Win Your Retinol War...

Time and time again, clients share with me their ongoing struggles with retinol usage. They say things like they were allergic due the severe reaction they had on their face. Although we never say never in this industry the reaction is typically self-induced from lack of education. My mission is to give you an easy to follow breakdown of how to set yourself up for success!Here's a quick break down to help you become more successful with this must have anti-aging product. Plan A, In the evening only, after washing your face apply your eye cream. The importance of your eye cream is to create a barrier. The sensitive eye area can easily become aggravated by your retinol. Next, apply a thin serum with hyaluronic acid in it. Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the body and is essential for effective penetration because it is a natural lubricator. I have discovered, that  when the skin is properly hydrated from bottom to top it will respond to topical exfoliants in a more positive manner.  You need deeper hydration along with surface hydration to prevent those nasty temporary side effects! These can include redness, skin sensitivity and  looking like a snake shedding his skin!

I always recommend you getting into the healthy habit of applying topical exfoliants using my “Criss Cross” technique. Dispense a chocolate chip size amount of your exfoliating product ( in this case it’s your retinol) on your index finger.

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S Starting at your forehead gently place a dot your chocolate chip. Next, head down to your nose, chin, and lastly those cheeks. Do not  get overzealous thinking that it is a chocolate chip for each of these areas!!! It’s only one chocolate chip ladies and gentlemen! Check out your reflection and smile, you are on the right path to a long term relationship with retinol!  Now  gently rub your dots in and remember to avoid the eye area. Although you have created a barrier  with your eye cream it is still important to do this. The bodies temperature will naturally migrate any product into those little nooks  and crannies we have causing excessive irritation. Apply your heavier moisturizer and you are finished! I always recommend starting on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening only application for the first 2 weeks. If  your skin is a little pinker than usual don't be alarmed. If, you find yourself not liking your reflection in the mirror due to excessive redness or flakiness it’s time for plan B. If no irritation is present then slowly add one more night up until you reach 5-7 nights weekly.

Plan B is super easy. Apply your layers of moisture as you have before MINUS your retinol. On the Monday, Wednesday and Friday regimen your skin will have two nights to recalibrate and heal. Once your skin has normalized start the plan all over again with a little twist! Your steps will be eye cream, light weight serum, moisturizer THEN retinol. The more barriers we can create by properly hydrating the skin the lesser the reaction. Two weeks of your plan B with no negative side effects and you are ready to try plan A again!! You got this!!!