Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that boosts your skin cell’s renewal rate and is an effective solution to anti-ageing concerns. However, be very careful what you layer on your face with it. Certain combinations with retinol may be a recipe for disaster. Here are what you should never mix with retinol.
Do not use Retinol and Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide is a great formula for zapping zits. On those days you think you want to eliminate pimples while fighting wrinkles with Benzoyl Peroxide and Retinol, dismiss that thought. It’s just bad news. Similar to Retinol, Benzoyl Peroxide stimulates turnover of your skin cells, which leaves skin flaky and peeling. Combining these two ingredients can be an overkill to your skin, stimulating it too much for it to handle. This can lead to dryness and redness, to worse conditions like extreme peeling, blistering and even scarring. Scary!
But if you really have to use the two products, consider using Benzoyl Peroxide only in the day. Because Retinol is ineffective when it’s in touch with sunlight, use it at night. Also, pick lower concentration solutions instead of those that are too strong.
Do not use Retinol and wax
One of the things retinol does is to loosen the outermost layer of dead skin cells from you skin. This makes your skin more delicate and vulnerable, hence, more susceptible to tearing.
This is why you should postpone your brow waxing appointment to after your retinol regime. The combination of hot wax on delicate skin can mean burns and skin tearing and even bleeding. Always stop your retinol application for at least a week before you consider going for your next waxing treatment.
Do not use Retinol and Chemical Peels
Just like why you shouldn’t be waxing your skin after using Retinol, going for a chemical peel while you’re on a Retinol regime is just a bad idea. Both are treatments that are targeted at eliminating the appearance of wrinkles, but together, they can be too irritating to your skin. Doing both together can cause problems like redness, swelling and blistering. If your chemical peel is a deep one, it may even increase the chance of infection after the treatment. Pick just one regime over the other or space them apart.
