How to Start Using Retinol (for beginners) | Biochemist Perspective

[@shannonmosher2069]

I was researching this about a year ago and this is the most helpful and concise information I've found on the matter. Thank you so much for posting!

[@KennaWhitnell]

This makes me so happy! Glad I could help :)

[@la4549]

This has nothing todo with this video But you saved my skin big time with your recommendations in general and thank you for that i hope you know that you’re helping us physically which makes us feel 10 times better mentally Love you 😍

[@KennaWhitnell]

That is so incredible! This makes me so happy to hear :)

[@butterflyfairy6730]

i appreciate how to the point you are. this is the most i’ve learned about skin care in a while lol

[@KennaWhitnell]

I am so happy to hear this!

[@madeforanotherwrld]

Hi Kenna! I recently graduated esthetician school, your KZbin channel is a true gem and I'm so glad I found it! Thankyou for sharing your knowledge. I have two questions that surfaced after watching this video. You had mentioned in the comments of a different video of yours that applying an occlusive after a retinol can cause it to penetrate in an uncontrolled way that can cause damage/irritation. In this video, you mention a retinol sandwich, doesn't that involve applying an occlusive after a retinol? If so, what makes this less of a risk? You also mentioned to never include active ingredients on your retinol days, but then mentioned washing your face and applying hydrating serums like hyaluronate acids before proceeding with a retinol sandwich. Is that not including an active ingredient in the same routine as your retinol? What makes this not apply to your statement about avoiding incorporating both in the same routine?

[@mlee1285]

You're giving me major Kate Winslet vibes in this video, Kenna! 😍

[@KennaWhitnell]

I love her!!!

[@CarmW2314]

I've been curious about when it's a good time to start retinol! Thanks for this video, very helpful

[@KennaWhitnell]

I started at 25! I think that is a good age.

[@kylejames330]

Could you do a video on recommendations for keratosis pilaris?? Thank youuu😁

[@KennaWhitnell]

Yes I will do this!

[@fern1054]

i literally was just reading up on retinol bc I’ve started skin cycling and was feelin kinda lost. this vid came to me at the right time ty!!!

[@KennaWhitnell]

Glad to help!!!

[@yakata79]

I have been using adapalene (retinoid) and do feel like my skin is drier than normal. Maybe it would have been better to follow your advice about starting off slow, month by month.

[@emkn1479]

I love the cream from The Ordinary. It’s very neutral but very nourishing. Other than ROC do you know of any easily accessible eye creams with retinol?

[@luttergloss101]

Can you use Ahas in the morning and retin a in the night? If you are already use to your retin a.

[@pamelannely]

The City Beauty product you recommended has VitaminC in the cream side, so I’m unsure about the “do not use with other actives” comment you made. Thanks!

[@maristar852]

When its a product specifict formulated *with* the other active, its made where they've have specifict tried to make it possible to use it with as little additionall irritation. When using a retinol product AND another product with an active its a much higher chance of damaging the skin with irritation

[@pamelannely]

@@maristar852 yes, I understand that. I just wondered if that statement were completely accurate, as I’ve seen other retinol product recommendations for use with actives, obviously from the same brand, but more than one active is recommended.

[@KennaWhitnell]

If it's formulated in the product it is ok because it has been done in specific way to not cause irritation however I wouldn't recommend mixing actives in different products like your daytime Vit C with your evening Retinol. Also when you have been using retinol for some time you will find you can tolerate mixing other actives but beginners should avoid this until they understand their skin's ability to handle it

[@pamelannely]

@@KennaWhitnell thank you! I generally don’t wear anything with my retinol at night, but now I know for sure not to!

[@princessadora]

is there an at home peel that can be done for beginners also? 😬

[@KennaWhitnell]

I can cover at home AHA products!

[@noelleg9593]

Hi kenna, i find hyaluronic acid irritating i used the cerave moisturizer with hyaluronic acid. i have mild/moderate eczema. I tried one retinol the olay regenerist 24 moisturizing one, i used it just one time it wasn’t irritating. Is that a good product to use? Thanks for making this video i was just watching your previous ones last week about retinol

[@KennaWhitnell]

If you find hyaluronic acid irritating discontinue use! I have not tried the olay product but from a quick look at ingredients list it looks like a good option for retinol!

[@sofiav7392]

Do I just need to make sure to have my face fully dry before putting on one of the retinols you recommended on my face? I've been wanting to start using retinol for a while now but was nervous! Thank you for the video!!

[@KennaWhitnell]

As a beginner, yes I would make sure you allow your face to fully dry (drying it on a clean towel will work fine as well). You will find as you get used to it and can tolerate it you can get away with a bit of moisture but for the first few months try to make sure your skin is completely dry or has a moisturizer on.

[@sofiav7392]

@@KennaWhitnell Awesome, that is helpful. Thank you!!

[@michelle8588]

Thank you for this video! I use neutrogena Hylauronic acid serum after cleansing, then cerave PM moisturizer for day and night (plus a sunscreen for day). Would I discontinue Hylauronic acid use in order to use retinol? Is that considered an “active ingredient”? If I can still use the Hylauronic acid (I have dry skin) where would nj use it in this routine?

