How to Tell if a Girl Wants to Hold Hands

Holding hands with a girl is a great way to show that you like her and you’re having a good time. Making the move to grab her hand for the first time can be a little nerve wracking, especially if you aren’t quite sure she wants to hold your hand. We’ve compiled a list of signs you can look out for to tell whether or not the girl you’re with wants to hold hands so you know exactly what to do the next time you two hang out.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]She puts her hand close to yours.

1. Maybe you two are sitting down and she rests her hand near yours. If it’s almost touching (but not quite), that’s a pretty good sign that she wants you to grab her hand.^[1] You can test the waters by gently nudging or touching her hand with yours—if she doesn’t move her hand away, she probably wants you to hold it.^[2]
   
   • She might also place her hand next to yours if you two are sitting at a table or on a bench.

[Edit]She brushes her hand against yours.

1. If you feel her hand brush yours, she probably wants you to grab it. Maybe you two are walking around and she keeps stepping in closer so she touches your hand. If that’s the case, you can reach out and grasp her hand in yours to see how she feels.^[3] If she truly wants to hold your hand, then she’ll be happy you made the first move.^[4]
   
   • If you aren’t quite sure, try brushing your hand against hers. If she doesn’t pull away, she probably wants to hold hands.

[Edit]She touches you on the arm or the shoulder.

1. Breaking the touch barrier is a very good sign. If you two are chatting and she keeps patting you on the shoulder or touching your arm, it means she’s okay with physical affection. Later on, you can try taking her hand or patting her on the arm to reciprocate the physical touch.^[5]
   
   • Breaking the touch barrier is also a big sign that she’s flirting with you, so it’s good news all around!^[6]

[Edit]She holds onto your arm.

1. A girl might grab your arm to hold onto while you’re walking. Since this is pretty close to holding your hand already, she’s probably okay with grabbing hands in just a bit. If you’d like to hold her hand, simply slide her hand down into yours and grasp it as you keep walking.^[7]
   
   • This is another way of breaking the touch barrier, but it’s a little more of a bold move.

[Edit]She doesn’t flinch when you brush your hand against hers.

1. Even if it was an accident, she probably won’t take her hand away. If you two are walking around and you accidentally touch hands, she’ll probably step in even closer. Or, if you two are sitting and chatting and you accidentally rest your hand on hers, she’ll probably smile or even blush.^[8]
   
   • If she quickly moves her hand away after you touch it, it might mean she’s not ready to hold hands yet, which is fine. Just give her some time.^[9]

[Edit]She lingers during a high-five.

1. She might be testing the waters to see if you want to hold hands. If you two are celebrating something and you go in for a high-five, she might hang onto your hand for a few more seconds than is necessary. After that, you know that she might want to hold hands at some point.^[10]
   
   • If she’s really bold, she might even just hang onto your hand after a high-five so you two are holding hands now.

[Edit]She leads you somewhere by the hand.

1. This is an indirect way of holding your hand. If a girl grabs you and pulls you along to show you something really cool, it means she wants to hold hands with you. Whenever you get to your destination, simply keep holding her hand to show her that you like her.^[11]
   
   • She might say something like, “Whoa, did you see that? Let me show you!” before she grabs your hand.

[Edit]She flirts with you.

1. Flirting is a good sign that she’s okay with holding hands later. When a girl flirts with you, she might give you compliments, laugh a little too hard at your jokes, or make a lot of eye contact with you.^[12] She’ll probably also lean in close or step in a little further than is usually comfortable for most people.^[13]
   
   • Flirting isn’t a surefire sign that someone wants to hold hands yet, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction.

[Edit]She smiles at you a lot.

1. She might make eye contact and hold your gaze, too. When a girl smiles at you, it means she’s having fun hanging out with you. While it’s not a surefire sign that she wants to hold your hand, it’s definitely a sign that she likes you or she’s developing feelings for you.^[14]
   
   • She might even catch your gaze from across the room or give you a sideways glance and a smile.

