Retinol may help reshape the skin, but it is not a replacement for exfoliation. "Retinol works by stimulating the production of new collagen, which promotes cell turnover, while exfoliants help remove dead cells from the surface of the skin," dermatologist Geeta Yadav tells Bustle. However, incorporating these two products into your routine requires a very conservative approach, as retinol and exfoliating ingredients can cause irritation if used incorrectly. "I love cleansers and exfoliants when adding an exfoliant to a routine that already contains retinol," says Dr. Yadav. Additionally, the best exfoliants to use with retinol are mild chemical exfoliants such as AHA or PHA (such as lactic acid or polyglutamic acid, respectively). "These are gentle exfoliants, and while they resurface the skin, their molecules are larger and not too aggressive," explains Dr. Yadav. She also notes that cleansers and exfoliants are gentle enough not to cause irritation but are still effective at removing dead skin cells.
To further reduce the risk of irritation, you'll want to choose an exfoliant that's made with hydrating and soothing ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or colloidal oatmeal and doesn't contain synthetic fragrances. No matter how tempting it is, avoid using physical exfoliants. "They create microtears in the skin," Dr. Yadav said. "Adding retinol to the mix will only further irritate your skin."
expert
Dr. Geeta Yadav, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of FACET Dermatology in Toronto. Dr. Yadav specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology, holds a master's degree in international health from Johns Hopkins University, and completed dermatology training at the University of Toronto.
The most important rules to follow
“You shouldn’t use an exfoliant and retinol in the same session,” Dr. Yadav stresses. "Use retinol one night and then exfoliate gently the next night when you're not using retinol," she advises, adding that if your skin tolerates retinol well, you may also Try using an exfoliating cleanser in the morning and then using retinol as part of your nighttime regimen. No matter which type of exfoliant you choose, you don’t want to overdo it. "If you use retinoids, I recommend exfoliating up to twice a week," advises Dr. Yadav.
Other Tips for Exfoliating with Retinol
If you've added a retinol serum or cream to your skincare routine, you probably already know how important a good moisturizer is to help combat the dryness, redness, and irritation that can occur as your skin adjusts. But Dr. Yadav points out that daily sunscreen is just as important. "Whether you're exfoliating or not, sunscreen is an absolute must in any skin care routine to protect your skin from UV rays," says Dr. Yadav. "SPF is important when using exfoliants because removing dead cells from the surface can make the new skin underneath more sensitive to sun exposure." While the best sunscreen is the one you actually use, if you also use a visual flavonoids and exfoliants, you'll need an SPF of at least 30, and you may prefer a mild mineral sunscreen.
Buy the best exfoliants to use with retinol
hurry? Here are the best exfoliants to use with retinol:
- Best exfoliating cleanser to use with retinol: Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Enzymatic Cleanser
- Best Exfoliating Peel Pads to Use with Retinol: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel
- Best Exfoliating Cleanser to Use with Retinol: Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing PHA Facial Exfoliator
- Best Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser to Use with Retinol: Hero Cosmetics Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser
- Best exfoliating gel to use with retinol: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Exfoliating Gel
- Best exfoliating serum to use with retinol: Inkey List Polyglutamic Acid Serum
1. Derm's Pick: The Best Exfoliating Cleanser to Use with Retinol
"This cleanser is extremely moisturizing, but also gently exfoliates with papain, which 'eats' dead cells from binding to the skin's surface," says Dr. Yadav on why Glow Recipe's Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm is Her first choice. When you massage it into dry skin, the solid cleanser converts into oil, which dissolves sunscreen and waterproof makeup. "Because of its rich content, it won't irritate the skin, even on sensitive skin types," adds Dr. Yadav of the hydrating formula, which contains papaya seed oil, almond oil, and camellia seed oil. This naturally scented cleansing balm is free of synthetic dyes, drying alcohols, and parabens, and is cruelty-free and vegan.
