When/How To Use Retinol?

May 7, 2017

Alexis C.

So today I got the Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum and I'm really excited to try it out but I'm a little confused on how to use it.

I've googled how to use retinol but I'm getting some mixed answers. Some planes say use every other day alternating with your AHA, some say to use it two days on and two days off, and some say to use with your AHA products.

So how often should I be using the retinol? Do I use it in conjunction with my AHA or do I alternate?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

May 8, 2017

Roz X.

Some skin types experience irritation or dryness with certain formulations of Retinol products. This is where certain formulations shine as they include soothing and hydrating ingredients. That particular retinol product is hydrating. It does have those slip agents and emollients that make it feel nice on the skin. (I wish it as fragrance free).

I'd personally recommend you use it at night and since you are not dry or sensitive, I'd start every other night and then listen to skin from there with regard to bumping up usage or pulling back.
Many people can pair them together with tremendous results; I am not of those people...lol

From a science standpoint, you *can* pair them. It can even prove highly beneficial as you may enjoy spectacular results. I choose to alternate my AHA/BHA to keep skin calm because I run dry and sensitive. I don't know which AHA you are using; some formulations aren't as gentle as others or at the proper pH, which effects both performance and impact on skin. (Good Genes, for example, is effective, but not necessarily so easy on certain skin types. ) If your skin is already acclimated to an AHA, that also will effect how you work it into a routine.

The goal for me is maximum results with minimal irritation, always.
I'd start separately at night and see how it goes and once skin is acclimated to Vitamin A...give it a good 10-14 days and then, if you want to bring in your AHA, ease into pairing them. Do a test patch. If your skin can handle it, then you'll know right away and can pair them without any issue. I know you are big on sun protection so you've got that covered.

May 8, 2017

Alexis C.

Thank you so much, Rozberry, your response was very helpful! I'm using the Drunk Elephant TLC Framboos Glycolic Night Serum as my AHA. I've been using it for awhile and my skin seems to like it (:

May 8, 2017

Roz X.

That's great to hear! I think you're really going to love how they work together overall. Even if you find you can't use them layered, alternately they still operate on different layers on the skin and so the results are still going to be there now that they're part of your skin care regimen. You will gain those benefits in any regard. Vitamin A (both Retin A and Retinol) has done more for my own skin over the years than anything else with regard to not only clarity, but tone, glow, and anti-aging. It is 'the gold standard' for stimulating collagen, but it also has so many other benefits...especially when you pair it with AHA/BHA and hydration/facial oils.

I hope you enjoy!  :)

May 8, 2017

Alexis C.

Thank you again! I'll let you know about my results in the next few weeks (:

May 10, 2017

Katia A.

Hey Alexis - sorry to contradict Rozberry but from my understanding, you CANNOT layer the two. Glycolic acid (and other AHAs) work at a lower pH than your retinol, therefore combining the two is not going to give you the results you're looking for. Plus, mixing the two is a recipe for irritation! I would alternate use of your retinol and glycolic. I'm also using the drunk elephant framboos and LOVE it --- I currently use framboos 5 nights a week, and retin a once a week, and a peptide once week (I have very sensitive skin, so I can't do much more than that)

May 10, 2017

Alexis C.

Thanks, Katia (: