4 Major Retinol Myths That Shani Wants You To Stop Believing
It’s no secret that retinol is one of Shani’s favorite skin-care ingredients. In her opinion, there’s nothing that more effectively minimizes the signs of aging—it helps boost skin's elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, uneven tone, and dullness, while helping to give you glowing, smooth skin. But there are a lot of misperceptions about retinol, and they may be preventing you from getting the most out of it. Here, Shani sets the record straight and shares tips that might just transform your retinol routine.
MYTH #1: RETINOL HAS IRRITATED MY SKIN IN THE PAST, SO I GUESS I CAN'T USE IT
“Totally untrue! If you’ve used prescription retinol in the past to treat acne, you may have experienced redness, dryness, and peeling—all common side-effects. But gentler options do exist, providing all of retinol’s benefits without irritation. My Retinol Reform® serum is a perfect example. Like a prescription retinoid, it's derived from vitamin A and works to support natural cell turnover and smooth skin, but it contains a milder form of retinol to minimize irritation. I also formulated this serum with ingredients that soothe the skin, including aloe vera and niacinamide.”
MYTH #2: RETINOL IS ONLY HELPFUL IF YOU WANT TO STOP WRINKLES
“Retinol does so much more than reduce the signs of aging—even though that’s one of its superpowers! Here are just a few of its other benefits. Retinol helps to:- Smooth skin’s texture
- Brighten skin
- Even skin tone and improve the appearance of dark spots
Many of my clients find that retinol can replace several products in their regimens, making it a great all-in-one option. It really is the ultimate multi-tasker and a perfect way to streamline your routine.”
MYTH #3: MY SKIN LOOKS THE SAME, SO THAT MUST MEAN MY RETINOL IS NOT WORKING
“It takes six to eight weeks, on average, for your skin to fully turn over and show visible results. So don’t give up if you’re not seeing an immediate reduction in wrinkles or pigmentation! If you want more instant gratification, switch to my Retinol Reform® serum—it's formulated with lactic acid, which gives you more immediate brightening and smoothing benefits.”
MYTH #4: I HAVE TO USE RETINOL EVERY NIGHT FOR IT TO WORK
“If you’re new to retinol, it’s important to gradually build up how often you use it:- Start by applying retinol one to two nights a week. Add a night each week, building up to as often as your skin can tolerate.
- Avoid chemical exfoliants on the same nights you’re using retinol.
- Wear sunscreen during the day to avoid sun damage.”