[@shannonmosher2069]

Hi there! She suggests hyaluronic acid is okay to continue using simultaneously with retinol at 6:20 in the video - hyaluronic acid, moisturizer, then retinol. This was a big question I had as well as it's part of my daily routine too. Hope this helps C:

[@KennaWhitnell]

You can use hyaluronic acid! If you find that you are having irritation make sure you are going hyaluronic acid serum --> moisturizer --> retinol --> moisturizer.

[@michelle8588]

@@shannonmosher2069 I missed it! Thanks so much!

[@michelle8588]

@@KennaWhitnell will do. Thanks so much!

[@KitCat013]

What are your thoughts on the Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream? I just picked it up at Ulta the other day and I haven't stared using it yet.

[@KennaWhitnell]

It is a very gentle retinol at 0.1% so is perfect for starting out. Because it is in a moisturizer form you may not need to layer anything else on top but just check with your skin the next day and see if you want additional moisturizer on top or underneath

[@Tina.bina.]

If you're using retinol for hyperpigmentation, would you apply retinol only to the areas with the pigmentation or all over the face and neck?

[@KennaWhitnell]

Yes apply all over face and neck for targeting hyperpigmentation! It is good to support all of the skin - even if you see areas that have hyperpigmentation you need to support the surrounding skin as well.

[@bsawk]

Would you always do the retinol sandwich or would you stop that at some point?

[@KennaWhitnell]

I don't do a retinol sandwich anymore because I don't find that I need to. If your skin can handle it eventually you can stop doing the sandwich method and just apply it directly to your skin. The more contact it has with your skin the better effects. The moisturizer underneath it for mitigating sensitivity, redness and dryness but if you're finding you're ok you can go without

[@FelineRM]

:) thank you

[@FelineRM]

Hi! So I've been using the cerave one for a while now, im starting to run out but I feel like I can level up the retinol game. I use the cerave one every 2 or 3 days and my skin is fine with that. Are there a little more advanced retinol products that you recommend? X

[@KennaWhitnell]

Yes the retinol 1% super solutions from the inkey list is quite more intense so definitely a level up. I would start using this one with the sandwich method because I definitely got a little dry and irritated from using it directly.

[@FelineRM]

@@KennaWhitnell thank you!! I'll give it a try. Maybe with a cycle routine?

[@olivia25144]

Is 20 years old too young to start retinol? I feel like starting early might be worth it in the future but I don't know

[@LatinaMuslimAndProud]

I’d love to know where to buy the good stuff the pure kind lol

[@KennaWhitnell]

retinol is a pure ingredient - some brands will let you know the % of retinol in the formula - others don't!

[@LatinaMuslimAndProud]

@@KennaWhitnell do you know of one that has a high retinol %?

[@MementoMadi]

Are retinol eye creams ok or wouldn’t that be irritating?

[@KennaWhitnell]

Retinol eye creams are fine just make sure you don’t get it in your eye or water line! The skin around the eye is ok but be careful.

[@pinaluna7745]

I still have a lot of questions :D What about storage? What about cis versus trans? Do they have any different effects? Should i store my retinol product in a fridge? I read that you have to be really careful, that the retinol is fresh and non-oxidized. Also can you say something about the different derivatives? In most serums there is just retinol, but it seems, that for example retinaldehyd has better effects? How can i make sure that encapsulated retinol and not just retinol is the ingredient and how much of a different effect do you ascribe each? I am so keen on your answers, thanks in advance! All the best

[@KennaWhitnell]

Definitely don’t stock up on retinol and just use one bottle at a time! The product will tell you the use after opening period. Retinol is more common than retinaldehyde in products but both are good options for getting vitamin A to the skin. Encapsulated retinol can have a mediated delivery time and can be more stable - all depends on the formula! Generally a brand will say what their formula offers regarding this

[@Peachgguk-tz6yb]

I have pretty thin skin and spider veins are really really visible. Should I start retinol to thicken my skin and reduce the appearance of spider veins???

[@KennaWhitnell]

That would be a great reason to start retinol! Collagen building thickens the skin and retinol is great for building collagen.

[@Peachgguk-tz6yb]

@@KennaWhitnell oh great! Is the differin one okay to use?

[@carlytwopointoh]

Should a beginner avoid using higher percentage retinols?

[@KennaWhitnell]

Definitely start with lower % retinols. Generally if the brand hasn't said what % the retinol is it will be 0.5% or less. That is a good place to start

[@carlytwopointoh]

@@KennaWhitnell thank you!

[@01racegirl]

For us over 40 ladies a really good video is by Melissa55 here on KZbin. She has been using it for decades and looks 20 years younger. Hope this helps someone! Xo

[@KennaWhitnell]

Awesome!

[@sophiag2403]

At what age would you start using retinol?

[@KennaWhitnell]

I started at 25 - I think anywhere 25 and up is a good time - and it is never too late!

[@ThePiinkSmurf]

@@KennaWhitnell is 24 okay?

[@zahni8450]

is Retinol 0.5% in Squalane from the ordinary an ok product to start with ?

[@KennaWhitnell]

Yes you can start with this one. I would recommend applying 2-3 drops into a moisturizer and then applying to the skin until you can tolerate it well. They also have a 0.2 retinol that would be a good place to start as well