We have said many times that retinol is the golden anti-aging ingredient. There are so many benefits to the skin that it becomes almost irreplaceable in our treatment: it smoothes wrinkles and skin texture, prevents acne breakouts and fades dark spots. In essence, it “tricks” our skin into thinking it’s younger, so act like it’s younger!

But like everything in this life, retinol is not for everyone and for many of us it can cause dryness, redness and flaking, and especially for those with sensitive skin, these side effects can sometimes be unbearable. So if Retinol only works if you can use it consistently, how will it fit into your routine if you can’t stand it for more than a night or two?

So we have some tricks for you to include this star ingredient even in a sensitive skin care regimen

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More and more cosmetic companies are incorporating Niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) into their retinol products or in a retinol-containing regimen.
Niacinamide has two very useful actions: It enhances the production of ceramides, a key component of the skin structure.Ceramides are lipophilic, oily molecules and are the natural shield to protect the skin, helping the skin to remain firmer and resistant to irritants. Niacinamide also has anti-inflammatory action, which balances the effect that the initiation of a retinoid has on our skin, which can cause the release of inflammatory mediators in the skin, in other words to cause inflammattion!

If your skin is strong and healthy, this means that while retinol-induced flaking (a good sign that it works) will continue to occur, it will not be accompanied by the disadvantage of irritation!

So go to your skin care specialistand make a routine that includes Niacinamide (B3) as an accompanying product.

More Retinol Hacks for Sensitive Skin
In addition to niacinamide, we recommend the following tips:

Prepare your skin: While you can adjust the retinol application with a layer of niacinamide-rich moisturizer or serum, if your skin is severely sensitive, you should spend some time before you even reach retinol, to prepare your skin. Take care of your diet by including plenty of water and foods rich in Ω3 fats and try to remove all irritants you may have used to make room for Retinol: avoid harsh cleansers, skip acids or alcohol lotions, and minimize the use of exfoliators / scrubs / peels.

Start slowly and steadily: For sensitive skin, the key is to go … loose in applying retinol, with a slow and steady schedule. Always start with a small pea-sized amount and try to ensure aan even distribution. Also what the companies suggest is to start using retinol every other night and gradually increase the days of its use.

Play in levels! Most companies now have a level philosophy in Retinol products. They start with lower concentrations and gradually increase the concentration or the different form of the Vitamin A molecule, as you proceed to use it and your skin gets used to it.

Environ and Medik8 are 2 of our favorites, who have a system of gradual increase of Retinol and its forms in their products and have invested heavily in the optimization of Vitamin A.

Ask us what is the most suitable form and content for you and together we will make an ideal vitamin A protocol!

Stop and re-prepare: You will realize that you have… overdone it with the use of retinol if your skin becomes red, dry and intolerant: You will also notice that other products sting or irritate you. This indicates that it is time to take a short break, repair the skin barrier and restart use, only when things are smoothed out at perhaps a lower product intensity or frequency!

WHEN NOTHING WORKS…
Have you tried all of the above and yet your skin remains reactive to the use of Retinol?

You are not alone! Discover the ultimate herbal, anti-aging alternative to vitamin A. Ideal for those who can not use retinol, even if you are pregnant or breastfeeding!

Designed to help promote youthful complexion, Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides Lightweight Serum utilizes 1.25% PURE BAKUCHIOL
As a herbal alternative to retinol, bakuchiol is derived from the seeds and leaves of the Indian plant Babchi (Psoralea Corylifolia), a plant that stands out for its delicate purple flowers

Bakuchiol is the clinically proven alternative to retinol! While it has no structural resemblance to retinoids, a recent study from the British Journal of Dermatology found that Bakuchiol is comparable to retinol in anti-aging effects and is much better tolerated! It is therefore the perfect product for those who can not use vitamin A. It is able to prevent and restore premature aging, helping to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Bakuchiol’s ability to minimize melanin synthesis is combined with blocking inflammatory pathways in the skin, resulting in a more even skin tone