Retinol, acids and vitamin C are very popular, because they respond to real needs: skin texture, discolouration, acne, radiance and the first signs of ageing. The problem starts when they all enter the routine at once.
The skin does not count the number of fashionable ingredients. It counts frequency, tolerance and whether the barrier keeps up with regeneration.
One change at a time
It is safest to introduce one active ingredient and observe the skin for a few weeks. If you add retinol, an acid and a strong vitamin C at the same time, it is hard to establish what works and what irritates.
With sensitive skin or after active treatments, it is better to start with a lower frequency than with daily use.
How to build a routine?
- vitamin C often suits the morning under SPF, if the skin tolerates it
- retinol is usually introduced in the evening, gradually
- acids are best used on separate evenings, not together with retinol to start
- niacinamide and moisturising ingredients can support barrier comfort
- SPF is mandatory with retinoids, acids and discolouration
When to take a break?
Strong stinging, peeling, redness, a feeling of heat or “papery” skin are a sign that the routine is too intense. Then it is best to drop the active ingredients, return to regeneration and only reintroduce them once the skin has calmed.
If you are planning the PRX-T33 medical peel or salon acids, it is worth discussing home care beforehand so you do not arrive for the treatment with irritated skin.
When to consult your care?
With pregnancy, breastfeeding, dermatological therapy, photosensitising medications, active inflammatory acne, discolouration or vascular skin, the plan of active ingredients should be more cautious. A cosmetology consultation helps limit the random combining of products.
Active care is like a good training plan: a stimulus only makes sense when there is time for regeneration.