One ingredient always lauded in the world of skincare is retinol. You must have seen either some influencer endorsing it or some magazine boasting it. Over the past few years, this skincare ingredient has made a significant mark in the beauty industry with people praising how beneficial it is for your skin. Continuous usage of retinol may benefit you in numerous ways and help you get that ageless and beautiful skin. But there are certain things that you need to be mindful of. Yes, we are talking about retinol mistakes!

If you would love to add retinol to your list of skincare ingredients, you need to steer clear of these mistakes that might do more harm than good to your skin. Having said that, here are the benefits of retinol and how it can be beneficial for your skin.

Benefits of retinol for skin

For the unversed, retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, which is one of the important nutrients required to boost cell renewal. It is believed to promote collagen production, slow down signs of ageing, brighten skin tone, and promote skin renewal. As per Harvard Medical School, retinoids increase the production of collagen, which helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

While the right application at the right time for a specific period of time can benefit you, the wrong usage can lead to problems. With that in mind, here are the common mistakes that you may be making while using retinol.

Retinol mistakes you should avoid

Renowned dermatologist Dr Jaishree Sharad took to her Instagram to share some mistakes that you should avoid while using retinol.

Here are four common retinol mistakes you should steer clear of:

Mistake 1: Applying retinol in the morning

Certain ingredients should only be applied at a specific time to work, and retinol is one of those skincare ingredients. Dr Sharad shares that the best time to use retinol is nighttime. Using it during the day can compromise its efficacy. While it might not affect you in a bad way, in time it may make your skin sensitive, as mentioned by the dermatologist. However, not using it at the right time might not help retinol reach “the actual potential.”

Mistake 2: Do not apply retinol with other exfoliating acids

You have to use retinol wisely if you want to avail all its benefits. While it works well with some ingredients, you should avoid using retinol with other exfoliates such as AHA or BHA, or vitamin C, points out the dermatologist. It is believed that using retinol with these ingredients may cause your skin to dry out and cause irritation.

Also Read: If you use a vitamin C serum, using it with these products is a no-no

Mistake 3: Applying retinol too close to the eye

It goes without saying that the skin around your eyes is delicate and anything can irritate them. Dr Sharad says that applying retinol “too close to the eye or the corners of the mouth or the corners of the lip” can irritate the skin as they are sensitive. So, it is best to avoid applying retinol anywhere near your eyes.

Mistake 4: Applying a dollop of retinol

Of course, you apply a new skincare product and you are tempted to apply more, especially if it works. But a little of retinol is enough to see positive results and you should avoid putting on too much on your skin. Dr Sharad shares that pea size of the product is more than enough for your skin. Apply it gently all over your face for best results.

With these tips in mind, you should apply retinol regularly to see its magic. But make sure to use it in moderation.