ICYMI—the other week, Kourt’s facialist Sharlena Hassani gave us the 411 on how to properly use retinol. We’re bringing her insights back for part two—what people commonly get wrong about retinol.
Below, Shar shares two retinol myths to stop believing rn.
“A lot of people think that retinol thins the skin. In reality, it’s actually thickening the skin—which is what’s helping lead you to a youthful, plump, and healthy complexion. The reason why people believe it thins the skin is due to the dramatic renewal that happens when you begin to incorporate a retinol,” Shar explains.
“If the retinol is too strong for you, it can cause the skin to peel and become sensitive, making someone feel like they shed skin, and now their skin is sensitive because it has thinned out.
“Retinoids only thin the OUTER part of the skin which consists of many layers of dead and damaged skin cells that have built up. They are stuck to the skin due to the fact that our cell turnover rate slows down with age and environmental wear and tear. The result is visibly dull and textured skin.
“Retinol helps shed these layers of buildup that your body wasn’t able to shed on its own. It’s a workout for the skin that helps your skin function properly by increasing your cell turnover—which is what you need to reveal the healthy, new, beautiful skin underneath.”
“The second misconception is that if you get red or flaky after using for the first time, you’re too sensitive or allergic to retinol and should just write it off completely. It’s NORMAL to experience slight redness or flaking when introducing a retinoid into your complexion. Remember, it’s exfoliating the dead layer of cells on the skin’s surface, not the healthy fresh skin hiding underneath. So, don’t worry. The new healthy skin is on its way! Be patient, your skin will learn and adjust.”
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