WHEN it comes to skincare, you’ve probably heard people swearing by using retinol.
However, you should be careful how you apply the so you don’t damage your skin, as one woman demonstrated.
A woman claims her skin was left wrinkly and damaged from using retinolCredit: Tiktok/dermatologistuae
TikTok user Lisa, who posts under @lisat449 , shared how her skin was left more wrinkly after incorrectly using
Showing off her sore-looking face, she candidly shared: “PSA, ladies, this is not a filter.
“I look 80 years old. Look at my neck.
“You can get burnt from using retinol.
“I did not know that you’re supposed to use it once a week to build up a tolerance.”
Lisa shared how anytime she put on or washing her face, her skin would “burn”.
She continued: “It’s horrible. It is so miserable.”
Dermatologist Dr Amanjot A Khokhar reshared Lisa’s video and explained exactly how we should be using the popular product.
She explained that Lisa had experienced “irritant contact dermatitis”, which is what happens when a high-strength retinoid is used without slowly conditioning the skin first.
The expert said this is your skin barrier “crying for help.”
She added: “Well, well, well, this is precisely the reason why we have been telling: always and always start with retinol slowly.
“Here are three golden rules which you need to know when starting retinol.
“First, start with the lowest potency.
“There’s retinol, then there’s retinol, then there is tretinoin, then there is tretinoin, then there is tretinoin.
“Second, build on gradually. Start with twice a week. Then after two weeks, make it thrice a week.
“Then after a month, make it four times a week, and so on.”
Dermatologist Dr Amanjot A Khokhar reshared Lisa’s video and explained exactly how we should be using the popular productCredit: Tiktok/dermatologistuae
Her third rule was to supplement retinol twice a day with a barrier repairing moisturiser such as Cicaplast Baume B5, Avene Cicalfate, or Bioderma Cicabio Crème.
You should also use a gentle, broad-spectrum sunscreen.
She recommended Eucerin Sun Gel-Cream Sensitive Protect, La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400, or Avene Very High Protection SPF 50+.
Dr Amanjot A Khokhar said if you experience discomfort with retinol, you can see your dermatologist for a short course of an anti-inflammatory cream to calm things down faster.
She concluded: “Remember – with actives like retinol, it’s not a race. Start slow, go gentle, and let your skin build tolerance.”
We previously shared a and the products you can look into.
Most important skincare advice
Faye Purcell, Head of Research & Development at Q+A Skincare shared her knowledge with Fabulous.
What skincare advice would you like everyone to know/follow?
Can I give two! Firstly, wear SPF daily and secondly, double cleanse! Wearing SPF daily, even on cloudy days and during the winter months, is one of the most important things you can do for your skin.
Double cleansing is one of the most effective (and often overlooked) ways to upgrade your skincare routine – especially if you wear sunscreen, makeup, or live in a busy polluted city. I’d suggest an evening double cleanse for best results.
What is a big skincare myth?
Luxury doesn’t mean more effective. You absolutely do not need to spend a fortune on skincare to get great results and Q+A is the perfect example of this. Many affordable products use the same active ingredients as luxury brands like hyaluronic acid, retinol, vitamin C, peptides, or salicylic acid – we use these in lots of our face and body products. A smart, consistent routine with well-formulated products – regardless of price – is what truly delivers results.
If someone is new to skincare, what’s one product you’d recommend them and why?
A moisturiser with SPF. Moisturising daily is an essential for all skin types and can make a perceivable difference to the appearance of the skin quickly. As SPF is also essential, combining these two steps can build good habits quickly and prevent skin cancer. Not only is SPF essential for protecting the skin from sun damage/skin cancer but also helps keep premature ageing at bay e.g. wrinkles/pigmentation.
Q+A have three excellent facial SPF50s (£15 each) – Peptide Anti-Ageing SPF50, Niacinamide Balancing SPF50 and Squalane Hydrating SPF50, that are available from Sephora and Holland & Barrett.
What is Q+A’s number one best seller?
Our Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum. It’s our number one best-seller one is sold every 90 seconds!
When it comes to the body, it’s the Q+A Salicylic Acid Body Wash – we sell one every two minutes.
Q+A is available from Sephora, Holland & Barrett, selected Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose stores and qandaskin.com .
