We all want to have perfect skin, right? So when a new technique or product that promises to give us what we want is in full swing, we are naturally curious. This is the case of retinol sandwiching. This latest trend has people wondering if it’s worth trying. Let’s take a closer look at what it is and whether or not it can actually improve your skin.
How does retinol treatment work?
If you are looking for an effective anti-aging treatment, you may want to consider retinol. Retinol is a form of vitamin A that helps stimulate collagen production and promote cell turnover. As we age, our bodies produce less and less collagen, which leads to wrinkles and sagging skin. Retinol helps reverse this process by stimulating the production of new collagen fibers. Additionally, retinol accelerates the turnover of surface skin cells, revealing brighter, smoother skin. While retinol treatments can be quite expensive, the results are usually worth the investment. With regular use, retinol can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
What is the principle of retinol sandwiching?
The principle of retinol sandwiching is simple: apply a layer of moisturizer, followed by a layer of retinol, then finish with another layer of moisturizer. This layering technique helps lock in moisture and prevent retinol from evaporating, allowing it to penetrate deep into the skin for maximum effectiveness. By “sandwiching” retinol between two layers of other products, retinol is believed to better deliver its benefits and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, this technique can help prevent dryness and irritation, which are common side effects of retinols. Although taking retinol sandwiches may take a little longer than applying a retinol product alone, many people find the benefits worth the extra effort.
From a dermatological point of view:
Dermatologists generally advise against retinol sandwiching because it can dilute the potency of retinol. This is because retinol is an acid, so when you apply an oil-based or water-based cream, both of these substances will neutralize the acid and make the retinol less effective. This method is often used by people with sensitive skin, as it helps reduce irritation. However, if you don’t have sensitive skin, dermatologists recommend using your retinol product alone to get the full benefits.
How do you make sure you’re using a retinol treatment correctly?
If you want to avoid irritation from using retinol, but don’t want to dilute the ingredient, the best way is to go slow. Start by using retinol once a week, and add a day into each week if your skin is acclimating well.
Be sure to avoid using other irritating products such as exfoliators or harsh cleansers during the retinol treatment. With regular use, you should start seeing improvement in your skin within 4-6 weeks. If you notice redness, dryness or flaking, reduce frequency of use or discontinue treatment altogether. You can reduce the side effects of retinol by following the Skin Cycling method
How do you know if you are eligible for retinol or not?
If you are considering using a retinol product, it is important to first consult your dermatologist or other skin care professional to find out if it is right for you. Retinoids are powerful ingredients that can cause irritation, redness, and flaking, so they’re not for everyone. If your skin is particularly sensitive, it’s best to avoid retinoids entirely. If you decide to use a retinoid product, be sure to start slowly and only use a small amount every other day until your skin gets used to it. You should also apply sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from potential sun sensitivity that retinoids can cause.
It is important to note that pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use retinol as it can be harmful to the developing baby. In addition, people with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, are also ineligible for this type of treatment.
