Retinol is an anti-ageing potion that can get rid of every sign of ageing on your face. A derivative of vitamin A, retinol speeds up your cell turnover, improves elasticity and helps reverse your ageing clock. If you have hit your 30s, this ingredient is an absolute must in your skincare arsenal.

However, things aren’t easy breezy for girls with a sensitive skin type. You know that any (and every) new ingredient can cause irritation to your moody skin and retinol, turns out, is one of them. But worry not, we’re here to uncomplicate things for you (skin wise). Here are some tips on how to use retinol on your sensitive skin without irritating it. 

 

Apply it on cleansed skin

Apply it on cleansed skin

Cleanse your skin thoroughly with a gentle cleanser before applying retinol. Use a mild face wash to cleanse your face. Avoid using harsh chemicals as they tend to dry out your skin or cause irritation when you apply retinol.

 

Layer it with niacinamide

Layer it with niacinamide

Slather on a moisturiser infused with niacinamide before going in with retinol. This not only preps your skin for retinol application but also moisturisers, hydrates and calms sensitive skin. Dilute the retinol with your moisturiser or moisturise your skin, apply retinol and then moisture again to seal it all in.

 

Give your skin some time to ease up

Give your skin some time to ease up

It will take some time for your skin to adapt to this new ingredient. Steer clear of using too much of it and too often. Apply a pea-sized amount of the product every alternate day. Initially, you can wash it off after a few hours and once your skin gets used to it, you can go ahead and leave it on overnight.