The Retinol Sandwich Technique reduces the irritation caused by the retinol

If retinol weren’t so sensitizing, we’d apply it three times a day, it’s so effective on skin quality. We tell you all about Retinol Sandwich, this product application technique that reduces the risk of irritation (but at what cost?).

As effective against acne as it is against the signs of aging, retinol is one of the most popular cosmetic active ingredients in recent years. But if it has no equal for smoothing skin texture and illuminating the complexion, it still has a bad flaw: it’s not always well tolerated, especially by the most fragile and delicate skins.

On TikTok, beauty enthusiasts have started testing a technique that allows them to enjoy the benefits of this vitamin A derivative, with less irritation: the Retinol sandwich (to date the hashtag has more than 24 million views on the Chinese social network). But what is it and is it really effective? We explain.

@dermatology. doctor

How to insert retinol to reduce irritation 🧴 #dermatologist #dermatologydoctor #skincareroutine #skintok #skincare #skincaretips #learnontiktok #retinol #sandwichmethod #foryou #fyp #fyp

♬ Escape. – Super Acceleration – STRIP

The Retinol Sandwich, the method to limit irritation due to retinol

As the name suggests, the The principle of this technique is to apply the retinol treatment between two layers of moisturizer. How come ? For the first layer of cream, limit the effects of the active ingredients on the skin, which would reduce the risk of redness, dryness and flaking.

@abbyrosemaureen

This (sandwich method) prevents peeling and irritation #glowingskin101 #skintiktok #blackgirlskincare #skin #acnetreatments #retinolsandwich #retinol #acne #pocskin #satiktok #melaninskincaretips @paulaschoice

♬ Most Girls – Hailee Steinfeld

The procedure is simple: after removing make-up and cleansing the skin, instead of immediately unsheathing the tube of retinol, apply a first thin layer of moisturizer. When the latter is fully penetrated, we can move on to retinol, and once the cream or serum has been well absorbed by the skin, we close the bun with a second layer of cream. Yes, it’s stupid, but is it really effective?

Is the Retinol Sandwich Technique Really Effective?

If the technique of Retinol sandwich reduces the negative effects of retinol on the skin, the first layer of moisturizing care it also prevents the asset from actually doing its job. And this is even more true if the cream contains mineral oils, squalane, silicones, shea butter or even beeswax, occlusive ingredients that will create a film on the skin’s surface and prevent the retinol from penetrating. And whoever says blocked penetration means reduced efficiency.

It is therefore an interesting technique for truly sensitive skin, which will be able to gently integrate retinol into their beauty routine, but it is of little use for others, who may wait a long time for the first results on the skin. . It is therefore better to rely on the instructions for use that come with each product, rather than cooking it yourself.

Retinol is a powerful active that requires patience, but deserves a chance!