, P12,550 |
 ZO Recovery Cream, P7,550 |
 Mesoestetic Age Element Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate, P6,000 |
