What Is the Retinol Sandwich Methodology, and Does It Work?

I’ve been an enormous fan of retinol and prescription retinoids since they got here on the scene for anti-aging within the early ’90s. Nevertheless, again then, the dearth of schooling and the supply of solely prescription retinoids meant that the uncomfortable side effects might be fairly extreme. There was a restricted understanding of tips on how to use them correctly to reduce these results, which sadly discouraged many individuals from making an attempt. Quick ahead to at this time, and I’m not solely thrilled that retinol is now accessible and not using a prescription, however I’m additionally extremely excited concerning the new methods we’ve found to make use of it. Introducing: the retinol sandwich methodology.

Having labored with vitamin A and retinoids for a very long time, it’s actually thrilling to see what we are able to do with them now. So, what’s the truth behind this fashionable approach?

What’s Retinol?

Let’s begin from the highest: What are retinol and retinoids? Derived from vitamin A, these are highly effective brokers that may tackle and reverse numerous indicators of growing old. These indicators could embody nice strains, wrinkles, post-breakout marks, enlarged pores, and brown spots. Whether or not in prescription kind (like tretinoin) or over-the-counter choices (reminiscent of Superior Resurfacing Serum), retinoids have the potential to considerably improve the pores and skin’s look, selling a younger, radiant-looking pores and skin over time.

Nevertheless, those that have used retinol or retinoids earlier than have doubtless skilled a interval of purging, in any other case often known as “the retinol scaries.” This may be something from a rise in breakouts to dryness, flaking, or irritation. Going down nearly instantly, this course of occurs whereas pores and skin is adjusting to a rise in cell turnover. It’s due to this that lingering breakouts which may’ve taken weeks (and even months) to floor will all seem without delay. Which means, earlier than it will get higher, your breakouts can really worsen.

Undecided if that is proper on your routine? Try my newbie’s information to retinol and retinoid utilization!

What Is the Sandwich Methodology for Retinol?

Whereas not too long ago trending on TikTok, the retinol sandwich methodology isn’t a brand new idea in skincare in any respect. Sprouting from the ever-popular ‘moisture sandwich’ methodology, which promotes layering your merchandise so as of viscosity, the thought of the retinol sandwich is to use your retinol serum in between two layers of moisturizer (i.e. the bread) in an try to reduce its potential uncomfortable side effects. This can be a nice idea to check out when you’re somebody with delicate pores and skin, a compromised barrier, or are new to the ingredient.

How Do You Sandwich Retinol?

Making an attempt out this methodology is straightforward! Right here’s the approach I like to recommend:

1. Within the PM, cleanse pores and skin totally
2. Apply toner (or hydrating essence) and serum on your pores and skin kind
3. Apply a light-weight, oil-free moisturizer to damp pores and skin
4. Enable this to dry utterly
5. Apply your retinol or retinoid
6. Give your retinol time to soak up, then apply a second layer of the identical moisturizer

This system permits the primary layer of moisturizer to behave as a buffer between your pores and skin and the hard-hitting lively ingredient, whereas the second layer locks all of it in. For those who’re in want of further buffering, I counsel utilizing an essence, like Moisture Infusion Toner, alongside along with your toner and serum. Alcohol-free toners are nice as a result of water acts as a service to ship components deep into your pores and skin, however on this case, that’s in all probability not one thing you’re searching for. By including a serum-infused toner, or essence, you’re offering a bit additional buffering versus only a water-based toner.

Finest Practices

I all the time advocate utilizing a light-weight, non-greasy lotion on your pores and skin kind. Heavy lotions have a bigger molecule and, when utilized earlier than retinol or a prescription retinoid, forestall the actives from penetrating the pores and skin. That is why I like to recommend a lighter, oil-free lotion, like Pores and skin Restoration Lotion, that may present a buffering layer of hydration with out blocking the vitamin A product from working. That’s the important thing— you don’t need to dilute it to the purpose that it doesn’t work, simply sufficient to take the sting off a bit bit to handle a number of the uncomfortable side effects.

Does the Retinol Sandwich Methodology Work?

This methodology will help mitigate irritation, dryness, and flaking whereas nonetheless offering youth-boosting advantages. You probably have delicate pores and skin, need to deal with barrier safety, or are new to the ingredient, that is an efficient choice for limiting harsh uncomfortable side effects.

Does Sandwiching Retinol Between Moisturizer Make It Much less Efficient?

In brief, no. When making use of a it, you’re placing a selected proportion, say .1%, in your face. The proportion used doesn’t change it doesn’t matter what you apply earlier than or after it, which means you aren’t making it much less efficient. Nevertheless, what would possibly change is the flexibility of the product to penetrate the pores and skin. Making use of moisturizer first doesn’t essentially dilute it, whereas mixing the 2 collectively would, nevertheless it does decrease the lively’s potential to penetrate the pores and skin.

