Dr. Shireen Idris: Retinoids and Skincare Guidelines

Dr. Shireen Idris shares five golden rules for incorporating retinoids into a skincare routine, emphasizing the importance of starting low and slow.

### Dr. Shireen Idris' Five Golden Rules for Incorporating Retinoids into Your Skincare Routine
* 🌟 Dr. Shireen Idris, a dermatologist, shares her expert advice on incorporating **retinoids into your skincare routine**.
* 💊 Retinoids are a class of vitamin A derivatives that help **renew and strengthen the skin**, with **tretinoin being the most potent form**.
* 👶 Rule 1: **Go low and go slow** - start with milder forms like retinol esters before advancing to stronger versions.
* 🚫 Rule 2: Do not exfoliate on the same night as using a retinoid, especially for **beginners**.
* 🛡 ️ Rule 3: If you have sensitive skin, **buffer the retinoid with a moisturizer or serum** to reduce irritation.
* 😷 Rule 4: Avoid applying retinoids around the mouth to prevent **excessive irritation and flaking**.
* ☀ Rule 5: Always follow up with **sunscreen the next day** to protect your skin.
* 💊 Dr. Idris also provides product recommendations for various retinoid alternatives, including **retinol, retinaldehyde, and prescription tretinoin**.

5 Golden Rules To Incorporate Retinol In Your Routine! | Dr. Shereene Idriss

Dr. Shereene Idriss

Shireen Idris is adjusting her video schedule to three Saturdays a month at 10 A.

to balance her various business ventures.

She emphasizes the importance of starting with a low and slow approach when incorporating retinoids into a skincare routine, regardless of the user's experience level.

Idris explains the different types of retinoids, from the lightest (retinol esters) to the most active (tretinoin), and their effectiveness in renewing and strengthening the skin.

The Hierarchy of Retinoids: From Retinol to Tretinoin

Retinol is a less potent form of retinoic acid, suitable for beginners and those with sensitive skin, best when in an encapsulated form for slow release.

Retinal is a more stable and effective alternative to retinol, while retinoic acid esters offer a less irritating option for those considering a prescription.

Tretinoin is the most effective retinoid but should be used gradually, starting with a low dosage and slowly increasing frequency to avoid irritation.

Tips for Using Retinoids in Your Skincare Routine

You can vary the strength of retinoids and incorporate them into your routine gradually to build tolerance.

It's not recommended to exfoliate on the same night as using a retinoid, especially for beginners, but it can be done on alternate nights for advanced users.

If you have sensitive skin, you can use the buffering technique by applying a basic layer of moisturizer before using retinol to reduce sensitivity.

Tips for Using Retinol and Buffering Effectively

Retinol should be applied before serum and moisturizer, with a thicker cream used around the eyes when buffering.

Avoid applying retinol around the mouth to prevent irritation and inflammation, and always follow up with sunscreen the next day.

Bakuchiol is a good alternative for retinol, especially for pregnant women, and can be used for collagen production and stimulation.

It's also an exception to the rule of not exfoliating and using a retinoid on the same night.

Alternatives to Retinoids: A Comprehensive Guide

There are gentle retinoid alternatives like Universal Pro retinol by Glossier, which is not a true pro retinol but is great for beginners and is priced at $35.

The A313, a French favorite, provides instant gratification with its light retinoid composition, offering a smooth skin texture, but may cause occasional itchiness.

3 for retinol and SkinCeuticals offer accessible pure retinol options, with L'Oreal being more suitable for sensitive skin and priced at $39 to $40, while SkinCeuticals ranges from $70 to $80 and is more suitable for those ready for a stronger option.

Both products have different technologies for skin absorption.

The Different Types of Retinoids and Their Uses

1 is a common non-prescription retinoid, while hydroxypinacolone retinoate is available in different concentrations and is known for being less irritating.

Adapalene, also known as Differin, used to be a prescription retinoid but is now available over the counter and should not be used during pregnancy.

These retinoids offer options for those looking to start with milder products or those in need of stronger prescription treatments.