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 shortage of schooling and the supply of solely prescription retinoids meant that the uncomfortable side effects may very well be fairly extreme. There was a restricted understanding of the way 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 obtainable and not using a prescription, however I’m additionally extremely excited in regards to 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 really thrilling to see what we are able to do with them now. So, what’s the fact behind this in style method?

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 deal with and reverse varied indicators of getting old. These indicators could embody fantastic strains, wrinkles, post-breakout marks, enlarged pores, and brown spots. Whether or not in prescription type (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 probably skilled a interval of purging, in any other case referred to 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 that may’ve taken weeks (and even months) to floor will all seem directly. Which means that, earlier than it will get higher, your breakouts can truly 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 lately 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 should you’re somebody with delicate pores and skin, a compromised barrier, or are new to the ingredient.

How Do You Sandwich Retinol?

Attempting out this methodology is straightforward! Right here’s the method 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 sort
3. Apply a light-weight, oil-free moisturizer to damp pores and skin
4. Permit 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 method permits the primary layer of moisturizer to behave as a buffer between your pores and skin and the hard-hitting energetic 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 elements deep into your pores and skin, however on this case, that’s most likely not one thing you’re looking for. By including a serum-infused toner, or essence, you’re offering just a little additional buffering versus only a water-based toner.

Finest Practices

I at all times suggest utilizing a light-weight, non-greasy lotion on your pores and skin sort. 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. For this reason 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 wish to dilute it to the purpose that it doesn’t work, simply sufficient to take the sting off just a little bit to handle a number of the uncomfortable side effects.

Does the Retinol Sandwich Methodology Work?

This methodology might help mitigate irritation, dryness, and flaking whereas nonetheless offering youth-boosting advantages. If in case you have delicate pores and skin, wish to give attention to 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?

Briefly, no. When making use of a it, you’re placing a selected proportion, say .1%, in your face. The share used doesn’t change it doesn’t matter what you apply earlier than or after it, that means you aren’t making it much less efficient. Nevertheless, what would possibly change is the power 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, but it surely does decrease the energetic’s means 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 destructive 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 resulting from fewer opaque, lifeless 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 superb choice for these with acne-prone pores and skin. Since acne-prone pores and skin is already energetic and dealing with irritation, I usually advise towards utilizing a stimulating energetic ingredient, as it could actually add much more irritation. Nevertheless, the sandwich methodology could make retinol extra agreeable for pores and skin, permitting these with pimples to nonetheless obtain anti-aging advantages

Ought to I Add It to My Routine?

For those who’ve determined it’s time to begin 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 should you simply wish to spot deal with significantly dry areas, reminiscent of across the eyes, nostril, and mouth, you possibly can apply moisturizer to only these areas earlier than stepping into with retinol.

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

Finest Merchandise To Use With the Retinol Sandwich Methodology

For those who’re keen to do that ingredient however are involved in regards to 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, should you’re trying 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 resulting from 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 possibly can work your means 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 remedy that may immediately appropriate parched pores and skin, tightness, and visual flaking typically brought on by actives reminiscent of retinoids, exfoliating acids, or benzoyl peroxide.

What Are There Cons to Sandwiching Retinol?

Whereas sandwiching is a secure and efficient method to scale back irritation, these are some things you must think about 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 scale back the probability of irritation, some individuals should still expertise some, relying on the thickness of the moisturizer, focus of elements, and sensitivity of pores and skin.
3. Value and product utilization: Utilizing extra product (two layers of moisturizer) every time you apply retinol can result in sooner depletion of your merchandise and elevated value over time.

How Typically Ought to I Use This Method?

How typically you utilize this methodology might be similar to lifting weights. Somedays, it’s possible you’ll solely wish to carry 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 achieve” philosophy might be utilized to retinol utilization.

For those who’re a retinol newbie, I might recommend utilizing this methodology 1-2 occasions per week, steadily rising the frequency as your pores and skin adjusts. Nevertheless, I do know that if I don’t have any particular events or a should be filming anytime quickly, then I don’t thoughts my pores and skin peeling just a little if meaning receiving extra noticeable outcomes. Additionally, oilier pores and skin sorts could not have to 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!).

In the end, the retinol sandwich methodology is a superb method to make the most of in order for you the anti-aging outcomes with out the drawbacks. Simply perceive that you could be not see outcomes as rapidly should you aren’t pushing your pores and skin’s limits.