Should I Use Retinol? Adopting a healthy mindset to anti-aging skincare

You've heard about the magical benefits of adding retinol to your routine for anti-aging, but also the nasty side effects and adjustment period. Are you debating adding a retinol serum to your skincare routine? It's a question that many people ponder when thinking about ways to improve their skin. In this blog post, we'll list some considerations to place you in the yes or maybe not now camp. 

Yes, Consider Using a Retinol Serum If:

1. You're Worried About Fine Lines: If you're starting to notice fine lines around your eyes or mouth, retinol can be one of the most effective treatments for speeding up your skins' regeneration, especially once your skin's ability to replenish your barrier on its own slows down with age.

2. Your Skin Barrier is Healthy: A healthy skin barrier is like a strong fortress for your skin. If you've been taking good care of your skin and your barrier is in good shape, it'll be more ready to take on the stimulation and irritation caused by retinol.

3. Other Products Aren't Cutting It: While products like niacinamide or vitamin C are excellent for brightening the skin and reducing signs of aging, sometimes they just don't give you the results you desire. Retinol can be a powerful alternative to address specific skin concerns.

4. You're Not Using Other Harsh Actives: Retinol can be overwhelming for your skin even on its own, so it's best to avoid using it alongside other strong products like exfoliants or tretinoin. Keeping your routine simple and skin cycling with soothing and moisturizing products will help avoid irritation or damaging your barrier.

5. You've Done Your Research: It's important to understand what you're getting into. A lot of people who start with retinol are ill prepared for the purging period, which causes a lot of undue stress, and can potentially be made worse by trying to reverse it with other new products. While the adjustment period looks different for everyone, being mentally prepared helps a lot with the transition.

Skip the Retinol If:

1. You Have Youthful Skin: If you don't yet see signs of premature aging and your main concern is prevention, retinol might not be necessary at this point. You can focus on other preventive measures like sunscreen and a balanced skincare routine.

2. Your Skin Barrier is Damaged or Sensitive: If your skin is already sensitive or you've been struggling with a damaged barrier (skin that's prone to redness, flakiness, or irritation), retinol might be too harsh for you. It can exacerbate these issues.

3. You're Only Doing It Out of Obligation: Skincare should be about what's right for your skin, not just following trends. If you're considering retinol because you feel pressured by the internet or influencers, take a step back. Only add it if it aligns with your specific skincare needs and goals.

Ultimately, the decision to use a retinol serum ultimately depends on your individual skincare goals. Retinol isn't a maintenance product, it stimulates your skin to repair itself faster, which means that in order to get the same effects over time you'll have to keep increasing your dosage. If you think you're ready to incorporate retinol but don't know where to start, a retinol cream or bakuchiol serum - a more gentle retinoid derivative - could be a great place.

Consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional if you're unsure, as they can provide personalized guidance to help you make the best decision for your skin's health and your skincare journey.