We discover eight expert-approved methods to make retinol and retinoid use extra tolerable for anybody with dry or delicate pores and skin.

Go “low and sluggish.”

For these with dry or delicate pores and skin, it’s 100-percent OK to not use retinol or a retinoid on daily basis. Actually, New York dermatologist Jody Levine, MD recommends beginning “low and sluggish” with these vitamin A elements for all of her sufferers, no matter their pores and skin sort. “Initially, I might suggest utilizing a decrease focus of retinoids, similar to 0.25 p.c, and making use of it much less ceaselessly. This is able to be each different night time and even simply a few instances per week. Over time, as your pores and skin turns into accustomed to it, you may regularly improve the frequency and power of the product. This method minimizes the danger of extreme dryness and irritation.”

Scale back the power of your retinol.

Retinol is utilized in skincare in quite a lot of strengths, with 1 p.c being the very best proportion obtainable over-the-counter. “For pores and skin varieties which might be vulnerable to irritation, I recommend contemplating a decrease power, similar to 0.3 p.c,” says New York dermatologist Elaine Kung, MD.

Use the “sandwich technique.”

“The sandwich technique refers back to the strategy of layering a retinol or retinoid between moisturizers that hydrate your pores and skin to optimally moisturize it,” says Dr. Levine. “It entails making use of a moisturizer earlier than and after vitamin A merchandise to cut back potential irritation for delicate or dry pores and skin.”

Layer properly.

“When you discover retinol to be too drying in your pores and skin, don’t pair it with exfoliants within the type of cleansers, toners or different leave-on merchandise,” Dr. Kung says. “I usually inform sufferers to not pair retinol with merchandise that will include the next buzzworthy elements: AHA (together with glycolic, mandelic and lactic acids), BHA (together with salicylic acid), or benzoyl peroxide. That is particularly vital in the course of the winter months as a result of merchandise that encourage pores and skin turnover and exfoliation will make retinol penetrate the pores and skin extra. In case your pores and skin can’t tolerate it, or climate situations prohibit this, it’s possible you’ll expertise a retinoid-induced rash.”

Pair your retinol with a thicker moisturizer.

When you’re utilizing a retinol serum, attempt layering a thicker, creamier moisturizer on high, moderately than a lotion or gel-based components. “This may be particularly useful for individuals who reside in dry climates,” says Dr. Kung.

Take into account the “short-contact” method.

Dr. Kung says some folks discover success with leaving their retinol product on for 15 to half-hour after which washing it off. “That is the ‘short-contact’ technique, as a substitute of leaving retinol on in a single day.”

Search for merchandise that include encapsulated retinol.

“When retinol is encapsulated in a skin-care product, it implies that the retinol molecules are enclosed in small, protecting capsules and launched regularly,” Dr. Levine explains. “This makes it gentler on delicate or dry pores and skin and reduces the danger of irritation.”

Strive a retinol various.

You’ve in all probability heard of bakuchiol, which is arguably the most well-liked various to retinol. “It’s derived from the babchi plant and has been discovered to have comparable pores and skin well being and anti-aging properties as retinol, however with out the irritation and dryness,” says Dr. Kung. “Scientific research have proven that individuals who used bakuchiol for not less than 12 weeks had enhancements of their wrinkles, pigmentation, photograph harm, and elasticity, which retinol use additionally improves.”