About this Video

• Video Title: Retinol Guide for Dummies: 2025 Edition
• Channel: Dr Ingky
• Speakers: Dr. Ingky
• Duration: 00:05:44

Introduction

This video provides a beginner's guide to retinol, covering its benefits, who should avoid it, proper application techniques, suitable products, and what to expect during the initial adjustment period. The video also addresses common mistakes and what ingredients to avoid combining with retinol.

Key Takeaways

• Retinol's benefits: Speeds up cell turnover, unclogs pores (good for acne), fades pigmentation and acne scars, boosts collagen, and smooths wrinkles.
• Who should avoid retinol: Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those with eczema or rosacea, those with extremely sensitive or damaged skin barriers, and children or teens with unstable skin barriers. Alternatives like bakuchiol or niacinamide are suggested for sensitive skin.
• Proper retinol application: Use at night only (retinol breaks down in sunlight), start with once or twice a week, gradually increasing to three times a week as tolerated, apply to dry skin after cleansing, use a pea-sized amount, follow with moisturizer, and always use SPF in the morning.
• Expected side effects: Peeling or flaky skin, tightness, mild redness, tingling, and possible purging (small breakouts) during the first 2-6 weeks. If irritation becomes excessive, pause use for a few days to a week, add extra moisturizer, and use soothing ingredients like centella asiatica or panthenol.
• Ingredients to avoid mixing with retinol: AHAs/BHAs (glycolic, lactic, salicylic acids), Vitamin C (use on separate occasions), benzoyl peroxide, harsh scrubs/microbeads, and harsh clay masks. Gentler ingredients like hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica, ceramides, niacinamide, and panthenol are recommended.
• Budget-friendly retinol options: The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane, Inky List Retinol, Paula's Choice Retinol Serum, and Some By Mi Retinol Serum.
• Higher-end retinol options: Sarah Happ. The Resurfacing Serum, La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum, Paula's Choice 0.3% Retinol, and The Minimalist 0.3% Granactive Retinoid. Bakuchiol or encapsulated retinol is suggested for very sensitive skin.

Here are the answers to your numbered questions, based on the provided transcript:

1. What are the specific benefits of using retinol as a skincare ingredient? Retinol speeds up cell turnover, unclogs pores (beneficial for acne), fades pigmentation and acne scars, boosts collagen production, and smooths out wrinkles. It acts as a "skin reset button."

2. Which groups of people are advised to consult a doctor before using retinol, and why? Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult their doctor due to potential risks. People with eczema or rosacea, those with extremely sensitive or damaged skin barriers, and children or teens with very unstable skin barriers should also consult a doctor before using retinol because of the increased risk of irritation and adverse reactions.

3. What is the correct procedure for applying retinol, including timing, frequency, and the amount to use? Retinol should be applied at night only (it breaks down in sunlight). Start with once or twice a week and gradually increase to three times a week as your skin tolerates it. Apply a pea-sized amount to dry skin after cleansing. Always follow with a moisturizer to prevent dryness and use sunscreen daily.

4. What are some ingredients that should never be mixed with retinol, and why? Avoid mixing retinol with AHAs/BHAs (like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid), Vitamin C (use on separate occasions), benzoyl peroxide, harsh scrubs or microbeads, and harsh clay masks. The video does not explicitly state why, but implies it's to prevent excessive irritation and potential damage to the skin barrier.