I’ve been a giant fan of retinol and prescription retinoids since they got here on the scene for anti-aging within the early ’90s. Nevertheless, again then, the shortage of schooling and the provision of solely prescription retinoids meant that the uncomfortable side effects may very well be fairly extreme. There was a restricted understanding of how one can use them correctly to reduce these results, which sadly discouraged many individuals from attempting. Quick ahead to right this moment, and I’m not solely thrilled that retinol is now out there with no prescription, however I’m additionally extremely excited in regards to the new methods we’ve found to make use of it. Introducing: the retinol sandwich methodology.
Having labored with vitamin A and retinoids for a very long time, it’s actually thrilling to see what we will do with them now. So, what’s the truth behind this standard approach?
What’s Retinol?
Let’s begin from the highest: What are retinol and retinoids? Derived from vitamin A, these are highly effective brokers that may handle and reverse numerous indicators of getting older. These indicators might embrace high-quality traces, wrinkles, post-breakout marks, enlarged pores, and brown spots. Whether or not in prescription kind (like tretinoin) or over-the-counter choices (reminiscent of Superior Resurfacing Serum), retinoids have the potential to considerably improve the pores and skin’s look, selling a younger, radiant-looking pores and skin over time.
Nevertheless, those that have used retinol or retinoids earlier than have possible skilled a interval of purging, in any other case generally known as “the retinol scaries.” This may be something from a rise in breakouts to dryness, flaking, or irritation. Going down nearly instantly, this course of occurs whereas pores and skin is adjusting to a rise in cell turnover. It’s due to this that lingering breakouts that may’ve taken weeks (and even months) to floor will all seem directly. Which means, earlier than it will get higher, your breakouts can really worsen.
Undecided if that is proper in your routine? Take a look at my newbie’s information to retinol and retinoid utilization!
What Is the Sandwich Methodology for Retinol?
Whereas just lately trending on TikTok, the retinol sandwich methodology isn’t a brand new idea in skincare in any respect. Sprouting from the ever-popular ‘moisture sandwich’ methodology, which promotes layering your merchandise so as of viscosity, the thought of the retinol sandwich is to use your retinol serum in between two layers of moisturizer (i.e. the bread) in an try to reduce its potential uncomfortable side effects. This can be a nice idea to check out in the event you’re somebody with delicate pores and skin, a compromised barrier, or are new to the ingredient.
How Do You Sandwich Retinol?
Making an attempt out this methodology is simple! Right here’s the approach I like to recommend:
- Within the PM, cleanse pores and skin totally
- Apply toner (or hydrating essence) and serum in your pores and skin kind
- Apply a light-weight, oil-free moisturizer to damp pores and skin
- Permit this to dry utterly
- Apply your retinol or retinoid
- Give your retinol time to soak up, then apply a second layer of the identical moisturizer
This system permits the primary layer of moisturizer to behave as a buffer between your pores and skin and the hard-hitting energetic ingredient, whereas the second layer locks all of it in. If you happen to’re in want of further buffering, I counsel utilizing an essence, like Moisture Infusion Toner, alongside together with your toner and serum. Alcohol-free toners are nice as a result of water acts as a service to ship substances deep into your pores and skin, however on this case, that’s in all probability not one thing you’re searching for. By including a serum-infused toner, or essence, you’re offering a little bit further buffering versus only a water-based toner.
Finest Practices
I at all times suggest utilizing a light-weight, non-greasy lotion in your pores and skin kind. Heavy lotions have a bigger molecule and, when utilized earlier than retinol or a prescription retinoid, stop the actives from penetrating the pores and skin. This is the reason I like to recommend a lighter, oil-free lotion, like Pores and skin Restoration Lotion, that may present a buffering layer of hydration with out blocking the vitamin A product from working. That’s the important thing— you don’t need to dilute it to the purpose that it doesn’t work, simply sufficient to take the sting off a little bit bit to handle a few of the uncomfortable side effects.
Does the Retinol Sandwich Methodology Work?
This methodology can assist mitigate irritation, dryness, and flaking whereas nonetheless offering youth-boosting advantages. When you’ve got delicate pores and skin, need to deal with barrier safety, or are new to the ingredient, that is an efficient choice for limiting harsh uncomfortable side effects.
Does Sandwiching Retinol Between Moisturizer Make It Much less Efficient?
In brief, no. When making use of a it, you’re placing a selected share, say .1%, in your face. The proportion used doesn’t change it doesn’t matter what you apply earlier than or after it, that means you aren’t making it much less efficient. Nevertheless, what may change is the flexibility of the product to penetrate the pores and skin. Making use of moisturizer first doesn’t essentially dilute it, whereas mixing the 2 collectively would, but it surely does decrease the energetic’s capability to penetrate the pores and skin.
All in all, utilizing a hydrating cream earlier than making use of retinol received’t dilute its efficiency, it should simply mitigate a few of the damaging uncomfortable side effects.
