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. Nonetheless, again then, the dearth of training and the provision of solely prescription retinoids meant that the uncomfortable side effects might be fairly extreme. There was a restricted understanding of the way to use them correctly to attenuate these results, which sadly discouraged many individuals from attempting. Quick ahead to at this time, and I’m not solely thrilled that retinol is now accessible and not using a prescription, however I’m additionally extremely excited concerning 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 really thrilling to see what we are able to do with them now. So, what’s the truth behind this in style 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 deal with and reverse varied indicators of getting older. These indicators might embody high quality strains, wrinkles, post-breakout marks, enlarged pores, and brown spots. Whether or not in prescription kind (like tretinoin) or over-the-counter choices (comparable to 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.

Nonetheless, those that have used retinol or retinoids earlier than have probably skilled a interval of purging, in any other case referred to 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. Because of this, earlier than it will get higher, your breakouts can truly worsen.

Unsure if that is proper in your routine? Try my newbie’s information to retinol and retinoid utilization!

What Is the Sandwich Technique for Retinol?

Whereas not too long ago 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 concept of the retinol sandwich is to use your retinol serum in between two layers of moisturizer (i.e. the bread) in an try to attenuate its potential uncomfortable side effects. This can be a nice idea to check out in case 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:

1. Within the PM, cleanse pores and skin totally
2. Apply toner (or hydrating essence) and serum in your pores and skin sort
3. Apply a light-weight, oil-free moisturizer to damp pores and skin
4. Permit this to dry utterly
5. Apply your retinol or retinoid
6. Give your retinol time to soak up, then apply a second layer of the identical moisturizer

This method 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 along with your toner and serum. Alcohol-free toners are nice as a result of water acts as a service to ship elements deep into your pores and skin, however on this case, that’s most likely not one thing you’re in search of. By including a serum-infused toner, or essence, you’re offering just a little further buffering versus only a water-based toner.

Finest Practices

I all the time suggest utilizing a light-weight, non-greasy lotion in your pores and skin sort. 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. For this 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 wish to dilute it to the purpose that it doesn’t work, simply sufficient to take the sting off just a little bit to handle among the uncomfortable side effects.

Does the Retinol Sandwich Technique Work?

This methodology might help mitigate irritation, dryness, and flaking whereas nonetheless offering youth-boosting advantages. When you have delicate pores and skin, wish to concentrate on barrier safety, or are new to the ingredient, that is an efficient possibility for limiting harsh uncomfortable side effects.

Does Sandwiching Retinol Between Moisturizer Make It Much less Efficient?

Briefly, no. When making use of a it, you’re placing a particular proportion, 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. Nonetheless, what would possibly change is the power 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, nevertheless it does reduce 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’s going to simply mitigate among the destructive uncomfortable side effects.

What Are the Advantages of the Retinol Sandwich Technique?

By eliminating the same old uncomfortable side effects related to retinol, pores and skin will expertise elevated smoothness, hydration, and a brighter glow as a consequence of fewer opaque, lifeless pores and skin cells. By making a buffer, the pores and skin barrier is much less more likely to change into compromised, leading to much less dehydration and sensitivity.

Moreover, retinol sandwiching is a good possibility for these with acne-prone pores and skin. Since acne-prone pores and skin is already energetic and going through irritation, I usually advise towards utilizing a stimulating energetic ingredient, as it will probably add much more irritation. Nonetheless, the sandwich methodology could make retinol extra agreeable for pores and skin, permitting these with pimples to nonetheless obtain anti-aging advantages

Ought to I Add It to My Routine?

If you happen to’ve determined it’s time to begin 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 case you simply wish to spot deal with significantly dry areas, comparable to across the eyes, nostril, and mouth, you’ll be able to apply moisturizer to only these areas earlier than getting in with retinol.

Nonetheless, if you wish to reap the utmost results of retinol or retinoid and are okay with the everyday uncomfortable side effects related to this serum, you could wish to choose out of sandwiching totally.

Finest Merchandise To Use With the Retinol Sandwich Technique

If you happen to’re keen to do that ingredient however are involved concerning the attainable setbacks, you can begin by sandwiching with any retinol or retinoid (right here’s the distinction), however I like to recommend preserving a watch out for one with these 4 issues!

Nonetheless, in case 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 consequence 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 approach as much as a extra highly effective possibility with out the extra steps or merchandise.

Experiencing the retinol scaries? Our new Relaxation Day Masque is a deeply moisturizing and reparative therapy that may immediately appropriate parched pores and skin, tightness, and visual flaking usually brought on by actives comparable to retinoids, exfoliating acids, or benzoyl peroxide.

What Are There Cons to Sandwiching Retinol?

Whereas sandwiching is a secure and efficient option to cut back irritation, these are some things it’s best to think about earlier than attempting it out your self.

1. 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.
2. Potential for irritation: Whereas sandwiching can cut back the probability of irritation, some individuals should expertise some, relying on the thickness of the moisturizer, focus of elements, and sensitivity of pores and skin.
3. Value and product utilization: Utilizing extra product (two layers of moisturizer) every time you apply retinol can result in sooner depletion of your merchandise and elevated price over time.

How Typically Ought to I Use This Method?

How usually you employ this methodology may be similar to lifting weights. Somedays, you could solely wish to elevate 5lbs, whereas different days you could go for 20lbs if you’re going to have some further downtime after. I actually consider {that a} “no ache, no acquire” philosophy may be utilized to retinol utilization.

If you happen to’re a retinol newbie, I’d recommend utilizing this methodology 1-2 occasions per week, step by step growing the frequency as your pores and skin adjusts. Nonetheless, 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 just a little if which means 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 night time (and don’t neglect sunscreen within the morning!).

In the end, 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 case you aren’t pushing your pores and skin’s limits.

Superstar 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 professional 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 data and fixed analysis are why Marie Claire calls her “essentially the most passionate pores and skin practitioner we all know.”