e.l.f. Discovery

Why You Should be Using a Retinoid Face Oil in Your Nightly Skincare Routine

By Aimee Lubrano

Retinoids have become a buzz-worthy skincare ingredient used in a myriad of skincare products, and there is a good reason for why they are highly recommended by dermatologists and sought after by anyone looking for effective skincare.

Derived from vitamin A, retinoids are a game-changing skincare staple that can provide significant benefits for healthy-looking skin. Their ability to help fade dark spots and even skin tone makes them an invaluable addition to your skincare routine . But they quickly became associated with a plethora of powerful, anti-aging properties like reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkle for smoother, more youthful-looking skin.

Because retinoids are powerful and can provide significant benefits for skin, they should be used carefully and consistently to minimize potential side effects and maximize benefits.

And adding a retinoid facial oil to your nightly skincare routine can be just the way to do it. Luckily, this popular ingredient can be found in a powerhouse new product that combines these potent benefits with the nourishing properties of a facial oil—e.l.f.’s Blue-ty Sleep Night Oil.

When Should You Use Retinoid and How Often?

Retinoids are powerful ingredients best applied at night. The reason retinoids are recommended for nighttime use is because they can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, potentially leading to an increased risk of sunburn.

Using a retinal every night can be beneficial but requires a careful introduction into your skincare routine. Whenever you start using a retinoid, it's generally recommended to use it every other night to allow your skin to acclimate. This will help minimize any potential irritation such as dryness, redness, and peeling. Gradually, as your skin builds tolerance, you can slowly increase the frequency to every night if your skin tolerates it well. Building to every night can provide maximum results. But it’s important to remember to always follow any retinoid use with a moisturizer to mitigate dryness and always, always use a broad-spectrum SPF during the day to help protect your skin. This approach helps the anti-aging and skin benefits of retinoids at the same time helping to protect your skin.

Are Retinal and Retinol the Same Thing?

Retinal and retinol are both considered Retinoids. These powerhouse ingredients are popular in skincare for their anti-aging benefits and should be used at night. The main difference between the two is their strength and how they’re converted into retinoic acid, a form of Vitamin a. However, it’s important to understand that retinal can be more irritating to the skin than retinol. Here are some of their key differences:

Retinal is considered a retinoid and form of Vitamin A. However, it’s further along the Vitamin A pathway and therefore a only quick step from becoming retinoic acid. This means that it may act faster than a Retinol. Retinal may be a great option for those who prefer a strong skincare product, but are not ready for a prescription retinoid such as Tretinoin. However, it’s important to note that retinal may be more irritating to the skin than retinol.

Retinol slowly transforms your skin with a gentler, more steady hand. Retinol is less potent than retinoic acid and available at varying concentrations, making it a good option for anyone new to Vitamin A skincare. Even though it’s potent and effective, it provides a more gradual result—especially if you want to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Whether you prefer the slow and steady results of retinol or the high- intensity impact of retinal, both can provide a radiant, rejuvenated complexion.

Is Retinal or Retinol Better for Beginners?

For skincare newbies or anyone new to vitamin A, starting with a retinol is your best bet. This gentler version is perfect for easing into the world of vitamin A potency without overwhelming your skin the way a prescription retinoid can. Retinol is effective yet milder, making it ideal for beginners who want to tackle the look of fine lines and boost radiance.

Using a retinol helps reduce the risk of irritation, redness, and peeling that can overwhelm sensitive or unaccustomed skin. It allows gradual acclimation, making it easier for users to build up tolerance over time. This slow-and-steady approach can still provide you with effective results—just with fewer potential side effects, making it a more manageable option for those new to retinoid use.

Beginners should slowly introduce retinol into their skincare routine by using it 1-2 a week at night giving your skin time to adapt. Ready to level up? Gradually increase frequency as your skin builds tolerance. Always follow with a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.

Remember, patience is key! This gradual approach will help you reap the rewards of retinoids while keeping your complexion calm. However, it’s important to note that retinol may still cause irritation if new to the skin.

Is Granactive Retinoid as Good as Retinol?

If you’re someone who has tried retinol in your skincare routine before, then you’re skin may be more suited to continue using retinol if no irritation is occurring. However, if you tend to have more sensitive skin or have not tried using retinol before, granactive retinoid may be the better option because it offers similar benefits to retinol with potentially fewer side affects.

Can You Put Moisturizer Over Retinoid?

