Nowadays, plenty of people are struggling with fine lines or premature wrinkles which are the result of bad lifestyle habits, excessive sun exposure and pollution. That’s why they opt for topical treatment creams such as retinol which is a form of vitamin A that promotes the rate of skin cell turnover, boosts collagen production, clears clogged pores and is proven effective to soothe fine lines and wrinkles. However, it has been seen that people have faced skin dryness and irritation while using the retinol.
However if use the harsh cleanser with retinol it will further increase skin irritation and makes the skin prone to several skin related issues. That’s why it is important to go for a gentle cleanser which removes the dust, sweat, oil and other impurities without further damaging the skin.
Therefore in this guide we shall discuss why gentle cleanser is important after retinol, what to look for in a gentle cleanser, key ingredients and should cleanser be used after or before retinol will help you select a gentle cleanser which can be paired up with retinol that helps with removing oil and impurities.
Why Gentle Cleanser is Important After Retinol?
Retinol is one of the types of topical retinoid that is extensively used for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, boosting collagen production and with time improves the skin texture. However it is a powerful active ingredient which is why it has also been associated with dryness and irritation.
But if you use a harsh cleanser over it then it will further increase the irritation and dryness of the skin and makes the skin even more vulnerable. That’s why a gentle cleanser is crucial which helps in removing the excess oil, dust, pollution and other impurities from the pores without withdrawing the natural oil of the skin.
What to Look For In a Cleanser?
Not every face wash in the market is gentle which is why it can be quite challenging to find the right face wash. That’s why you can consider the following characteristics while picking the face wash:
Mild or Non-Soap Cleansers
One of the first things you should look for is a cleanser which is free from soap or mild detergent based. As it almost matches with the pH of your skin which prevents any skin related problems.
While gel based cleansers are good for oily or acne prone skin people, cream or lotion based cleansers work best for people with dry or sensitive skin. While combination skin people can go for mild foaming cleansers and should avoid oily or dry skin specific cleansers.
Synthetic Fragrance Free
Artificial fragrances or colorants can make the cleanser look pleasant but it totally contributes to skin irritation, allergic reactions and even redness. Moreover these things do not provide any skin benefits and are used only for aesthetic purposes.
That’s why you should go for a face wash which is free from these artificial perfumes or colorants to avoid any skin irritation or allergic reaction.
Avoid Exfoliating Cleansers
While many people often use physical scrubs in their routine with retinol thinking that it will faster their results but in reality it totally destroys the skin barrier and with time even causes skin irritation, burning and skin peeling.
That’s why it is best to avoid harsh physical scrubs while using the retinol to avoid any severe skin problems. But if you are suffering from any skin concern then you can go for a gentle chemical exfoliation but consult with your dermatologist before introducing it.
Key Ingredients to Look For
These are some barrier supporting ingredients which help in reducing the dryness or irritation caused by retinol.
- Ceramides: It is an important part which builds the skin’s protective barrier and helps in keeping a healthy skin barrier.
- Glycerin: It is a natural powerful humectant that contains the ability of pulling out the moisture onto the skin surface and maintains the skin hydration.
- Glycolic Acid: Some people struggle with tanning and dull skin. However, pairing glycolic acid can be tough with retinol. But a glycolic acid face wash which stays only for a short time and using it on alternate days with retinol can work wonders if implemented properly.
Should a Cleanser be Used Before or After Retinol?
The simple answer to this question is face wash should be used before retinol. As the retinol is applied on a clear and dry skin. Moreover retinol is also associated with skin dryness and irritation.
So if you use cleanser after retinol then it can make the skin even dryer. That’s why it is best to wash the face first and then apply the retinol. The proper order also says the same cleanser, serum, moisturizer and sunscreen. You can follow the below steps:
- Begin with cleansing the face with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities from the pores.
- Apply a pea sized amount of retinol on the complete dry face.
- Wait for some minutes after retinol and then layer it with a gentle and hydrating moisturizer to lock in moisture and reduce dryness.
Moreover it is mostly recommended to use retinol at night time as during sleep our skin is healing, moreover it also protects the skin from direct sunlight as retinol makes the skin more sun sensitive.
The Bottom Line
Retinol can be a useful part in your skincare routine but healthy looking skin comes with a comfortable and healthy skin barrier. That’s why when using retinol, skin care regimen should not be complicated and should stay simple with gentle cleanser, hydrating moisturizer and sunscreen that protects from sun damage.
However plenty of people frequently pick the cleanser which contains harsh ingredients or have synthetic perfumes or colorants. That’s why having an understanding why retinol needs a gentle cleaner, key characteristics of a gentle cleaner, ingredients that are safe and when to use face wash with retinol helps you to pick the right gentle cleanser which can be easily paired with retinol and reduces the risk of any skin irritation or dryness.