Active Ingredient: Papaya | Other Beneficial Ingredients: Almond Oil, Camellia Seed Oil, Papaya Seed Oil, Blueberry Extract | Synthetic Fragrance Free: Yes | Cruelty Free: Yes | Size: 3.4 oz
2. Derm’s Pick: The Best Exfoliating Peel Pads for Use with Retinol
Another recommendation from Dr. Yadav is the two-step regimen created by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross. The brand's Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel is designed for sensitive and dry skin types to gently exfoliate the skin's surface while helping to soothe and moisturize it. “It uses soothing ingredients like lactic acid and colloidal oatmeal to soothe the skin and leave it with a healthy glow,” says Dr. Yadav of the treatment’s key ingredients. For full results, each treatment comes with two pre-packaged pads that are saturated with product and ready to go. The first pad contains exfoliating ingredients - lactic acid, mandelic acid and willow bark extract (the latter is a gentle alternative to BHA salicylic acid) - while the second pad focuses on calming and protecting the skin's moisture barrier, containing Ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal, centella asiatica extract and green tea leaf extract.
Active Ingredients: Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Willow Bark Extract | Other Beneficial Ingredients: Green Tea Leaf Extract, Chamomile Flower Extract, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Colloidal Oatmeal, Centella Asiatica Extract | No Synthetic Fragrances: Yes | Cruelty Free: Yes | Quantity: 30 treatments
3. The Best Exfoliating Cleansers to Use with Retinol
"Cleansers gently exfoliate because they rinse away," Dr. Yadav says of why you might prefer to stick with an exfoliating cleanser to remove dead skin cells. For a traditional, creamy formula, try Aveeno's Calm + Restore Nourishing PHA Facial Exfoliator, which is the gentlest exfoliator on this list. PHA Gluconolactone is the only exfoliating ingredient in the cleanser and its larger molecular size makes it less irritating and provides additional moisturizing properties. To further calm and moisturize skin while cleansing, the formula is infused with oat kernel oil, sunflower seed oil, and glycerin. If you find that this cleanser needs more exfoliating power, try leaving it on your skin for a few minutes and then rinsing it off to give the gluconolactone more contact time with your skin.
Active Ingredients: Gluconolactone | Other Beneficial Ingredients: Oat Kernel Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Glycerin, Allantoin | Synthetic Fragrance Free: Yes | Cruelty Free: No | Size: 4 oz.
4. Best Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser to Use with Retinol
For another cleansing option, this Hero Cosmetics Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser starts out with a jelly-like texture but turns into a rich lather (FYI, its lather is completely sulfate-free). Enriched with a combination of AHA (glycolic acid, mandelic acid and fruit enzymes), BHA (willow bark extract) and PHA (gluconolactone), this cleanser also contains glycerin, various types of hyaluronic acid and allantoin , which moisturizes and cleanses the skin. Soothes dry skin.
Active Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Fruit Enzymes, Gluconolactone, Willow Bark Extract | Other Beneficial Ingredients: Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Allantoin | Synthetic Fragrance Free: Yes | Cruelty Free: No | Size: 5.07 oz.
5. Best Exfoliating Peel Gels to Use with Retinol
If your skin has adapted to retinol and you feel the need for more exfoliation, you may prefer to use a leave-in exfoliation treatment once or twice a week. Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Exfoliating Gel uses 8% glycolic acid to remove buildup of dead skin cells that can cause uneven skin texture and dull skin tone. Designed for use after cleansing (and before other skincare routines), this leave-on gel treatment also contains a host of hydrating and calming ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera leaf extract, and panthenol to avoid irritation.
Active Ingredients: Glycolic Acid | Other Beneficial Ingredients: Chamomile Flower Extract, Aloe Vera Leaf Extract, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol | Synthetic Fragrance Free: Yes | Cruelty Free: Yes | Size: 3.3 oz
6. The Best Exfoliating Serums to Use with Retinol
For those who also use retinol, polyglutamic acid is one of Dr. Yadav's favorite exfoliating ingredients because of its ability to gently exfoliate and help skin retain moisture. Inkey List's Polyglutamic Acid Serum is a silky, lightweight serum with glycerin and rice bran extract that moisturizes skin while also gently exfoliating. Plus, its price of $15 is unbeatable.
Active Ingredients: Polyglutamic Acid | Other Beneficial Ingredients: Glycerin, Rice Bran Extract | Synthetic Fragrance Free: Yes | Cruelty Free: Yes | Size: 1 oz.
expert:
Dr. Geeta Yadav, MD , is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology in Toronto.
