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Retinoids are chemical derivatives of Vitamin A and provide the skin with a variety of benefits. They are excellent anti-aging ingredients that help against acne as well as pigmentation issues. This is why it is used so extensively across various skin care products.

However, the best of skin care ingredients will not work if you don't use them correctly. In fact, it can cause you more harm than good if you use retinoids incorrectly. Retinoids are known to cause side effects like irritation and skin redness and therefore should be applied very cautiously.

Here are some steps and tips that you should keep in mind if and when you start using retinoids.

Start Slow with the Application

Always start slow when you introduce retinoids to your skin. One of the most common mistakes women make is they slather on retinoid products every night and wake up to red and irritated skin. This is because retinoids are concentrated ingredients that need to be used very subtly. The best way to use retinoids is to use them sparingly through the first few weeks and as your skin gets used to it, increase the application gradually.

When you start using retinoids, apply them once every three days for the first couple of weeks. Then, as your skin adjusts itself to the product, you can start using them on alternate days for some weeks. After that, you can start using it on daily basis!

This is the most efficient way to start using retinoids. It helps the skin get adjusted to the product slowly and thus reduces any chances of side effects like irritation and skin redness. In fact, by starting slow, you can also avoid the initial breakout associated with most retinoids.

Use Lower Concentrations First

When you start using retinoids, don't choose the strongest one. Rather, start by using a low concentration of retinoids. This will help you condition your skin and help it get used to the new product before you move on to use a stronger concentration.

Using stronger concentrations of retinoids from the very start can take your skin by surprise and result in irritations and breakouts. So make sure you start slow.

Use only a Small Amount

One of the major misconceptions people have is that using more of the product will get them better results. However, it just serves to irritate the skin even more. Therefore, use only a pea-sized amount of the retinoid product for your entire face.

Even though it may looklike a its not enough , a pea-sized amount is more than enough to get you the desired results. Squeeze out a pea-sized amount onto your finger and dotting the product evenly over your face lightly. Then, smear all these dots together and spread the product into your skin. Make sure you do this fast enough otherwise the product will dry up and you won't have anything to spread! This process ensures that a light coating of the product is spread over all parts of your face

Use Retinoids only at Night

Retinoids tend to increase skin sensitivity.. As a result, the skin becomes highly vulnerable to damage by the UV rays of the sun. So it’s advisable to apply retinoids at night only. Also, make it a point to use a good broad spectrum sunscreen during the day to protect your skin against any UV damage.

Wait Before you Apply

After washing your face, wait for about 20 minutes before you apply the retinoid product. This is because washing your skin disrupts the skin's natural barrier and direct application of retinoids can cause irritations. Waiting for some time gives the skin enough time to recover and you can use the retinoid product safely.

Naomi Andrews is a reputed skin care expert and beauty counselor. She opened up a medical spa in Maui in 2005 and ran it for 3 years until she moved to San Diego. She has worked with several skin care products brands like Obagi, La Roche Posay and many others.