How Can I Tell if My Retinol Is *Actually* Working?
Dr Sonia Khorana is a GP with a special interest in dermatology and Live That Glow’s own skincare agony aunt. She is passionate about helping people feel confident in their own skin. Here, she advises on how you can tell whether your retinol is working.
I’ve just started using retinol but how will I know when it starts working?
Dr Sonia says:
Initially, you should see some temporary negative effects such as skin peeling or irritation. Some may experience a temporary breakout called “purging”. This will eventually pass, and you should be able to see an improvement in skin texture and general appearance of your skin after about 6-12 weeks. Your skin should start to look more radiant and luminous.
The changes you see with retinol use will also depend on your age, the starting condition of your skin, genetic factors, your previous routine, and whether you’ve used retinol before.