Women often think that to improve the skin regeneration effect of retinoids, it is necessary to use more active ingredients with the same effects to enhance and achieve the effect as soon as possible. Actually, retinoids are also sufficient for aging skin problems, regenerating skin to a level that can be mediated with active ingredients and nourishing skin. Besides the proper usage, the method to achieve the desired effect is paying attention to maintain a proper and thorough moisturizing regime for their skins.

Let’s find out why moisturizing step is very important when taking care of your skin with retinoids and which ingredients and nutrients add essential moisture to the skin during this change:

Why moisturizing is important when using retinoids

Our skin naturally dries out and dehydrates, just like the way a plant’s leaves dry out under sunlight. Skin science is called “epidermal dehydration”, Transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The skin’s natural moisture in the inner layers is also lost through the skin’s surface by the effect of diffusion and evaporation.

Blue arrows indicate skin’s natural dehydration

Normal skin, if not exposed to the sun or to many harmful substances, still be dried due to this natural dehydration. And when using retinoids, beside the beauty benefits of skin regeneration, retinoids also make this natural dehydration process faster and lose more of the skin’s moisture. This is due to the fact that retinoids will directly regulate the keratinization process. (Read this section again in article 1 – the mechanism of action of retinoids)

In brief, using retinoids causes dry skin.

Why is it important to moisturize when using retinoids but still not as effective as expected?

First of all, it is required to know what types of moisturizers and important moisturizing ingredients are indispensable when using Retinoids. Then let’s look back at your daily moisturizing routine. Moreover, when we fully understand these ingredients, we choose for ourselves the really pure and gentle skin care products because the skin is very sensitive during the Retinoid period.

Identify and keep in mind the types of moisturizers you need when using retinoids.

1. Occlusive Moisturizer type

These are the names of the Occlusive moisturizing ingredients found in skin care products: petrolatum, mineral oil, paraffin, squalene, dimethicone, coconut oil, castor oil, olive oil, grape seed oil, soybean oil, mink oil, emu oil. , beeswax, cholesterol.

Occlusive-type moisturizers moisturize the skin by forming an oily film on the skin’s surface and preventing epidermal water loss (TEWL) above

2. Emollient Moisturizer type

These are the names of the emollient-type moisturizing ingredients found in skin care products: Ceramide, Isohexadecan, Lanolin (sheep fat), Niacinamide (B3), Squalene.

These moisturizers moisturize by filling the flaky areas of keratinocytes, smoothing the surface of the skin and also reducing epidermal water loss (TEWL).

3. Hucmetant Moisturizer type

These are the names of the Occlusive moisturizing ingredients found in skin care products: glycerin, urea, AHA, propylene glycol, hyaluronic acid.

This type of moisturizer works by moving water from high to low water containing areas. When using this moisturizer, an additional layer of moisturizer should be applied the day after.

4. Moisturizer is present in 2 out of 3 types above

The final moisturizer brands will have a formula that combines moisturizing ingredients from the Humectant group with the Occlusive group, or the Humectant group with the Emollient group.

When using Occlusive or Emollient with Humectant, skin will be more moisturized when using occlusive or emollient alone thanks to the introduction of water, bringing moisture into the skin of the humectant.

After knowing and reading the names of the ingredients in moisturizers, the next important thing to note is how to combine with retinoids. Use before or after retinoids, dosage, and cautions.

How to combine moisturizer with Retinoid

1. Occlusive Moisturizer type

These skin care products should be applied 30 minutes after using the retinoid. Use the right amount, avoid using too much, causing clogging of pores. Do not apply retinoids first because it will limit the absorption of retinoids by the skin.

2. Emollient Moisturizer type

This should be used 30 minutes before retinoids to reduce dry flaky skin if present.

3. Humectant Moisturizer type

Do not use a moisturizer with retinoids alone as this will make the skin more dehydrated. However, to enhance the moisturizing effect, immediately after using the Hucmetant type moisturizer, use an additional moisturizing booster.

4. Moisturizer has 2 out of 3 types above

This type of product should be applied 30 minutes after using retinoids to reduce side effects while still ensuring the effects of retinoids.

Now, after a series of articles on retinoids, we have a clear understanding of this active ingredient in the most scientific way, its mechanism of action, how to use it and the secret to effective use. Let’s make beauty safely, scientifically and intelligently.