The 3 dermatologist-backed reasons for switching up your retinol routine

If you’re anything like us, the plight to perfect skin is, well, tricky. Navigating the worlds of blemishes and fine lines alike, we’re in the market for a product that will do it all. It’s a big ask, we know.

Thankfully, when chatting to dermatologist Dr. Shreya Andric, we’ve come to realise that there’s a key ingredient that’s going to help us out, and it’s already in our routines. Yep, we’re talking retinol.

Now, we know of all the skin care ingredients in your routine, retinol can seem the most daunting, with its propensity to “likely irritate your skin” when overdone. But we promise, it’s probably about time to increase your dosage. Dr. Andric’s key tips for doing so? First up, the importance of starting “low and slow”, so let’s not jump into the deep end here, people. Tip two? “Always apply to clean skin at night”. And finally, start by using it “two to three times a week and build up”.

So, if you’ve mastered that trio of tips, we bet you’re left wondering when is the time to make the switch to a higher-powered retinol? Well, thankfully Dr. Andric has also given us the signs to look out for…

Reason #1: You’re not seeing results

We all know consistency is key when it comes to our skin care routines, but when you’ve been diligently applying your new products to see no major results, it can feel disheartening. However, when it comes to retinol, we’ve got a handy tip to share, courtesy of Dr. Andric. Instead of ditching it in hopes of finding something else, you can just try a product with a higher per cent dose. Dr Andric tells us if “your outcomes are not what you had hoped for” and “your skin is tolerating the lower per cent” dose, then it’s time to try a higher-powered.

Reason #2: It’s been three months of consistent use

Like we’ve said, consistency is everything for seeing results. Dr Andric recommends “waiting at least three months” before making any drastic changes, because it turns out that’s “how long it takes to see a difference with retinols”. Just make sure your skin is reacting positively to your seriously diligent routine before upping the ante.

Reason #3: You’ve followed the steps, and now your skin is accustomed

So, you started your retinol journey on a low dose (good job), which at the time had you seeing some major improvements. But because you’ve been diligently applying you’ve been able to work your way up from once a week, to twice a week and now you’re using it most nights without a great change (and of course, are seeing no signs of irritation). Yep, your skin is so impressive it’s become accustomed to the 0.3% Night Concentrate ($67.99 at Priceline) potency.

The next step? Upping the dose. Go from your ‘training retinol’ to the big leagues with the science-backed power of No7 Pure Retinol 1% Night Concentrate ($69.99 at Priceline). The best part? You know that potential redness we discussed earlier? This formula has been specifically designed with niacinamide, bisabolol and ceramides to counteract the powerful effects.

Now with your trio of dermatologist-backed signs (and the No7 Pure Retinol range at the top of your list), you’ll be able to hit the shops to find an affordable-yet-luxe, science-backed retinol range that’ll be there with you as you go on your retinol potency journey.

Main Image Credit: Getty 

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