The ordinary retinol 1% advice please

[neveradullmoment99]

So have started to use this product. Used it twice [2 consecutive nights] and although it felt fine to begin with, now my face feels a bit sensitive and dry and is peeling a little bit.

So how should it be used? I have read that stopping and starting is no use as it just means going through this whole process of dryness, sensitivity and peeling again. So how do i do this gradually to minimize irritation?

If you use retinol..how have you gone about it?

Thanks!

[Judydreamsofhorses]

No real advice, but I actually stopped using this product as it made my skin really scabby. I'd previously used a LRP one with no issues, so I think it just didn't agree with me at all.

[JDSTER]

You definitely shouldn't be using this every night initially. Use one night then leave two between before using again. You need to gradually build up usage. You could add in a hydrating serum to your routine to counteract the dryness if you're not using one already. Also really important to use a daily SPF. I'm using TO retinoid 2% as it's less irritating. Are you using it for anti ageing?

[Dulcimena]

As JD says, the general advice is to use less product than you think you need, start at twice a week, and build up usage slowly (in frequency not the amount you use each time).

You can also buffer it by applying over a lightweight serum to protect your skin, I would use a moisturiser on top of the retinol product to address dryness, definitely use a moisturiser and separate decent SPF in the day, and if it all gets too much, be prepared to ditch it. It's a potent ingredient and just isn't suitable for everyone.

[neveradullmoment99]

Yes, thought i would use if for my neck as it looks crap but thought i would try on my face too. Intend to stop using it for a few days and then will apply with a moisturiser when my skin settles a little. I was only ever going to use it every few days so about twice a week but i think two nights in a trot as been too much for me. Need to do less is more right now. Thanks.
I read that you can actually mix it with a moisturiser so you are kind of diluting it. Will try that and build up gradually.

[Dulcimena]

never yes, buffering is effectively diluting it. Apply serum/moisturiser, then apply the retinol on top. A bit less faff than mixing the two and should create a slight barrier between your skin and the active.

"Less is more" is the key phrase with any retinoid tbh. Good luck.

[lindyloo57]

Hi, i have the same problem when i first started using it, like you i put it on two nights in a row. Now i do 1% one night with a serum over top, the 2% which is weaker the next with serum, and then the next night the vit c also from the ordinary, still getting peeling but hoping it will go soon.

[neveradullmoment99]

Well my skin was at its worst over the last couple of days. All has settled now. It was so dry. I had to put nivea on my face and vaseline on my eyes as they felt literally like sandpaper.
I am a bit hesitant to put it on again tonight. Should i give it a couple of days now or should i just continue with it, putting moisturiser over the top of it? My skin feels much better but i dont want to go to work looking like a lizard!!!

[lindyloo57]

i would give it a couple of days, some people can only use it once a week for a time then work up to twice a week, my chest [ it has happened twice now after putting to much on too soon] was very sore and itchy i had to not put anything on there only vaseline for 3 to 4 days.
its round my eyes i seem to have some peeling and don't even put the cream there.

[Kennington]

Hi never I have been using the 2% and added use with grape seed oil to dilute and it is fine.
I don't want to use it now because i don't wear SPF much so if you want to pm me I would be happy to post it (on Tuesday).

[neveradullmoment99]

Thanks very much Kennington but i really feel the 1% is enough for me to be getting used to. That was very kind of you though. Maybe someone else might like to have it but thanks again :)

[lindyloo57]

Hi never, if the 2% is from the ordinary that kennington is talking about its weaker than the 1%, i think is because its mixed with something its not as pure, if you go to the web site it tells you all about it. it do say its best to start with the 2%.

[DameDeDoubtance]

The 1% is old school retinal, the 2% is their own formulation and much kinder to the skin, I would ditch the 1 and go for the 2.

[dibly]

I keep reading about this stuff, but not sure what it actually does? Mid 40s with very dehydrated skin so very wary, any advice please? (Sorry to gatecrash OP)

[Ollivander84]

Effectively it's one of the only things that's proven to help with signs of ageing
It's a type of vitamin a
Can help with fine lines, wrinkles, acne. Often makes skin a bit flaky at first
Don't plaster it on, small amounts and start with using maybe every third night. Goes on dry skin after cleansing at night and use moisturiser after. Must use SPF during the day

[Lovelylotty]

Hi has anyone used The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane? I started using it last weekend after using the Retinoid serum from the ordinary with no side effects.
I think I have overdone the usage though as the past 2 days the skin around my eyes is very red, wrinkly and sore.
I want to know what to do to relieve this and will it heal because at the moment it looks like I’m left with horrendous wrinkles all around my eyes which were not there before!

[MandalaYogaTapestry]

I am using a generic retinoid in a tube 0.5%. No irritation or peeling but i too find that the area around my eyes actually looks worse. Always use a cream on top. What's wrong?

[Ald000]

A bit late to the conversation but I hope this helps! I had a retinol peel a week ago that was administered by a trained nurse who explained that Vaseline was to be applied generously around the corners of the eyes and lips before applying the retinol due to the skin being thinner and more sensitive! The Vaseline prevents those areas from becoming sore and cracked! I’ve also recently purchased The Ordinary 1% retinol in squalane and awaiting a response from my nurse as to when it is safe to start using it

[BF888]

@lovelylotty Retinol affects everyone’s skin differently. Some can use 1% no issues, some use 0.5% with issues.

I think you’ve applied the retinol too close together in usage or the retinol is too strong. Initially (first week) you apply retinol just a couple of times. Next week three, eventually building up to daily evening use. Use no more than a pea size. More of the product doesn’t mean better results, it wastes product using too much and can cause more irritation.

Don’t apply the retinol too close to the eyes!! You don’t want it seeping in.

It is a lot of trial and error to see how much your skin can tolerate. I started with the 1% too and had redness and dry skin after 3 weeks of usage. I knew what I did wrong and was applied it too close together I should’ve gave it a break as I had used my dermaroller too. Fine lines on forehead to show more, but when skin is dehydrate wrinkles and lines do. I already knew dry skin can be a side effect from the retinol. So I use hylauronic acid and Rosehip after retinol ( all the ordinary) the key is to apply retinol before serums and moisturisers, as depending on the serum and moisturiser the retinol may not penetrate through the products.

I would stop usage for now, and really focus on getting moisture back in. I’m going to get a weleda skin food moisturiser to use to ensure I get extra moisture.

With the ordinary you can email them and they can give you products recommendations and usage tips.