[Edit]She talks in a sing-song voice.

1. A wavering voice usually means someone is into you. While she might not even realize she’s doing it, women who are interested in you will often talk in a more sing-song nature. If you notice her voice going up and down during the conversation, she’s probably open to holding hands with you.^[15]
   
   • The opposite is true for men: if a man is interested in you, his voice will drop down lower.

[Edit]She mirrors your body language.

1. If you lean in, she might lean in, too. If you cross your legs, she’ll probably cross hers, too. People do this unconsciously when they’re interested in someone, because our brains tell us it will make them like us more. If you notice that every move you make is being repeated by her, there’s a good chance she wants to hold your hand later.^[16]
   
   • She might also mirror your posture or try to walk in time with your steps.

[Edit]Tips

• If you aren’t sure she wants to hold your hand, you can just ask. Say something like, “Can I hold your hand?”

[Edit]References

1. ↑ [v161827_b01]. 11 June 2021.
2. ↑ https://www.datingadvice.com/for-women/how-to-get-a-guy-to-hold-your-hand
3. ↑ [v161827_b01]. 11 June 2021.
4. ↑ https://www.datingadvice.com/for-women/how-to-get-a-guy-to-hold-your-hand
5. ↑ https://www.lovedignity.com/how-to-get-a-guy-to-hold-your-hand-without-making-the-first-move/
6. ↑ [v161827_b01]. 11 June 2021.
7. ↑ https://www.datingadvice.com/for-women/how-to-get-a-guy-to-hold-your-hand
8. ↑ https://www.lovedignity.com/how-to-get-a-guy-to-hold-your-hand-without-making-the-first-move/
9. ↑ [v161827_b01]. 11 June 2021.
10. ↑ https://www.lovedignity.com/how-to-get-a-guy-to-hold-your-hand-without-making-the-first-move/
11. ↑ https://www.datingadvice.com/for-women/how-to-get-a-guy-to-hold-your-hand
12. ↑ [v161827_b01]. 11 June 2021.
13. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/basics/flirting
14. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/basics/flirting
15. ↑ https://www.region10.org/r10website/assets/File/17%20Tactics%20For%20Reading%20People.pdf
16. ↑ https://www.region10.org/r10website/assets/File/17%20Tactics%20For%20Reading%20People.pdf

How to Watch YouTube on TV

Quick ways to get YouTube playing on your TV with and without a streaming device

The simplest way to watch YouTube on your TV without messing around with cables is to use the YouTube app on your smart TV. But what if your TV isn't "smart?" If you don't have the kind of TV that can connect to the internet, you can use an external streaming device like a Chromecast, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, Roku, or a modern gaming console to convert it into a "smart" TV so you can watch YouTube from the comfort of your couch. This wikiHow will show you the most popular ways to watch YouTube on your television.

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• Download the YouTube app on your smart TV, console, or device. Log into your account, and begin watching videos.
• To use Chromecast, open the YouTube app on a phone or tablet. Tap the Cast icon in the top-right corner, and then select your Chromecast.
• With AirPlay, go to YouTube.com (Mac) or open the YouTube app (iOS). Click or tap the AirPlay icon and select your TV.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Using a Smart TV or Gaming Console

1. Decide whether this is the right method for you. Do you have a modern (post-2014) smart TV that connects to the internet and allows you to select apps like Netflix and Hulu using your TV remote control? Or do you have a modern gaming console (Wii U, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 or 5, Xbox One, Xbox 360) connected to your TV and hooked up to the internet? If either of these things is true, you can easily watch YouTube using the official app for your device.^[1] If you're using a TV that’s not connected to the internet, you'll need an external device to watch YouTube. See Using Chromecast, Using Amazon Fire TV, Using Apple TV, or Using Roku instead.
   