The short answer? Yes! You can. Should you? That’s another story.

Remember, not all skincare is one-size fits all. Some can handle the power of retinoid more than others. Some have more sensitive skin. Luckily, there is no right or wrong way—simply whatever works best for your skin type.

Applying Moisturizer AFTER a Retinoid

Applying moisturizer after retinoid use is standard practice for many and often recommended in that order to help soothe and hydrate your skin, which can be a bit sensitive or dry from the retinoid use. Think of it like an après-ski session for your face. Since retinoids are high-intensity, your skin will need a bit of TLC to calm the skin and lock in hydration. If you’re using a particularly strong retinoid, layering moisturizer on top can help minimize irritation and keep your skin balanced. Just make sure to let the retinoid absorb and dry first before applying any moisturizer.

Now, having said that, if you are prone to irritation, this may not be the recommended course of action for your skin.

Applying Moisturizer BEFORE Retinoid

Using a moisturizer first helps ensure that your skin remains hydrated and minimizing the risk of dryness or other side effects. Start your nighttime routine by cleansing, then applying a thin-layer of a hydrating moisturizer. Let it absorb for a few minutes, then apply your retinoid treatment. This sandwiching method allows your skin to reap the anti-aging and rejuvenating benefits of retinoids while keeping your skin nourished and soothed.

The Benefits of Retinoid Facial Oil

Retinoids can be harsh and irritating. So when you get the powerful, potent benefits of a retinoid, plus the gentle skin-soothing benefits of a facial oil, you have liquid gold! That’s exactly why we love the new e.l.f. Blue-ty Sleep Night Oil!

This innovative formula combines the potent efficacy of a retinoid with the skin-loving ingredients for the perfect youth-boosting oil! This dual-action product not only targets signs of aging but also ensures your skin remains hydrated and supple.

Perfect for new retinoid users or anyone with sensitive skin, the Blue-ty Sleep Night Oil is the perfect balance of power formulated with 1% Granactive Retinoid, a gentle ingredient that helps reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles over time.

It’s no longer the best-kept blue-ty secret – because the secret is out and feedback is next level:

94% said it looked like it addressed the appearance of aging including fine lines, uneven texture, age spots, dryness, and dullness after 4 weeks.
91% said after nightly use, skin felt comfortable, moisturized and soothed after 4 weeks.
91% said skin feels significantly smoother and looks more radiant after 1 week.

Using a retinoid facial oil is a skincare game-changer, combining the anti-aging potency of retinoids with the hydration of a luxurious oil. For those seeking to elevate their skincare routine, this retinoid facial oil is a must-have for a youthful looking, glowing complexion.

What is the Best Skincare Routine When Using Retinoid?

Unleashing your glow during the day means keeping up with a skin-loving nighttime retinoid routine, which is all about balance and nourishment. Keeping it simple, yet consistent is the best way to ensure maximum results.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Cleanse
Start with a gentle cleanser, like the favorite go-to Holy Hydration! Daily Cleanser to thoroughly remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities to ensure your skin is clean and ready to absorb any products you apply next.

Step 2: Moisturize
Next, apply a lightweight, hydrating, nourishing moisturizer like the e.l.f. Holy Hydration Face Cream or Gel-Yeah Moisturizer to help prevent potential dryness from the retinoid.

Step 3: Night Oil
Once your moisturizer is absorbed, apply a pea-sized amount of the innovative Blue-ty Sleep Night Oil retinoid evenly across your face, avoiding the delicate eye area.

This routine ensures skin remains hydrated and balanced while effectively reaping the anti-aging benefits of retinoid, leading to a smoother looking, more radiant, youth-boosting complexion.

What’s the Difference Between e.l.f.’s Blue-ty Sleep Night Oil and Advanced Night Retinoid Serum?

Retinoid is an effective and mighty skincare staple that your skin can really benefit from and see dramatic, visible results. Depending on where you are in your skincare routine or what type of skin you have, it’s important to ensure you’re using the right type of retinoid product.

Whether you’re new to retinoids, or a seasoned pro, we have two retinoid renegade favorites that pack a punch:

Blue-ty Sleep Night Oil: A facial oil that’s best for new retinoid users or anyone with sensitive skin. Some of the benefits include helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Contains 1% granactive retinoid.
Advanced Night Retinoid Serum: A gel serum that’s best for experienced retinoid users. Some of the benefits include helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Contains 1% granactive retinoid and 0.06% retinal.

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