Retinol: Everything you need to know
Jenny's pro tips for using this popular but often problematic skincare ingredient
Hi lovelies,
This week I wanted to get into a product I’m asked about constantly: Retinol.
People love their retinol.
Me? Not so much. Only if it’s the right one.
It can be great for some people.
But for most, it’s super harsh and causes more problems than it’s worth.
But let’s get into what I like, what I don’t, what I recommend if you want to use it, and what I recommend if you don’t!
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How to use Retinol 101
Jumping headfirst into retinol can lead to a lot of unnecessary skin irritation. And as ingredients go, I’m not a huge fan. It causes havoc on a lot of people’s skin. But if you insist on using it, here's how to do it right:
Use the right product: More on that below but go gentle!
Start slow: Use once or twice a week
Build up gradually: Increase frequency over time
Apply at night: Retinol can make skin photosensitive. This step is critical
Use a pea-sized amount: More isn't better, it’s a highly active ingredients
Wait after cleansing: Apply to completely dry skin
Use sun protection: I have a whole episode on my thoughts on that but it’s critical if using retinol
Why I’m not the biggest fan
Here's where it gets interesting. And why I’m not the biggest fan, despite its rampant popularity. Retinol isn't just skin-deep. It affects your organs too.
Liver: Processes and stores vitamin A (retinol)
Eyes: Excessive amounts may impact vision
Bones: High doses can affect bone density
Reproductive system: Hence why retinol is a no-no while pregnant and post-partum.
Pro tips: More on Postpartum Skincare if you need it.
Retinol types — they aren’t all equal
Different retinoids excel at different tasks:
Retinol: General anti-aging and mild acne
Retinaldehyde: Sensitive skin and rosacea
Tretinoin: Severe acne and significant photoaging
A retinol I like?
If I’m recommending a retinol, this Green Envee Retinal Renewal Complex is my go-to. It’s gentle. It’s less irritating. I highly recommend it.
Alternatives to retinol
Retinol is super harsh on a lot of skin types, especially sensitive skin, people with PD, etc. If that’s you, first I recommend an Active Ingredient Cleanse to reset. But you can also try these retinol alternatives:
Bakuchiol: A natural retinol-like compound.
Rosehip oil: Rich in vitamin A
Broccoli seed oil: A personal favorite (Check out my article on broccoli seed oil for more info)
Niacinamide: Great for overall skin health, found in our VibrantBoost Face Mist
Pro tip: The first three are all found in our MoonLitFromWithin Face Oil which is a great, rounded retinol replacement. And it’s pregnancy-safe.
A Word of Caution on Retinol
While retinol plays well with many ingredients, be careful mixing it with:
Vitamin C: Can lead to irritation
AHAs/BHAs: May cause excessive dryness
Benzoyl peroxide: Can deactivate retinol and waste your $$
Active ingredient overload is a big part of the reason retinol bothers a lot of people’s skin. Essentially people use too many active ingredients simultaneously in their skincare routine. This causes damage to the skin barrier but also exacerbates skin conditions like Perioral Dermatitis.
✨Jenny Jewel✨
If you're using retinol at night, you MUST cleanse in the morning too!
Here's why:
1. Removes any residual retinol
2. Preps skin for daytime protection
3. Helps maintain skin's pH balance
Obviously, I recommend GoldenHigh Oil Cleanser but any cleanser is better than not cleansing.
Want more things like this? Drop us a comment to get advice from Jenny but also inform our next episode. This is a NO JUDGEMENT zone.
That’s all lovelies.
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