All in all, utilizing a hydrating cream earlier than making use of retinol gained’t dilute its efficiency, it can simply mitigate a number of the damaging uncomfortable side effects.

What Are the Advantages of the Retinol Sandwich Methodology?

By eliminating the same old uncomfortable side effects related to retinol, pores and skin will expertise elevated smoothness, hydration, and a brighter glow as a result of fewer opaque, useless pores and skin cells. By making a buffer, the pores and skin barrier is much less more likely to grow to be compromised, leading to much less dehydration and sensitivity.

Moreover, retinol sandwiching is a good choice for these with acne-prone pores and skin. Since acne-prone pores and skin is already lively and going through irritation, I typically advise towards utilizing a stimulating lively ingredient, as it could possibly add much more irritation. Nevertheless, the sandwich methodology could make retinol extra agreeable for pores and skin, permitting these with zits to nonetheless obtain anti-aging advantages

Ought to I Add It to My Routine?

For those who’ve determined it’s time to start out utilizing retinol, then deciding if you wish to add sandwiching to your routine is fairly easy: is it inflicting you undesirable dryness, redness, or irritation? Then give it a go! Even when you simply need to spot deal with notably dry areas, reminiscent of across the eyes, nostril, and mouth, you’ll be able to apply moisturizer to only these areas earlier than moving into with retinol.

Nevertheless, if you wish to reap the utmost results of retinol or retinoid and are okay with the everyday uncomfortable side effects related to this serum, it’s possible you’ll need to choose out of sandwiching fully.

Finest Merchandise To Use With the Retinol Sandwich Methodology

For those who’re keen to do that ingredient however are involved concerning the doable setbacks, you can begin by sandwiching with any retinol or retinoid (right here’s the distinction), however I like to recommend preserving a watch out for one with these 4 issues!

Nevertheless, when you’re seeking to skip the extra steps required for sandwiching, I like to recommend utilizing a retinol mild sufficient {that a} sandwich or phase-in interval isn’t required, like Superior Resurfacing Serum. Not all retinols are created equally as a result of various strengths and intensities, and this serum is formulated for delicate pores and skin and for these whose pores and skin has been unable to tolerate prescription retinoids. From right here you’ll be able to work your method as much as a extra highly effective choice with out the extra steps or merchandise.

Experiencing the retinol scaries? Our new Relaxation Day Masque is a deeply moisturizing and reparative therapy that may immediately right parched pores and skin, tightness, and visual flaking usually attributable to actives reminiscent of retinoids, exfoliating acids, or benzoyl peroxide.

What Are There Cons to Sandwiching Retinol?

Whereas sandwiching is a secure and efficient technique to cut back irritation, these are some things it is best to contemplate earlier than making an attempt it out your self.

1. Slower outcomes: As a result of sandwiching reduces the absorption of product, it could take longer to see seen outcomes in comparison with utilizing retinol alone.
2. Potential for irritation: Whereas sandwiching can cut back the chance of irritation, some individuals should expertise some, relying on the thickness of the moisturizer, focus of components, and sensitivity of pores and skin.
3. Price and product utilization: Utilizing extra product (two layers of moisturizer) every time you apply retinol can result in quicker depletion of your merchandise and elevated price over time.

How Usually Ought to I Use This Approach?

How usually you employ this methodology might be similar to lifting weights. Somedays, it’s possible you’ll solely need to raise 5lbs, whereas different days it’s possible you’ll go for 20lbs if you’re going to have some additional downtime after. I actually consider {that a} “no ache, no acquire” philosophy might be utilized to retinol utilization.

For those who’re a retinol newbie, I might counsel utilizing this methodology 1-2 occasions per week, progressively rising the frequency as your pores and skin adjusts. Nevertheless, I do know that if I don’t have any particular events or a have to be filming anytime quickly, then I don’t thoughts my pores and skin peeling a bit if meaning receiving extra noticeable outcomes. Additionally, oilier pores and skin varieties could not must sandwich as a lot as others since their oil acts as their very own built-in buffering methodology.

Bear in mind, retinol causes pores and skin to be extra vulnerable to sunburns so be sure you are solely utilizing it at evening (and don’t overlook sunscreen within the morning!).

Finally, the retinol sandwich methodology is a good approach to make the most of if you need the anti-aging outcomes with out the drawbacks. Simply perceive that you could be not see outcomes as rapidly when you aren’t pushing your pores and skin’s limits.