Question on How to Incorporate Retinol Into Routine

Phantom41 · ‎03-19-2010

I just received the Paula's Choice 1% Retinol and used it for the first time last night. I applied, waited 30 minutes and applied my serum and moisturizer. Would layering the serums and moisturizers over the retinol decrease the effectivness? Don't want to mess anything up!

suzyQ3 · ‎03-09-2010

Is the the clinical cream product?

Regardless, you're fine. If you check the FAQs for that product, this question is asked and answered:

"This nighttime treatment is best applied after cleansing and toning. If you use an AHA or BHA exfoliant, apply that first, then follow with Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment. If you use a skin-lightening product that would be applied next, followed by your serum and nighttime moisturizer."

I think it's an excellent idea for you wait a few minutes after applying the retinol product before applying your moisturizer, though. That's what I do.

Also, if you are using an AHA or BHA exfoliant already, I personally would alternate between the exfoliant and the retinol at first to make sure that you don't irritate your skin.

~Who in the world am I? Ah, that's the great puzzle~ Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

NycVixen · ‎10-15-2010

Go slow. It's strong. I suggest following the suggestions on the bottle and begin using it only 3 times a week. I did that and everything went smoothly for the most part but one day I used it two days in a row by accident and I had a patch that was red and kind of raw for several days until it healed. I don't think you want to go through that in any capacity.

I also put on my moisturizer on afterwards.

~Live with Intention~