   • Most modern Samsung, LG, and Sony smart TVs come with YouTube preinstalled. If your TV is an Android TV (check the packaging or look up your exact model to find out), you definitely have the YouTube app.^[2]
   • If your TV model is considered a Roku TV or Amazon Fire TV model, see the Roku or Amazon Fire TV method for more specific information about your TV.
2. Select the YouTube app on your TV. Look for the red-and-white YouTube icon with a white triangle on your TV's or gaming console's app screen. Opening the app will bring you to a Sign In screen.
   
   • If you don't already have the app, you'll have to download it from your TV's or gaming console's app store. For example, if you have a PlayStation 4, you can download YouTube from the PlayStation Store app.
3. Sign in to YouTube. This allows you to access your favorite videos, save new favorites, and more. To sign in, use one of the three options on the screen (they may vary by device):
   
   • Select Sign in with your mobile device to use the YouTube app on your phone or tablet to sign in.^[3] You'll need to use your phone or tablet that has the YouTube app installed, and it'll need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV or console. Once selected, open the YouTube app on your phone or tablet and follow the on-screen instructions to sign in.
   • Select Sign in on your TV to use the on-screen keyboard to log in with your Google account.
   • Select Sign in with a web browser to use a browser on any computer, phone, or tablet connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV. Once selected, go to https://youtube.com/activate in your web browser and enter the code displayed on the TV to confirm.
4. Start watching videos. Now that you're signed in, use your smart TV's remote control or game controller to select a video. You can use the same remote control to pause and skip around, as well as browse additional videos.
   

[Edit]Using a Chromecast

1. Find out if Chromecast is right for you. Chromecast is one of the easiest ways to stream YouTube to your TV. You don't need a smart TV to use Chromecast—you can simply plug a small device into an HDMI port on your TV and "cast" YouTube from your phone, tablet, or computer. To use a Chromecast, you'll need:
   
   • A TV with an available HDMI port.
   • A Google Chromecast, which typically costs about $30 USD.
   • Wireless internet in your home. Both your Chromecast and the device you're streaming from must be on the same network to use Chromecast.
   • An Android, iPhone, or iPad with the YouTube app and Google Home app. If you want to stream YouTube from a computer, install the Google Chrome web browser.
2. Set up your Chromecast. Once you have a Chromecast, the setup process is easy. You'll need to plug the Chromecast into an HDMI port and a power source, and then use your phone or tablet to get the Chromecast online.
   
3. Open the YouTube app on your phone or tablet. Now that your Chromecast is set up, it's time to start casting YouTube videos. You'll find the app on your home screen, in the app list, or by searching.
   
   • If you want to cast YouTube from a web browser on a computer, open the Google Chrome web browser on the computer and navigate to https://www.youtube.com.
   • If your phone or tablet isn't already connected to the same Wi-Fi as your Chromecast, make sure to connect it to that network now.
4. Tap the Cast icon . It's at the top of the YouTube app and looks like a rectangle with three curved lines at its lower-left corner. YouTube will scan for Chromecasts to cast to.
   
   • If you're using Google Chrome, click the three dots ⋮ near the top-right corner of Chrome and select Cast to start scanning.
5. Select your Chromecast. It may have a generic name, like "Living Room TV," or you may have entered a more creative one during setup. Whatever it's called, tap or click the name now—you'll see YouTube on your TV screen!
   
   • If you don't see your Chromecast, make sure your phone, tablet, or computer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the Chromecast. You can also try opening and closing the app again, or turning your TV off and back on.
6. Start watching a video. Unlike with a smart TV, you'll select, start, pause, and search for videos using the YouTube app on your phone, tablet, or in Google Chrome. You can control the volume this way as well, but you'll usually also be able to take care of that part with your TV's remote.
   

[Edit]Using Apple TV

1. Turn on your Apple TV and navigate to the home screen. If you have an Apple TV, you can use it to start watching YouTube videos using the official Apple TV YouTube app as long as you're using a 3rd, 4th, or later generation model.^[4] If you have a 1st or 2nd generation Apple TV, see the Using Apple AirPlay method.
   
