The Best Ingredients to Combine and Avoid with Retinol

By Cristina Román, Founder of CR Cosmetics

Retinol is one of the most beneficial skincare ingredients available. It's a chemical compound belonging to the retinoid family, a class of substances derived from vitamin A. This powerful ingredient offers unparalleled results in fighting acne, aging, and improving skin texture. All of this comes with a big caveat: you must use it correctly. While retinol transforms skin's health and appearance, it can also cause irritation, inflammation, redness, and a host of side effects when used incorrectly. "The goal is to be able to use a retinol at night with little to no irritation." In this blog, I'll explain how to do it the right way.

Understanding Retinol and Its Benefits

Retinol works at the cellular level. Once applied to the skin, it converts into retinoic acid, the active form. This process isn't immediate; it's a gradual transformation that allows the skin to adapt.

It works by promoting cell renewal, stimulating collagen production, and reducing the breakdown of the skin's extracellular matrix. These processes are essential for maintaining firm, smooth, and even-toned skin.

Additionally, retinol has antioxidant properties, which means it helps neutralize free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage skin cells and accelerate aging).

Why Use Retinol?

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  
  
• Improves skin texture
  
  
• Treats acne
  
  
• Addresses sun damage, preventing and treating photoaging

• Improves sagging
  
  

The Best Ingredients to Combine with Retinol

When incorporating retinol into your skincare routine, it's important to combine it with products that contain the following ingredients:

• Hyaluronic Acid and Other Moisturizers : Help minimize adverse effects such as dry skin.
  
  
• Niacinamide : Improves the skin barrier function

• Plant Stem Cells : Offer anti-inflammatory support to reduce the side effects of retinol.
  
  
• Resveratrol : Combats sun damage and promotes cell renewal.
  
  

Ingredients to "Avoid" When Using Retinol

Retinol can be used with any other ingredient, but it's essential to exercise caution when first starting out, especially if you have sensitive skin, to avoid irritation and damage.

• Alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids : Can lead to over-exfoliation and irritation, especially if used in high amounts. Use every other day.
  
  
• Vitamin C : Only if it's pure (ascorbic acid), as its pH is very low and can cause retinol to penetrate more quickly, causing irritation. It should be used in the morning, while retinol should be applied at night.

Retinol by CR Cosmetics

At CR Cosmetics, we've developed a Retinol Cream , a powerful overnight treatment designed to combat the signs of skin aging and improve skin texture and tone. Available in 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% retinol concentrations, this cream is suitable for different skin tolerance levels and needs. It's formulated with encapsulated pure retinol and antioxidant, hydrating, and soothing active ingredients such as vitamin C, jojoba oil, and bakuchiol , which work synergistically to deliver visible and long-lasting results.

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles : Retinol stimulates collagen production, and together with bakuchiol, its effect is enhanced without causing irritation.
  
  
• Reduces hyperpigmentation : Inhibits melanin production, helping to lighten skin tone.
  
  
• Texture improvement : Promotes cell renewal, eliminating dead cells and stimulating the production of new cells.
  
  

Tips for Starting a Retinol Routine

1. Try retinol first . Apply retinol to a small area and monitor for any skin health issues.
   
   
2. Apply retinol at night . Retinol is most effective when applied at night because it's photosensitive, meaning it can break down when exposed to the sun.
   
   
3. Introduce retinol gradually . If you've never used retinol before, it's important to start slowly to avoid irritation. You can start by applying it once or twice a week at a low concentration, and gradually increase your concentration depending on how your skin reacts.
   
   
4. Use recommended application techniques . Because retinol can initially dry out your skin, it's crucial to ensure the rest of your routine is tailored to maintain a healthy skin barrier. Apply moisturizers in the morning or every other night, and don't forget that sunscreen is essential.
   
   

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't use too strong a retinol product : Start with low concentrations.
  
  
• Don't overuse retinol : Use only the recommended amount.
  
  
• Don't use retinol too often : When you start, apply it one or two nights a week.
  
  
• Do not combine retinol with irritating ingredients : Avoid combinations with strong acids and pure vitamin C.
  
  
• Don't skip the sunscreen : Use sunscreen daily to avoid sun sensitivity.
  
  

When used correctly, retinol can be an excellent addition to your skincare routine. I hope you find these tips helpful and are inspired to incorporate it safely and effectively.

With love,
Cristina Román
Founder of CR Cosmetics