What Are the Advantages of the Retinol Sandwich Methodology?
By eliminating the standard uncomfortable side effects related to retinol, pores and skin will expertise elevated smoothness, hydration, and a brighter glow as a result of fewer opaque, lifeless pores and skin cells. By making a buffer, the pores and skin barrier is much less prone to grow to be compromised, leading to much less dehydration and sensitivity.
Moreover, retinol sandwiching is a good choice for these with acne-prone pores and skin. Since acne-prone pores and skin is already energetic and going through irritation, I typically advise towards utilizing a stimulating energetic ingredient, as it could actually add much more irritation. Nevertheless, the sandwich methodology could make retinol extra agreeable for pores and skin, permitting these with zits to nonetheless obtain anti-aging advantages
Ought to I Add It to My Routine?
If you happen to’ve determined it’s time to start out utilizing retinol, then deciding if you wish to add sandwiching to your routine is fairly easy: is it inflicting you undesirable dryness, redness, or irritation? Then give it a go! Even in the event you simply need to spot deal with notably dry areas, reminiscent of across the eyes, nostril, and mouth, you’ll be able to apply moisturizer to only these areas earlier than getting into with retinol.
Nevertheless, if you wish to reap the utmost results of retinol or retinoid and are okay with the standard uncomfortable side effects related to this serum, it’s possible you’ll need to decide out of sandwiching completely.
Finest Merchandise To Use With the Retinol Sandwich Methodology
If you happen to’re keen to do this ingredient however are involved in regards to the potential setbacks, you can begin by sandwiching with any retinol or retinoid (right here’s the distinction), however I like to recommend protecting a watch out for one with these 4 issues!
Nevertheless, in the event you’re seeking to skip the extra steps required for sandwiching, I like to recommend utilizing a retinol mild sufficient {that a} sandwich or phase-in interval isn’t required, like Superior Resurfacing Serum. Not all retinols are created equally as a result of various strengths and intensities, and this serum is formulated for delicate pores and skin and for these whose pores and skin has been unable to tolerate prescription retinoids. From right here you’ll be able to work your manner as much as a extra highly effective choice with out the extra steps or merchandise.
Experiencing the retinol scaries? Our new Relaxation Day Masque is a deeply moisturizing and reparative remedy that may immediately appropriate parched pores and skin, tightness, and visual flaking typically brought on by actives reminiscent of retinoids, exfoliating acids, or benzoyl peroxide.
What Are There Cons to Sandwiching Retinol?
Whereas sandwiching is a secure and efficient solution to scale back irritation, these are some things you must take into account earlier than attempting it out your self.
- Slower outcomes: As a result of sandwiching reduces the absorption of product, it might take longer to see seen outcomes in comparison with utilizing retinol alone.
- Potential for irritation: Whereas sandwiching can scale back the probability of irritation, some individuals should still expertise some, relying on the thickness of the moisturizer, focus of substances, and sensitivity of pores and skin.
- Price and product utilization: Utilizing extra product (two layers of moisturizer) every time you apply retinol can result in quicker depletion of your merchandise and elevated price over time.
How Usually Ought to I Use This Method?
How typically you utilize this methodology will be similar to lifting weights. Somedays, it’s possible you’ll solely need to carry 5lbs, whereas different days it’s possible you’ll go for 20lbs if you’re going to have some further downtime after. I actually imagine {that a} “no ache, no acquire” philosophy will be utilized to retinol utilization.
If you happen to’re a retinol newbie, I’d counsel utilizing this methodology 1-2 instances per week, progressively growing the frequency as your pores and skin adjusts. Nevertheless, I do know that if I don’t have any particular events or a must be filming anytime quickly, then I don’t thoughts my pores and skin peeling a little bit if meaning receiving extra noticeable outcomes. Additionally, oilier pores and skin varieties might not must sandwich as a lot as others since their oil acts as their very own built-in buffering methodology.
Keep in mind, retinol causes pores and skin to be extra inclined to sunburns so be sure to are solely utilizing it at evening (and don’t overlook sunscreen within the morning!).
Finally, the retinol sandwich methodology is a good approach to make the most of if you’d like the anti-aging outcomes with out the drawbacks. Simply perceive that you could be not see outcomes as shortly in the event you aren’t pushing your pores and skin’s limits.
Movie star Esthetician & Skincare Knowledgeable
As an esthetician educated in beauty chemistry, Renée Rouleau has spent 30 years researching pores and skin, educating her viewers, and constructing an award-winning line of merchandise. Her hands-on expertise as an esthetician and trusted skincare skilled has created a real-world answer — merchandise which are formulated for 9 various kinds of pores and skin so your face will get precisely what it must feel and appear its finest. Trusted by celebrities, editors, bloggers, and skincare obsessives across the globe, her huge real-world information and fixed analysis are why Marie Claire calls her “probably the most passionate pores and skin practitioner we all know.”
