Are you just starting to use a retinoid? Buckle up, because you’re in for a wild ride. As a long-term retinoid user, my days of retinization are long gone. However, I still remember every day of it. Why? Because it was a nightmare. I don’t want to sound too dramatic, but I certainly didn’t know what I’d gotten myself into. So, to make your introduction to vitamin A derivatives as pleasant as possible — here’s everything I wish I knew before starting my retinol journey.
What is Retinization?
First things first, let’s talk about what retinization actually is. Retinization is the process your skin goes through when you start using a retinoid. You have to understand — the main way in which vitamin A derivatives work is by speeding up cell turnover. So, all that junk that’s hiding beneath your skin will come to the surface much faster than it usually would. And — it happens all at once. Of course, this isn’t the case for every single person out there. However, it is something that the majority of people will experience, at least to some degree.
The Dreaded Purge
Ah, the purge. As I have already explained, the purge happens when the retinoid speeds up your skin’s natural exfoliation process, causing all the gunk lurking beneath the surface to come to the forefront. This can manifest as breakouts, redness, flakiness, and all-around chaos on your skin. It’s not pretty, but it’s temporary. But how can you differentiate a retinoid purge from a regular breakout? It’s easy — if it’s a regular purge, you’ll most likely notice an increase in pimples on the areas of your face where you usually break out. For example, if you tend to have acne around your jaw and chin, chances are that you’ll see the biggest difference in that area of your face.
Patience is Key
The number one rule when starting a retinol is to take things slow. You don’t need to slather on the highest concentration of retinoid you can find on day one. In fact, doing so can lead to even more irritation. Instead, start with a lower concentration and use it just two to three times a week during your first month. Once your skin got used to it, you can start increasing the concentration and frequency.
Another thing that I wish I had known before starting the retinization process is that patience is key. Retinoids are not a quick fix — they’re a long-term investment in your skin’s health. It will take months before you see some actual results. So don’t get discouraged if you don’t wake up with flawless skin after your first application. After years of using retinoids, I can certainly say that it was worth it. And the older you get — the more thankful you’ll be that you started.
Moisture & Sunscreen
One of the biggest mistakes people make when starting a retinoid is not moisturizing enough. Retinoids can be incredibly drying and irritating, so it’s crucial to keep your skin hydrated. If you’re super sensitive, you can even try the sandwich method — using a light layer of moisturizer both underneath and on top of your retinol. Your skin will thank you for it. Last but certainly not least, sunscreen is non-negotiable when using a retinoid. Retinoids can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, increasing your risk of sunburn and sun damage. So, make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every morning. Yup — even when it’s raining or snowing.
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