Retinol has become a buzzword in the skincare industry during recent years. It has found its way into every skincare serum on the market. Yet, a lot is still yet to be known about it. We’ve put together a simple guide for using the ingredient effectively and how it works on the skin.
What Is Retinol?
Although the proper umbrella term is “retinoid”, retinol is most frequently used to refer to all retinol products. They are derived from vitamin A and belong to the same family. Their concentration differentiates them from each other. The most potent prescription-strength retinoid is retinoic acid (Retin-A or Tretinoin), and it’s used to treat acne and wrinkles. Our skin already has retinoic acid in its “bioavailable” form, meaning our skin cells can use it directly, unlike all other retinoids that need to be converted once they reach our skin. They include Retinaldehyde, retinol, and retinol esters in order of strength.
How Does Retinol Work?
Retinoids work by making the skin surface cells rapidly divide and turnover so that new skin cells can form underneath. They prevent collagen from breaking down and strengthen the deeper layer of skin, where wrinkles initially appear. In the initial several weeks of use, they often produce peeling and redness but thicken the skin, contrary to common myth that retinol use makes the skin thinner. Retinoids slough off brown spots that cause the skin to have an uneven tone and stop the synthesis of melanin, which is a darker pigment.
What Are The Benefits of Retinol?
Retinol has various advantages and here are top fourprimary reasons:
1 – Treatment For Acne
Retinol clears skin and prevents the formation of new breakouts by unclogging pores. Ultimately, you will also end up with fewer acne scars because less acnes are being formed. Additionally, retinol can make other prescription creams and gels work better, enabling you to benefit fully from all your skin therapies.
2 – Retinol Can Prevent Signs of Aging
Retinol is one of the most researched and scientifically-approved anti-aging compounds to prevent wrinkle formation by promoting collagen production. Tretinoin was first promoted as an anti-acne medication in the 1970s, but it soon became known to have powerful anti-aging properties.
3 – Retinol Can Help Even Out Skin Tone
Retinol has several interesting properties, one of which is its ability to increase skin cell turnover, which has an “exfoliating” effect. This gives a newer, lighter, more even-toned skin with higher amounts of collagen and elastin.
4 – Retinol Can Be Purchased With Or Without A Prescription
Over-the-counter retinol is usually sufficient for most people to get started. The smaller doses have a lower risk of irritation and gives the skin time to adapt to the new chemical. Similarly, smaller doses of retinol have fewer side effects when compared to retinoic acid which has a prescription strength. The disadvantage is that it can take more time to see visible results. Consult Eye Candy Vision and Beauty Clinic if you are not sure on how to start using retinols.
Use of Retinol for Acne
Before incorporating retinol into your regimen, speak with an expert if you currently use other topical anti-acne medications to prevent irritation.
Add retinol gradually to your routine: Retinol is not different from other active ingredients because your skin takes time to adjust. Apply only every other night at first. A solid rule of thumb is that the more irritated your skin is, the less you should apply. If your skin reacts favorably, you can begin using retinol every night. .
What Are The Side Effects of Retinol?
Not everyone benefited equally from retinoids. Retinol should be avoided if you have rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis. Retinol overdose occurs easily. When you do that, your skin will look like sandpaper and may also start peeling and flaking, feeling itchy and appearing red. Take note of what your skin can tolerate.
The Golden Rule of Retinol: Use Sunscreen
It’s important to apply SPF when using retinoids. Retinoids can make skin more photosensitive. Therefore, while using this product, always use a mineral based, broad-spectrum sunscreen the next morning. Just so you can understand how your skin reacts and establish the habit of applying SPF every morning (if you don’t already), you might want to start using a retinol product before the height of summer if you’re just getting started.
Don’t Be Afraid To Harness The Power of Retinol!
Retinol is a fantastic option if you want to get rid of acne, slow the effects of aging, or have a skin that glows. Reach out to us today at Eye Candy Vision and Beauty Clinic, Arcadia to learn more about the potential of retinol and discuss your treatment options.
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