   • For help installing your Apple TV, see How to Install an Apple TV.
2. Open the YouTube app. It's the red-and-white icon that says "YouTube" inside on your home screen. If you don't have the YouTube app, you'll need to install it from the App Store. Here's how:
   
   • Open the App Store, which is the blue-and-white "A" icon on your Apple TV home screen.^[5]
   • Search for YouTube by selecting the magnifying glass icon at the top-right corner and typing into the search bar.
   • Select YouTube from the search results. Make sure not to select "YouTube TV," as that's a subscription-based version of YouTube with different options.
   • Select Get, and then Get again to confirm. When YouTube is ready, the "Get" button will change to "Open."
3. Sign in to your YouTube (Google) account. There are three different ways to sign in:
   
   • Select Sign in with your mobile device to use the YouTube app on your phone or tablet to sign in.^[6] This is great if you don't want to have to type a username and password. Once selected, open the YouTube app and follow the on-screen instructions to confirm.
   • Select Sign in on your TV to use the on-screen keyboard to log in. This is self-explanatory—just enter your username and password to log in as displayed on the screen.
   • Select Sign in with a web browser to use a browser on any computer, phone, or tablet connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Apple TV. Once selected, navigate to https://youtube.com/activate in your web browser and enter the code displayed on the TV to confirm.
4. Select a video to start watching. Unlike when you're streaming from a phone, tablet, or computer, you can use your Apple TV's remote control to select, start, pause, and search for videos in YouTube.
   

[Edit]Using Amazon Fire TV

1. Decide whether this is the right method for you. Amazon Fire TV makes it very easy to watch YouTube on your TV screen, even if you don't have a smart TV. Here's how you can figure out whether this is the right choice for you:
   
   • Some smart TVs come with Fire TV already installed—if you have a TV that's an Amazon Fire TV model (check the packaging or look up your model online), use this method! You won't even need to buy anything extra.
   • If your TV is not a Fire TV edition, you can buy an Amazon Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Stick Lite, or Fire TV Stick 4K. The cheapest option is the Fire TV Stick Lite, which costs about $30 USD. Unlike the Chromecast, the Fire TV stick comes with its own remote control and has its own interface, including pre-installed apps and the Amazon Appstore. It connects to your HDMI port and requires you to have Wi-Fi internet.
2. Install and set up your Fire TV. If your TV has Fire TV built in already, you can skip this step. If you're setting up a Fire TV Stick:
   
   • Plug the Fire TV Stick into an available HDMI port on your TV, and then connect it to a power source.^[7]
   • Put batteries into your Fire TV remote if you haven't already.
   • Turn on the TV and switch the input to the HDMI port.
   • If the remote isn't paired yet, press and hold the Home button, and then follow the on-screen instructions on the TV screen to pair.
   • Use the remote to connect your Fire TV Stick to your Wi-Fi network. Once you're connected, you'll arrive to the main screen.
3. Select the menu. It's in the menu that runs along the top of the screen.
   
4. Select the YouTube app. Use the arrow buttons on your remote to scroll to YouTube (it's near the top). Select it by pressing the center button on your remote control.
   
5. Select . Once the download is complete, the app will be added to your main app list. The "Get" button will also change to "Open."
   
6. Open the YouTube app. You can select Open if you're still in the Appstore, or return to the home screen to select it from there. A sign-in screen will appear with a numeric code.
   
7. Log in to YouTube. To log in, you'll need to verify the numeric code on your TV using a web browser on a computer, phone, or tablet. To do this:
   
   • Open a web browser and navigate to https://www.youtube.com/activate. If you're not signed in, you'll be prompted to do so now.
   • Enter the code from the TV and click Next.
   • Select Allow access in your browser. In a few moments, the traditional YouTube screen will appear on your TV.
   • If prompted to select a YouTube account on your TV, use the remote control to select one.
8. Start watching videos. Now that you're all set up, use your Amazon Fire TV remote to navigate to and select a YouTube video to start watching. If you'd like, you can also use Alexa voice commands, like "Alexa, fast forward 30 seconds" or "Alexa, pause."
   

