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Retinol is the holy grail of anti-aging products, but for redheads, it’s not always a good option. Retinol can be harsh on sensitive skin, causing irritation and dryness. We’ve talked about retinol alternatives for redheads to use, and there are diluted retinol products that many redheads love. Now, there’s another option. Say hello to the “retinol sandwich” method which, according to board-certified dermatologist Azedeh Shirazi, is when “apply a layer of retinol between two moisturizers—like a sandwich—as a buffering method to minimize irritation.”
This method reduces the amount of contact the retinol has with your skin, which can help to reduce irritation for those with sensitive skin. The benefit to using this method over a diluted retinol cream is how customizable it is! You can choose the moisturizers you’re sandwiching your retinol between and ensure they work well for your skin. You can also customize the amount of retinol you want to use.
The one downside to this method is that you have to be careful when choosing your products. Remember that retinol should *never* be paired with products containing the following ingredients:
1. Never use retinol with harsh exfoliants:
Retinol and harsh exfoliants shouldn’t be paired together because both can cause skin irritation. Retinol accelerates skin cell turnover, which can make the skin more sensitive and prone to dryness, redness, and peeling. Harsh exfoliants, such as those containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), can also irritate the skin by removing dead skin cells and disrupting the skin barrier.
When used together, these effects can compound, leading to excessive dryness, irritation, inflammation, and even damage to the skin barrier. If you are incorporating retinol into your skincare routine, it’s generally recommended to use them on different days or opt for milder exfoliants.
2. Never use retinol with vitamin C:
Retinol and vitamin C shouldn’t be paired because they have different pH requirements and can increase the risk of skin irritation when used simultaneously. Retinol works best at a higher pH, while vitamin C is most effective at a lower pH, and combining them can reduce their stability and efficacy. Additionally, both ingredients can be potent and irritating, especially for sensitive skin, so using them together can lead to increased redness and dryness. To maximize their benefits, use vitamin C in the morning for antioxidant protection and retinol at night for skin repair.
3. Never use retinol with Benzoyl Peroxide:
Retinol shouldn’t be paired with benzoyl peroxide because they can deactivate each other, reducing their effectiveness. Additionally, both ingredients can be pretty harsh on the skin, potentially leading to increased irritation, dryness, and redness when used together. It’s generally recommended to use them on different days or times to avoid these negative interactions and maximize their benefits.
4. Never use retinol with AHAs or BHAs:
Retinol shouldn’t be paired with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) because both can cause skin irritation. Retinol accelerates skin cell turnover, making the skin more sensitive and prone to dryness, redness, and peeling. AHAs and BHAs exfoliate the skin, which can further disrupt the skin barrier and lead to irritation. Using them together can compound these effects, causing excessive dryness, inflammation, and potential damage to the skin barrier. It’s better to use them on different days or opt for milder exfoliants when using retinol.
5. Never use retinol with salicylic acid:
Retinol shouldn’t be paired with salicylic acid because both are potent ingredients that can cause skin irritation. Retinol increases skin cell turnover, making the skin more sensitive, while salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), exfoliates the skin and can disrupt the skin barrier. Using them together can lead to excessive dryness, redness, peeling, and overall irritation. It’s better to use them on different days or alternate between them to minimize these potential side effects and protect the skin barrier.
6. Instead, opt for moisturizers that contain complementary products to enhance the effects of your retinol and reduce any potential adverse effects. These ingredients include:
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Antioxidants
- Sunscreen (remember you must always wear sunscreen when using retinol during the day)
Although most redheads have sensitive skin, the level of sensitivity will vary from redhead to redhead. The “sandwich method” is more likely to work for redheads with sensitive skin than straight retinol, but you will have to test it on your skin to see how you react. Remember to always patch-test your products to reduce the risk of irritation.
Rock it like a Redhead!
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