Retinol for sensitive skin - is it possible?

Retinol is one of the most popular and effective ingredients in skin care. It has been shown to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and dark spots, as well as increase collagen production in the skin. However, many people with sensitive skin avoid retinol because they can be irritating if not used correctly. But is it possible to use retinol on sensitive skin? The answer is yes, as long as caution is exercised and the right products are used.

How do I know if I have sensitive skin?

Before using retinol products for sensitive skin, it is important to know if this type of product can affect your skin. Sensitive skin has symptoms such as redness, dryness, itching or even rashes caused by skin irritation from products or environmental factors. People with sensitive skin may also experience a burning or tingling sensation after applying certain products.

To determine if you have sensitive skin, you can look for certain symptoms such as redness after using a new product, extreme dryness or a burning sensation when using skin care products.

What is retinol and how does it affect the skin?

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and one of the most effective ingredients for skin care. Thanks to its regenerative power, it can reduce wrinkles, fine lines and blemishes, as well as improve skin texture and tone. In addition, it increases the production of collagen, which is responsible for providing elasticity to the skin. This makes it an ideal active ingredient for anti-aging facial care routines.

However, retinol can cause skin redness, a common symptom in sensitive skin. Retinol increases skin cell turnover, which can make the skin more sensitive and susceptible to irritation. For this reason, it is important to use retinol products carefully and choose products for sensitive skin to complete the treatment along with the application of retinol.

How to use retinol on sensitive skin

If you want to use retinol on your sensitive skin, it is important to introduce it gradually into your skin care routine. Start by using products with a low concentration of retinol and apply it only once or twice a week at first. As your skin gets used to retinol, you can increase the frequency of use.

It is important to keep in mind that retinol products can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it is advisable to always use sunscreen during the day. You should also avoid excessive sun exposure while using retinol to avoid damaging the skin.

When applying it, it is advisable to use retinol products on sensitive skin at night, as this is when the skin is most receptive to the absorption of active ingredients. In addition, it is important to follow the product instructions and not to exceed the recommended amount.

With regular use of this product your skin will adapt, this is known as retinization. When the skin is retinized it tolerates the active ingredient perfectly and you can apply it regularly without problems and obtain all the benefits of its daily use.

Routine with retinol and retinol derivatives for sensitive skin

Here's what your skin care routine should look like if you want to introduce retinol to your sensitive skin effectively and without irritation.

• Cleansing: Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type. It is important to remove any dirt, makeup and oils before applying retinol products.
• Toner: Next, apply a gentle, hydrating toner to help balance the skin's pH and prepare it for treatment.
• Serum with treatment: apply a moisturizing serum to keep your skin hydrated and nourished. In this regard, serums with niacinamide, a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals, or with hyaluronic acid, which deeply hydrates the skin and makes it juicy, may be of interest.
• Moisturizing: after applying the serum, apply a moisturizing cream with retinol to gently introduce the compound into the skin and prevent it from reacting and causing irritation. In this regard, the best option is to use Blue Pro-Retinol Multi-Correct Anti-Aging Cream, a retinol cream suitable for sensitive skin to improve skin texture, reduce pore size, reduce wrinkles and even out skin tone. This effective formula is made possible by the combination of Pro-Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Life Plankton and organic algae extracts.
• Sunscreen: While using retinol for sensitive skin, during the day, it is important to apply sunscreen to help protect the skin from harmful UV rays and prevent the active ingredient from causing skin irritation. We recommend that you look for a product suitable for sensitive skin and apply it every day before exposure and replicate it during the day.

It is possible to use retinol products for sensitive skin as long as caution is exercised and the right products are used. It is important to start with a low concentration of retinol and gradually increase the frequency of use, as well as complementing the treatment with specific products for sensitive skin. At Biotherm, we have products adapted to all skin types so that whatever your concern, you can find a product adapted to your needs and look radiant every day.