Picture: Anna Efetova for Getty

The viral TikTok (or #BeautyTok, to some) development, “retinol sandwiching,” is without doubt one of the hottest traits within the magnificence trade…over 22.5 million views and counting.

However how does it work and the way will we do it?

Janna Ronert, IMAGE Skincare founder and esthetician, describes the skincare method as “utilizing a layer of moisturizer earlier than and after you apply retinol so it’s ‘sandwiched’ between two different layers of product.” The concept is to restrict irritation to the pores and skin, which might typically be brought on by retinol.

Ronert recommends at all times selecting a light-weight moisturizer to make sure you don’t deplete the effectiveness of the retinol too a lot and to achieve for an encapsulated retinol. “Even earlier than you add the sandwiching method, an encapsulated retinol is already much less more likely to trigger irritation. I normally suggest together with the moisturizer after retinol as a result of with out the added layer of hydration, the chance of sensitivity is greater. As well as, I at all times discover that retinol could be drying on the pores and skin – even for these with oily pores and skin – so most individuals must load up on moisture when utilizing it to keep away from dry or flaky pores and skin.”

Is that this development new?

Whereas this development may appear new to many, it’s really a generally suggest one within the magnificence area. “Estheticians and pores and skin specialists have been recommending laying retinol with moisturizer for years to stop the destructive results of irritation, dryness and flaking that retinol could cause,” says Ronert.

Picture: Anna Efetova for Getty

And it’s actually a worthy development.

“I’m a fan of retinol sandwiching as a result of you may get a giant dose of retinol for plumping collagen and an excellent dose of hydration in a single program,” says Ronert. “It might probably assist alleviate any irritation – comparable to flaking or dryness – that may typically be brought on by retinol. It acts as a barrier between the energetic ingredient and the pores and skin. As well as, moisturizing after utilizing retinol helps seal in moisture which will help restrict any sensitivity.”

The bottom line is to decide on the precise method in your pores and skin and to keep it up. “Choose a retinol with an enhanced supply system such because the aforementioned encapsulated retinol. This kind of retinol means the energetic substances penetrate deeper into the pores and skin layer earlier than being activated, so it’s extremely efficient however nonetheless light on the pores and skin. The IMAGE Skincare AGELESS complete retinol-A crème is the perfect intensive mix of encapsulated retinol, glycolic acid and lactic acid. Even earlier than you add the sandwiching method, an encapsulated retinol is already much less more likely to trigger irritation.”