Navigating the world of retinoids can be overwhelming! We’re here to make sure your retinol is working for you, not against you!

First and foremost….

Formulations matter!

We will never stop saying this, and can guarantee this won’t be the last time you read it! If there’s one thing we teach you, let it be this, find a quality formulation that works for you. Question your formulations. Do your research. Know YOUR skin; your skin condition, your skin type, your goals. This makes knowing what’s going to work for you and what to avoid when looking for skincare products that much easier. 
—-Read more about our retinols of choice HERE and find your perfect match!

Day or Night?

Unless otherwise instructed, ALWAYS apply your retinol at NIGHT. Retinol can make you more sensitive to the damaging rays of the sun, so treating the skin at night is best. Your skin also naturally detoxifies at night, so it is the perfect time to TREAT the skin.

When do I apply it?

Our trick to layering serums and correctives? Follow the thinnest to thickest rule. Start with your most lightweight serums and layer by consistency from there. 

PRO-TIP: If your retinol is a more aggressive formulation, add it on top of your moisturizer or mix them together to reduce irritation or flaking.

How often do I use Retinol?

Start slow, 1-2 nights a week in the beginning. 

—-check out our skin cycling blog for a quick and easy take on your nighttime routine!

The goal with any corrective treatment, is to continue to maintain a healthy moisture barrier. Too much treatment, too soon, can mess with the integrity of your skin. This can ultimately lead to premature signs of aging such as dark spots, fine lines and overall dehydrated skin. So ease into it, and increase as needed based off of the results you’re trying to achieve.

Want expert advice? Chat skin with us HERE!

Will it help with acne?

YES! Retinol is a universal treatment for acne. It will treat topical congestion, black heads and texture, but also cystic and hormonal acne as it stimulates the deeper layers.

Is redness and dry/flaking skin normal after starting retinol?

This depends on formulation. With the retinols we recommend? The answer is no. If you’re using a more irritating formulation such as tretinoin, then the answer is yes. We are never a fan of irritating the skin in that way, so that is why we are picky with the retinols we recommend to clients.

—Check out our Lira Clinical retinol guide HERE.

Is Retinol safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding? 

No. Set your retinol aside during this time! Enzymes or more gentler acids like Mandelic are a great retinol replacement. 

We also recommend focusing more on things you CAN use, like vitamin c, peptides and plant stem cells. These can support the health of your skin during pregnancy!

Is it safe to use in the summer?

Yes, BUT, it depends on your lifestyle. If you work indoors all day and aren’t exposed to the sun and heat regularly, it’s still okay to incorporate regularly in your routine. If you are outdoors often and getting increased exposure, we switch our clients to a lower strength retinol, and/or reduce the frequency of use. 

You can still treat your skin during the summer, it’s just about being strategic with WHAT products you’re using and WHEN. Let us guide you! —Book a consult HERE!

And don’t Forget…

SPF is KEY for results!
SPF, always. If you’re investing in skincare, think of SPF as your protection plan. Whether or not you’re treating acne, aging skin or using it for preventative aging, nothing will destroy your skin and results faster than sun exposure. It causes increased inflammation, dark spots and premature aging. When you’re using a retinol, your skin is even more susceptible to this damage, so protect your investment and don’t skip your daily sunscreen.

Things to remember! 

• Retinol should strengthen your skin! Which will minimize redness and broken capillaries, not cause it!
• Retinol should deliver some visible improvements within 3 weeks and noticeably healthier skin within 3 months.
• While it might be tempting to go straight for a stronger retinol formula, or purchase an over the counter retinol, trust us when we say it’s not always worth it. Invest wisely! 

Retinoid results go beyond the strength of the product or what type of retinoid you’re using. How it is delivered into your skin matters just as much. The effectiveness of your retinol treatment and your results long-term rely largely on its ability to reach the cells it’s intended to treat. This is why we so strongly recommend Lira Clinical retinols! We know the retinols are the proper strength and the proper formulation to improve your skin!