[Edit]Using Apple AirPlay

1. Determine whether this is the best method for you. If you have an Apple TV (3rd, 4th, and later generations), you probably won't want to use this method—it's easiest to use the Using Apple TV method, as all of those models support the YouTube app. However, if any of the following statements are true for you, you should use AirPlay:
   
   • You have a 1st or 2nd generation Apple TV, and an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
   • You don't have an Apple TV but your TV is AirPlay compatible (and you have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac). To be sure, look up your exact TV model to see if it works with AirPlay.^[8] Although if your TV supports AirPlay, you can probably just use its built-in interface to watch YouTube on the TV's YouTube app. Check out the Using a Smart TV or Gaming Console method for more on that.
   • You have a recent model of Apple TV but don't want to (or can't) install the YouTube app (and you have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac).
2. Connect your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV. This is necessary for using AirPlay.
   
3. Open YouTube on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. It's the red-and-white app that says "YouTube" in your phone or tablet's app list. If you're using a Mac, open Safari and navigate to https://www.youtube.com.
   
4. Start playing a video. Clicking or tapping a video should begin playing it immediately.
   
5. Tap or click the AirPlay or casting icon. This will tell YouTube to search for AirPlay-capable devices. Here's how:
   
   • iPhone or iPad: Tap the video once to bring up the controls, and then tap the casting icon (a rectangle with 3 curved lines at its bottom-left corner) at the top. It's the Google Chromecast icon simply because YouTube is a Google app. Then, select AirPlay and Bluetooth devices to start scanning.
   • On a Mac, hover the mouse cursor over the video so the controls appear, and then click the AirPlay icon (a rectangle with an upward-pointing triangle inside) to scan for AirPlay.
6. Select your AirPlay-enabled TV or Apple TV. You can do this by tapping or clicking its name in the list. This will immediately cast the YouTube video to your TV over AirPlay.
   
   • You'll use your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to browse for and control videos in YouTube even while projected to your TV. You can still use your TV's remote control to adjust the volume as needed.

[Edit]Using Roku

1. Turn on your Roku TV or device. If you have a TV with Roku built-in or a Roku streaming device like the Roku Express, Premiere, or Streambar, you can easily watch YouTube videos by adding the YouTube channel to your home screen.
   
   • If your TV isn't internet-capable, you can use a Roku streaming device to convert it into a smart TV. Roku streaming devices are affordable and easy to set up. To learn about the different Roku models, check out https://www.roku.com/products/players.
2. Press the Home button on your Roku remote control. It's the button with an icon of a house. This displays your home screen.^[9]
   
3. Scroll up or down and select . This opens the Roku Channel Store.
   
4. Search for YouTube in the "Search Channels" area. When YouTube appears in the search results, press the OK button to select it.
   
5. Select on the YouTube page. YouTube will now download and install to your Roku.
   
   • You may be required to verify your Roku PIN to start the download.
6. Return to the home screen and open the YouTube app. Once YouTube is installed, you can select its red-and-white icon from the channel list on the home screen. Since it was installed most recently, it'll be at the bottom of the list.
   
7. Sign in to YouTube. When you open the YouTube app, you'll see a numeric code on the screen. To sign in, you'll have to verify that code in a web browser on a computer, phone, or tablet. Here's how:
   
   • In any browser, go to https://www.youtube.com/activate and sign in to your YouTube/Google account.
   • Enter the TV code into the blank and click Next.
   • Click Allow access and wait for YouTube to open on your TV. You may be prompted to select a YouTube account on your TV—if so, use your Roku remote to do so.
8. Select a video to start watching. Use the arrow keys to browse, and OK to select a video. Enjoy your videos!
   

