I started my skin care journey when I was young, but it was not until I was 30 years old to start thinking seriously about anti -aging.After 2 years loyal toretinolObagi 0.5%, when I felt the skin was adapted, I decided to upgrade to the concentration of 1% to try to see the change that it brings.Not only you but even myself are curious to know what stronger concentrations will be for the skin in the age of 33.
The journey is from 0.5% to 1%: Why do I choose to increase the concentration?
For those who are familiar with Retinol, they must know this is a fairly strong and sometimes "fastidious" ingredient.The use of 0.5% Retinol Obagi has brought me significant improvement.The pores look smaller, the skin is even more color and smoother.But when I turned 30 years old, I found signs of aging continued to appear: A few blurry melasma in my cheeks and the forehead also became less toned.
I told myself, if I have adapted to 0.5%, it may be time to try higher concentrations to enhance the anti -aging effect.Although I cannot completely prevent the signs of age, I believe that it can slow this process.However, before deciding, I spent time studying carefully, reading documents and consulting the experts to ensure that my skin is ready for a new "revolution".
In the early days: The skin adapts to the difference
When I started using Retinol Obagi 1%, I carefully applied the first day of the week, only used on Monday, Worldwide, 6th evening with 2 moisturizers.Experienced with 0.5%Retinol, so my skin does not feel the stinging when applied, and does not experience dryness, slight peeling and red in some areas like around the nose and forehead.
During the day when using Retinol, I will use 2 moisturizers to ensure that the skin does not experience irritation.
One experience that I want to share when using is mix retinol with cream and do not use exfoliating products in the skin days with treatment products.
In the early days of use, I was careful to mix a little retinol cream with lotion, after increasing the amount of retinol and now every time I use it, I use a small amount of beans, for the whole face.
Besides the cream, I also chose to use Serum to contain Hyaluronic Acid to help the skin not to lose water, and during the day, do not forget the sunscreen - an indispensable companion in the skin care cycle.Basically, my skin adapts quite well with 1% Retinol concentration and has no irritation.
The change clearly on skin age 33
After about 2 months, I began to notice a clear difference.My skin has a natural shadow, the bruises due to acne previously fade very quickly.What I am especially satisfied is the elasticity of the skin has a marked improvement, especially in the forehead and around the eyes, the skin looks smoother.The days of staying up late or tired also do not make the skin dull as before, on the contrary, the skin looks healthier and brighter.
What I feel clearly is the health of the skin when using Retinol at a higher concentration.Although it is still necessary to maintain adequate moisturizing habits and daily sunscreen.Besides, the pores on both sides of the nose and cheeks are also significantly smaller.
With the experience of using, I realize that there are a few things you need to note if you want to transfer from Retinol Obagi 0.5% to 1%:
- Don't rush: If you are new to retinol, start from low concentrations first so that the skin has time to adapt.The stepping stone from 0.5% to 1% is small but can cause a strong reaction if the skin has not been adapted.
- Hardly moisturizing: At higher concentrations, retinol is easy to dry out.Use intensive moisturizing products or serums containing hyaluronic acid to keep the skin's water.
- Protect skin thoroughly in the sun: Retinol makes the skin more sensitive to UV rays, so sunscreen is mandatory.Should choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50+ and reapply after 2-3 hours if exposed to sunlight for a long time.
- Do not use too many products at the same time: Do not combine retinol with other powerful ingredients such as AHA/BHA acid or vitamin C in the same cycle.The skin needs time to rest to absorb retinol better without overloading.
- Persistent and listen to the skin: The change does not come immediately, but if you persevere and really care properly, the skin will gradually improve over time.