Starting retinol - a few questions....

[Lottapianos]

I have ordered some retinol 0.5% in squalene from The Ordinary. I have never used a retinol before. I currently use a 10% lactic acid every other night, and a 23% Vitamin C product every night, plus hyaluronic acid, oil and night cream. And i use SPF 30 every day

So, a few questions-

• how often to use the retinol? Every other night? Twice a week? Skin is dry and dehydrated and not overly sensitive
• on retinol nights, use lactic acid and vitamin C as well? In what order?
• did you have any redness or peeling when you started retinol and how long did it last?

Thanks

Start out using it 3 times a week, expect purging, breakouts, peeling and redness until skin adjusts to it.

Thanks sadie. Tell me more about what purging involves and how long did it take for your skin to settle down?

Sorry posted too soon.
At first I wouldn't use acid and retinol on the same night so use them separately, again until your skin adjusts. Retinol can make your skin very dry, so I'd relook at your moisturizing routine, perhaps add hyalauronic acid before moisturizing to increase moisture levels.
Use retinol first after cleaning on clean dry skin and allow to settle before continuing your routine.
Use your Vit C in your morning routine.
I'd start out on 0.5 and work up percentages until your skins feels good, it's tough starting out on retinol but very very worth it!

Purging is basically breakouts of spots, cysts, etc, peeling/ flaking skin, also I found certain sensitive areas like around the eyes and around lips got very dry and stingy at times. I'd just skip another night in between to give my skin a chance to recover and moisturize a lot. This lasted for me around 1 month, give or take, depending on retinol strength. I'm 40 now so I started out prescription strength so I probably had more nasty side effects.

Thanks sadie

I have granactive retinoid 2% in squalane from TO and have to say that i don't experience any redress or peeling. Am i using it incorrectly? I apply it over the Buffet.