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• If you don't want to use any of these methods, you can connect your computer to your TV using an HDMI cable to use your TV as a monitor. This allows you to watch YouTube videos on your television using your computer’s web browser.
• Launch the Web browser on your Smart TV and navigate to YouTube’s official website if you don’t want to activate the YouTube app itself. This is the ideal workaround for individuals who don’t want their Smart TVs linked to their Google Accounts.
• The comment section is not available on TV.

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/3015415?hl=en
2. ↑ https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/3153576?hl=en
3. ↑ https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6094411?hl=en
4. ↑ https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6094411?hl=en&ref_topic=9257587
5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/tv/purchase-and-download-apps-atvb8124f0a7/tvos
6. ↑ https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6094411?hl=en
7. ↑ https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G32KYQ2NQA9YVGQW
8. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208728
9. ↑ https://support.roku.com/article/208756388

How to Use Retinol

Learn how to incorporate retinol into your skincare routine and manage potential side effects

Trying to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles? Or do you want to get rid of acne or dark spots on your face? If you want clear, healthy skin and anti-aging effects all in one, then retinol cream or serum is the perfect solution for you. This form of vitamin A helps refresh your skin to remove blemishes, but there are a few tricks to apply it properly and keep your skin safe. With our quick and easy-to-follow guide, you’ll easily be able to include retinol in your daily skincare routine!

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• Apply retinol cream at night before you go to bed so it has the most time to absorb into your skin.
• Wash your face with gentle face wash and warm water. Let your skin dry for 30 minutes to prevent irritation from the retinol.
• Rub a pea-sized amount of retinol cream into clean, dry skin. Work the retinol in using gentle upward and outward strokes.
• ​​Use retinol every 2–3 days, and increase the frequency if you don’t have redness or irritation. Wear SPF 30 sunscreen to keep your skin protected after using it.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Application

1. Get 0.2% retinol cream to start at a low concentration. Retinol is pretty powerful, but higher concentrations can dry out your skin if you’re not used to it. Choose a retinol cream with the lowest concentration the first time you add it to your skincare routine so you’re less likely to cause unwanted irritation. As your skin gets used to using retinol, you can try a higher concentration instead.^[1]
   
   • Retinol creams are also available at prescription strength, but only use them if your dermatologist recommends them since they can cause more irritation.
2. Apply retinol at night. Sunlight makes vitamin A in retinol less effective, so applying it before you go to bed helps you get the full effects of the cream. Since you don’t have to wash the retinol off after you put it on, you can let it absorb into your skin overnight while you’re sleeping.^[2]
   
   • Develop a regular skincare routine at night so you don’t forget to apply retinol.
3. Wash your face and wait 30 minutes for your skin to dry. Use a gentle facial soap and warm water to get rid of any dirt and oil so you have a clean face. Pat your face dry with a towel, and then let your skin completely air-dry.^[3]
   
   • Avoid using retinol when you have wet skin since it could cause more skin irritation.
   • Treat under-eye wrinkles with eye cream instead since your skin there is more sensitive and retinol may irritate it.^[4]
4. Rub a pea-sized amount of retinol into your skin. Squeeze the retinol out onto your fingertip and dab it lightly over your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. After that, start working the retinol cream into your skin. Keep the cream away from te corners of your eyes and the corners of your mouth since it could build up and cause more irritation there.^[5]
   
   • Avoid using more retinol than you need to since you could make your skin feel irritated and red.
   • You do not need to wash retinol off after you apply it.
5. Follow up with a moisturizer after about 20 minutes. As soon as the retinol absorbs into your skin, take a fingertip-sized amount of moisturizer and rub it into your skin. Since vitamin A makes your skin feel dry, moisturizer will help keep it protected and hydrated while the retinol works its magic.^[6]
   
