Tips and Extra Care from Croia

.02% Retinol + Peptide + Licorice Serum

- All retinol products, regardless of the strength, should be introduced slowly (unless your derm advised otherwise). You can start by applying a moisturizer to your face immediately after cleanse. Wait for at least 15 minutes then put a pea size of this serum all over your skin.

If you’re extremely sensitive, you should avoid putting directly to your eye circle, sides of your nose and lip. Don’t worry, your retinol will migrate to those areas anyway.

If after a week or two, you did not notice any setback, you may increase it gradually until you can use it every night. You may also remove the moisturizer prior to this serum once you have identified how well your skin is doing with this serum.

- If you’re new to retinol and your skin is extremely sensitive, it is recommended to stop all your strong active first while your skin is still trying to tolerate it. You may eventually add them again after couple weeks (or months) if you think that you still need them.

Take note that this serum will do significant changes to your skin eventually so see how it will work on your skin. Some people have more controlled oil production after using this product so other oil management products and exfoliators might no longer be needed after. Due to its skin renewing property plus Licorice, some people might also experience brighter and more even skin tone. Hence, other depigmenting products might no longer be needed.

- This product usually takes 6 to 12 weeks to see its full potential. This may differ on the person’s skin condition and type. Your existing routine will also play a part, so it is important not to introduce strong active while your skin familiarizing with retinol.  

2% Salicylic Acid Cleanser

- If your skin is extremely sensitive and not familiar with Salicylic Acid yet, you may try to use it once a day or every other day. If you did not experience any setback after a week or two, you may gradually increase your duration to every day. You can also aim to use this twice a day, depending on your need. 

- Avoid using other unprescribed exfoliators (other BHA, AHA and PHA) when using this product. In general, excessive exfoliators can cause irritations.

- If you’re using retinoid / retinol, please ask your doctor first if you can introduce this exfoliator. The combination of retinoid / retinol and Salicylic Acid may cause irritation to some people. If you only wish to remove excess dirt, oil, makeup and sunscreen, you may check out our Amino Acid Gentle Cleanser. 

- It is also best to immediately follow your cleanse with a moisturizer to prevent water loss. Do this while your skin is slightly wet / damp from cleansing. 

2% Salicylic Acid + Niacinamide Toner

- If your skin is extremely sensitive and not familiar with Salicylic Acid yet, you may try to use it once a day or every other day. If you did not experience any setback after a week or two, you may gradually increase your duration to every day. You can also aim to use this twice a day, depending on your need. 

- Avoid using other unprescribed exfoliators (other BHA, AHA and PHA) when using this product. In general, excessive exfoliators can cause irritations.

- If you’re using retinoid / retinol, please ask your doctor first if you can introduce this exfoliator. The combination of retinoid / retinol and Salicylic Acid can be irritating for some people. 

- When using this toner, avoid other products containing Niacinamide as too much of it can cause irritations that looks like purging. It is not a familiarization process nor your skin will grow to tolerate it.