Retinol is a skincare ingredient used to turn back the clock, slow down skin aging, and improve skin’s tone and texture. Unfortunately, retinol can be harsh, causing dryness and irritation. For many people, using the retinol sandwich method alleviates potential discomfort. This application method reduces the adverse effects of retinol, allowing people to enjoy the benefits of retinol use without the drawbacks.

What Is the Retinol Sandwich Method?

Retinols are skincare ingredients derived from vitamin A. They are designed to promote skin cell turnover as well as an increase in the production of collagen and elastin proteins. This combination makes retinol essential in anti-aging skincare. Increased cell turnover and collagen and elastin production lead to smoother, firmer skin. It can also decrease the appearance of hyperpigmentation, leading to a brighter, more even complexion. Retinols are available over the counter, but there are higher concentration products available by prescription. These stronger skincare products are referred to as retinoids.

While there are many benefits to retinol usage, some people struggle to utilize these products as they can cause skin irritation. For this reason, many dermatologists recommend applying retinols, using the retinol sandwich method. A retinol sandwich refers to applying moisturizer before and after retinol to minimize any potential negative side effects. This method of retinol application is a go-to recommendation by dermatologists to increase tolerance of retinols and improve the results of regular usage.

How to Sandwich Retinol: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re interested in making the retinol sandwich part of your skincare routine, you should follow the retinol layering technique below during your nighttime skin regimen:

• • Step 1 – clean skin using a gentle cleanser. Rinse skin completely and pat dry.
• • Step 2 – apply a layer of lightweight moisturizer or a moisturizing serum. ALASTIN Skincare Ultra-Light Moisturizer with TriHex Technology is an excellent option. It’s designed to soothe and heal skin, but it’s very lightweight, which won’t coat pores, allowing retinol to be absorbed. 
• • Step 3 – apply a retinol as recommended by your dermatologist. MD Skin Essentials Energize is a .5% retinol serum that includes hyaluronic acid and soothing botanicals. 
• • Step 4 – add a layer of heavier, cream-based moisturizer to lock-in hydration. SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 offers a potent blend of lipids to hydrate skin and lock in moisture to maintain hydration. It’s a great option to follow up your retinol. 

Who Should Try the Retinol Sandwich Method?

Anyone who is new to using retinol may want to consider the retinol sandwich method since this improves skin’s tolerance of retinols. Those who have tried to use retinols in the past and experienced irritation, peeling, or skin dryness could achieve better results by applying retinols using the sandwich method. Finally, those who have sensitive skin that is prone to irritation or allergic response may not be able to utilize retinol without taking steps to prevent skin irritation, including applying using the sandwich method. Many can forego the sandwich method once skin adjusts to the use of retinols. Others may want to continue using the sandwich method to improve hydration.

Why the Retinol Sandwich Method Works for Sensitive Skin

Those with sensitive skin have a heightened response when exposed to allergens, irritants, skincare products, and chemicals. It’s important to use gentle products that are free from dyes, fragrances, parabens, and other harsh ingredients. Retinols are some of the most irritating ingredients in skincare products. Retinols are designed to dissolve dead skin cells to accelerate cell turnover. For those with sensitive skin, this process can lead to dryness, itching, peeling, and irritation. The retinol sandwich method creates an added layer of protection to soothe skin and prevent irritation and damage. In addition to the retinol sandwich application technique, those with sensitive skin should take care to use gentle products during their morning and evening skincare routines. A gentle skincare routine will help to eliminate irritation and discomfort for those with sensitive skin.

Tips for Using Retinol Safely

In addition to using the retinol sandwich application method, some ways to improve safety and comfort while still reaping the benefits of retinol use include:

• • Start low – use a low concentration of retinol and gradually increase the strength as your skin tolerates it.
• • Slowly increase frequency – apply retinols every other day or even every three days at first. This gives your skin a greater amount of time to absorb and process the retinol, reducing risk for irritation.
• • Check your other products – when applying retinol, don’t use skincare products with other harsh or abrasive chemicals. Exfoliants, benzoyl peroxide, vitamin C, alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), beta hydroxy acids (BHA), and niacinamide are all products that may increase risk for skin irritation when used in combination with retinols.
• • Always apply at night – retinols increase skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, so it’s important to apply retinol at night. The retinol is absorbed during sleep, lessening the risk for sunburn and other adverse effects of sun exposure by morning.
• • Wear sunscreen – even when retinol is applied at night, skin may have some sensitivity to sunlight the next day. Additionally, retinol is often recommended for its anti-aging benefits, and sun damage is one of the main causes of accelerated skin aging. So, applying sunscreen daily also boosts the results of retinol use.

Get Results from Retinol with Less Irritation

For those with sensitive skin and those who are adding retinol to their skincare routine for the first time, the retinol sandwich method is ideal. If you’ve tried retinols in the past and experienced irritation, the retinol sandwich method may be the ideal way to reintroduce these skincare products into your routine. Don’t forget to go slow. Apply only a few times a week if you need to, and always start your retinol routine with a lower concentration. A dermatologist can help you find the right retinol product and develop the perfect plan to incorporate it into your nighttime skincare regimen.

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Whether you’re looking for the perfect retinol or just want to enhance your skincare routine with high-quality products, DermSkincare has everything you need to achieve the ideal skincare routine. Explore our site and come back regularly to get skincare tips and tricks from our blog.