Retinol

[IdaBattersea]

I had a skin consultation this week at a local beauty clinic and have started using retinol and vitamin c serum. I have only applied the retinol once as advised in the evening small amount. 3 days on skin still feels sensitive and angry and is shedding a bit and still redder than normal especially on the cheeks. I have used sunscreen. I contacted the clinic and they said this can happen and not to use again till skin calms down. (I was only told to use twice a week to begin with).

I’m now worried it’s too strong (0.5%).

Has anyone else had this. From what I’ve read it sounds not uncommon. I start a new job on Monday so need skin to calm down.

Watching this. Mainly for recommendations.

I'm not a huge expert on retinol as my skin does not like it so I stopped using it.
My understanding was to start low, around 0.25% and introduce it slowly then build up the % as you see fit.

You can "buffer" it with other products to dilute and help stop the irritation

What retinol have you been using?

AlumierMD

Thank you. I can’t remember why she said to start on 0.5 as opposed to 0.25 I wish I’d queried it now. I did read you can put moisturiser on first to reduce hoe much is absorbed or ‘buffer’ by mixing with blob of moisturiser. It’s not so hideous to look at but just feels a bit uncomfortable kind of like wind burn.

It makes my skin itchy too so I only use it once or twice a week and then add rosehip oil on top.

Is it the resurfacing serum? That doesn't start at 0.25 so may be worth while trying that.

If you're ok Facebook the Caroline Hirons page is very informative, she also has a website/blog which is very informative.

While your skin is reacting use very gentle products and really push hydration

You need to really buffer it with moisturiser. Once a week max to start then twice a week and so on
Hot and flashy on YouTube did a great retinol video