Read on to sidestep potential retinoids irritation and reap the best possible results.
Maybe you’ve been using vitamin A, aka retinoids, for years—or perhaps you’re just beginning to dabble with the all-star ingredient for the first time. Either way, it’s super crucial to ensure you’re using it correctly in your routine, as this will not only help you sidestep any potential irritation, but also reap the best possible results. Not sure where to start? You’re in the right place. Ahead, learn how to use Youth To The People’s new Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum in your skincare routine, depending on your skin type.
First and foremost, no matter your skin type, retinoids work best for you when you build tolerance over time, so all should start using the Youth Serum once weekly, gradually working up to every other night as tolerated.
If you’re dry…
“Even though Youth Serum is partnered elegantly with niacinamide, adaptogens,ceramides, and fatty acids, which help to protect and soothe, there’s still that concern of it being overly drying or sensitizing,” explains Jacob Tomas dél Rosario, Youth To The People’s Director of Field Sales + Education. For this reason, he says buffering your retinol with a moisturizer or serum that cushions against retinal’s strength is a great way to lean into using it gently—however, another way is to simply ensure you’re feeding your skin the healthy lipids it needs to thrive.
Del Rosario recommends starting off your nighttime routine with YTTP’s Superberry Dream Cleansing Balm: an ultra-gentle balm cleanser that’s rich in oil-soluble hyaluronic acid and calming ingredients like jojoba and moringa seed. It’s especially great for dry and sensitive skin types, Rosario notes, because it whisks away impurities without stripping skin of the essential nutrients it needs.
After cleansing, Rosario suggests applying a dime-sized amount of the Triple Peptide + Cactus Oasis Serum for a hefty dose of soothing hydration before going in with Youth Serum.
“You can alternate nights or use them together,” he says. Then follow up with the Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream and a few drops of the Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Oil on top for added nourishment.
“The Adaptogen Cream provides a beautiful cocktail of adaptogens along with pentapeptides helping the formula nourish skin, and the Dream Oil helps to further moisturize and plump the skin while locking in hydration overnight,” says del Rosario.
In the morning, follow your usual routine and make sure you don’t skimp on the sunscreen because retinoids do increase photosensitivity. Also: be sure to reapply SPF throughout the day to ensure your skin stays protected.
If you’re oily/combo…
As del Rosario points out, folks with oily and combination skin types are often more concerned with congestion—and vitamin A is perfect for addressing this.
“The Youth Serum pairs .15% retinaldehyde with 5% niacinamide, which is a great all-around ingredient that helps to control excess sebum and minimize the look of pores,” he explains.
When it comes to your PM routine, del Rosario recommends starting off with the Superfood Cleanser to gently remove impurities while nourishing skin with antioxidant-rich ingredients like kale, spinach, and green tea. From there, apply 1-2 pumps of the Youth Serum followed by the Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream for a hit of non-greasy emollience.
“The Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream contains sunflower oil to lock in hydration without feeling heavy or greasy on the skin,” says del Rosario. “It offers the benefit of an occlusive in that it traps in water, which you really need when using a retinoid.”
Additionally, del Rosario says you can add 2-4 drops of Dream Oil to your moisturizer for extra hydration.
A final word?
With any of these routines, it’s important to take baby steps and patch test along the way when using retinoids, stresses del Rosario. This will ensure you don’t run into any adverse reactions and build up your tolerance properly.
“Always, always keep up with your sun protection,” he adds. “There are so many great ones for touching up with throughout the day now, like brush-on formulas and even sprays, so there’s really no excuse not to reapply.”
Written by Kaleigh Fasanella for Youth To The People
