A dermatologist has revealed the three most common retinoid mistakes he often jokingly “scolds” his patients for. Luckily, there are simple solutions to all three.
These common missteps were shared in a new video posted on TikTok by Washington dermatologist Doctor Daniel Sugaiwho is also known on social media as @drspf.
Dr. Sugai, who completed his training at Harvard Medical School, regularly shares his skin care knowledge, tips and tricks on social media.
This time, he shared a list of mistakes patients should watch out for, starting with why you shouldn’t use retinoids ‘wrong’.
In case you don’t know, retinoid is a topical cream made from vitamin A derivatives. It helps treat acne and reduces the appearance of fine lines and dark spots.
Dr. Sugai, who completed his training at Harvard Medical School, often shares his skin care knowledge, tips and tricks on social media.
This time around, he shared a list of mistakes patients should watch out for, starting with why you shouldn’t use retinoids ‘incorrectly’ (stock image)
It is a product that has received a lot of attention in recent years, as it is used by many for its supposed anti-aging properties.
But as Sugai explains in the video, it’s important to use the powerful product correctly.
“Just use a pea-sized amount all over your face. I promise you that’s enough,” he said of the medicated product.
He then urged viewers to continue using the product, as he had seen many patients make the mistake of giving up on it too soon.
He said that you won’t see results overnight, but that retinol will definitely help your skin after a few months.
“It takes two to three months for these agents to have an effect on acne, and four to six months for them to have an effect on fine lines or wrinkles, and even dark spots,” the doctor explained.
The last mistake the dermatologist made was not applying moisturizer after applying retinoid.
“I see a lot of people getting irritant contact dermatitis, severe irritation around the mouth and cheekbones, because you’re not hydrating your skin after you apply a pea-sized amount,” Sugai explains.
Some of his personal favorite moisturizers include the CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, the La Roche-Posay Double Repair Face Moisturizer, and the Elta MD PM Restore Moisturizer
He said that sometimes people stop using retinoids because of the irritation, thinking they can’t tolerate the product.
“Yes, there are people who cannot tolerate retinoids, even if they do a retinoid sandwich by first moisturizing their skin, then applying their own retinoid, and then moisturizing again,” he said.
“Some people still can’t tolerate it, but try to increase your chances of tolerating it by hydrating as much as possible after taking retinoid.”
The doctor recommended using a moisturizer that contains niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, in combination with a retinoid, as this can help to “support” the skin barrier and regulate the sebum production on your face.
His personal favorites include the CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, the La Roche-Posay Double Repair Face Moisturizer and the Elta MD PM Restore Moisturizer.
Both CeraVe and La Roche-Posay are available at drugstores, while Elta MD is available online from retailers such as Amazon.