Is it safe for me to use 1% retinol as a beginner?

Hi, I think 1% is quite high especially for a beginner, so I would recommend starting with a lower percentage of 0.2% then working your way up to 0.5%. The sandwhich method is also great to protect your skin from irritation:)

1% is a lot for a beginner. you can try to minimise irritation by using the sandwich method. you apply moisturiser then retinol then moisturiser again!

Hi!! Honestly if i were you i wouldnt even think on retinol. If you focus on be consistent using sunscreen and a good moisturizer believe me, you wont need retinol in a very long time 😉

Aside from using sandwich technique to minimalize potential irritation, you could as well opt for retinyl esters (e.g retinyl palmitate) or the weakest forms and slowest ones in showing the result but arguably safer for beginner. I myself have just begun to use retinol 2-3 months ago and chose retinyl palmitate as the option as I personally still quite scared of using retinol, in case I haven't work well on hydrating and protecting aspects, as I also just began to build a solid basic skincare which works best on me. I did patch test and work slowly from once a week to 2-3 times until finally now I can use it every day even though it is said the weakest form, and fortunately my skin reacted well since the day one. I'm also happy to share that the results are great, I have notice many recognisable improvements since incorporating them (toner and moisturizer) into my routine.

Hii U can always start with lower percentage like 0.1 or 0.2 which are available is the ordinary brand and try starting with bakuchiol and ladder to other retinol based products. Majority faced purging period including me. So Try to keep sufficient gap between the retinol usage like initially once a week, then once in 5 days like that.. If u start getting purging, then stop all actives and retinol and follow only basic more hydrating cleanser mositiriser and sunscreen.. .. While using retinol u can even goto sandwiching method for ex slather sufficient rich moisturiser and then a bit of retinol and the moisturiser. While using retinol stay away from other actives.. And sunscreen is must..