4 Common Mistakes You’re Making With Retinoids And How To Fix Them
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Retinoids help fight acne, reduce fine lines, improve skin texture, and accelerate cell turnover at the molecular level.
If you’ve started using retinoids and are wondering why your skin is struggling or not improving, read on
Retinoids are widely hailed as the gold standard in skincare and for good reason. They help fight acne, reduce fine lines, improve skin texture, and accelerate cell turnover at the molecular level. But despite their powerful potential, patients end up using them incorrectly which leads to irritation, dryness, or simply underwhelming results.
If you’ve started using retinoids and are wondering why your skin is struggling or not improving, Dr Smriti Nathani, Plastic Surgeon & Skin Specialist shares the four most common mistakes and how to avoid them:
1. Using Too Much, Too Soon
This is by far the most common error. Many people assume that using more product will bring faster results but that’s not how retinoids work. Overuse can overwhelm your skin, leading to redness, peeling, and heightened sensitivity.
Fix it:
Start slow. Use a pea-sized amount just 2 nights a week for the first couple of weeks. Gradually increase frequency over 4–6 weeks as your skin builds tolerance. Trust the process, retinoids are a marathon, not a sprint.
2. Skipping Moisturizer or Barrier Support
Retinoids can weaken your skin’s protective barrier especially in the beginning. If you’re not pairing it with a good moisturizer, you’re more likely to experience dryness, irritation, and the dreaded “retinoid burn.”
Fix it:
Try the “sandwich method” apply a layer of moisturizer, then your retinoid, then seal it in with another thin layer of moisturizer. This buffers potential irritation without reducing efficacy.
3. Not Wearing Sunscreen Daily
This is a skincare sin especially if you’re using retinoids. They increase your skin’s photosensitivity, which means sun exposure can cause more pigmentation, damage, and inflammation. “I’ve seen patients undo weeks of skin progress just by skipping SPF,” quips Dr Nathani
Fix it:
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every single morning — whether it’s sunny, cloudy, or even if you’re indoors. UV rays don’t take days off, and neither should your sunscreen.
4. Mixing Retinoids with the Wrong Actives
Without professional guidance, many patients unknowingly pair retinoids with strong exfoliants like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or vitamin C in the same routine — leading to over-exfoliation, breakouts, or a compromised skin barrier.
Fix it:
Keep your routine simple and strategic.
Use retinoids at night
Reserve vitamin C or acids for the morning
Avoid layering actives unless your skin specialist has approved the combination
Retinoids are incredibly effective but they require patience, precision, and the right support. When used correctly, they can completely transform your skin over time.
Start slow
Hydrate and protect your skin barrier
Wear your sunscreen
And never mix blindly
Remember: skincare isn’t a race, it’s a journey. Consistency beats intensity. And nothing replaces the value of personalized guidance from a specialist who understands your skin’s unique needs.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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