6. Use retinol every 2 or 3 days when you first add it to your routine. As the retinol absorbs into your skin, it helps promote collagen growth and cell turnover, so it can cause a little bit of peeling. Give yourself a few days to see how your skin reacts to the retinol, and wait until you don’t have any redness or irritation before you use it again.^[7]
   
   • If you have sensitive skin, wait a full week before you use retinol products again.
7. Work up to daily use over the next few weeks. As your skin gets used to retinol, you won’t notice as much irritation or flaking on your skin. Rather than waiting every few days, try using retinol every other day and check how your skin reacts. If there are still no signs of irritation, you’re safe to use retinol every night.^[8]
   
   • It may take a few weeks or months for noticeable results from retinol. Just stay persistent and continue using it if it’s not causing any irritation. As long as you keep using retinol correctly, you can control acne and minimize your pores.^[9]
   • Continue using retinol even after you get rid of acne to help new breakouts from coming in.

[Edit]Managing Side Effects

1. Protect your skin from the sun during the day. Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet rays from the sun, so you’ll get sunburn a lot faster when you’re outside. Since you don’t want to damage your skin as new cells turn over, stay in the shade, apply SPF 30 sunscreen, wear long clothes, or put on a big, wide-brimmed hat to prevent sunburn.^[10]
   
   • If you have sensitive skin, use a sunscreen that has titanium dioxide or zinc oxide for even more protection.
   • Even if you aren’t going outside, apply [lotion with added SPF] to keep your skin protected from future dark spots and sun damage.
2. Cut back on using retinol if you have red or irritated skin. It’s completely normal for retinol to make your skin red and flake for the first couple of days as new skin cells come in. However, too much retinol can dry out your skin and make it feel raw to the touch. If you started using retinol more frequently, then reduce how often you use it during the week until your skin heals. If you’re still getting irritation, then you may need to use a lower concentration.^[11]
   
   • If you’re already using the lowest-concentration retinol you can find and you’re still getting irritation, stop using it as part of your skincare routine and contact a doctor or dermatologist to find alternative solutions.
3. Try applying 1% hydrocortisone over irritated skin for instant relief. Take a bead-sized amount of hydrocortisone cream and gently rub it into your skin.^[12] Use the hydrocortisone twice a day to help treat any itchy or red skin caused by the retinol.^[13]
   
   • Stop using hydrocortisone as soon as your skin heals since using it continuously can cause your skin to get thinner.
4. Avoid using retinol with other acids or exfoliants to prevent redness. Stay away from using alpha or beta hydroxy acids, as well as salicylic and glycolic acids, as part of your skincare routine if you’re using retinol. Since retinol is already pretty powerful, exfoliating products like vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and scrubs will only make your skin more red or irritated before it has a chance to heal.^[14]
   
   • Avoid using retinol when you do a chemical peel since it will dry out your skin as it tries to heal.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Warnings

• Avoid using topical retinol if you’re pregnant since high concentrations could be harmful to your baby.^[15]

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Reduce Puffy Eyes

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.vogue.in/beauty/content/right-application-method-for-retinol-best-retinol-products-to-buy
2. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/retinoid-retinol
3. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/face/treat-large-pores
4. ↑ https://www.vogue.in/beauty/content/right-application-method-for-retinol-best-retinol-products-to-buy
5. ↑ https://youtu.be/XhPndYGWEao?t=118
6. ↑ [v161677_b01]. 11 January 2021.
7. ↑ https://www.aad.org/news/prevent-premature-skin-aging
8. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/retinol-for-acne
9. ↑ [v161677_b01]. 11 January 2021.
10. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/retinoid-retinol
11. ↑ https://youtu.be/XhPndYGWEao?t=237
12. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2699641/
13. ↑ https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/steroid-creams-can-help-with-skin-inflammation-but-are-not-a-cure/
14. ↑ https://www.vogue.in/beauty/content/right-application-method-for-retinol-best-retinol-products-to-buy
15. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2699641/