Retinol – A Powerful Skincare Ingredient
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A, an ingredient that is used in skincare products that helps in dealing with acne, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. Retinol is also found in food like eggs, fish, dairy products, and other supplements and is essential for immune function, vision, cellular, and reproductive development. Retinol has become a popular skincare ingredient in the past few years because of its ability to increase cellular turnover, fade pigmentation, and improve the texture of the skin. Retinol and retinoic acid belong to a family of compounds known as retinoids.
HOW DOES RETINOL WORK?
The molecules that make up retinol penetrate deep beneath the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin that protects the body from the outside world) to your dermis (the middle layer of skin). Once in the dermis, retinol helps neutralize free radicals in the middle layer of your skin, boosting the production of elastin and collagen that creates a plumping effect on the skin that reduces the appearances of fine lines, enlarged pores, and wrinkles. Retinol is also used to treat acne and acne scars; severe acne is treated with prescription retinoids. It is also helpful in improving the texture of the skin by gently exfoliating the skin’s surface.
According to a study in the “National Library of Medicine,” retinol has the ability to effectively improve skin tone, unclog pores, and reduce wrinkles. A stabilized retinol formulation can significantly improve the signs of photoaging (skin damage due to UV rays and chronic exposure to sunlight), and improvements in photodamage continue with prolonged use.
HOW TO USE RETINOL?
Retinol is a powerful ingredient in skincare, but one has to be careful while applying it because it can cause irritation if used too frequently or incorrectly.
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Skin cell turnover is a natural but slow process, and Retinol speeds it up. That can lead to an abrupt disruption in the skin barrier, resulting in dryness, redness, and peeling. It can make skin more sensitive, especially if retinol is applied too frequently. It is recommended, as a beginner, to only use retinol once a week, and then once your skin builds tolerance, you can use it two to three times a week, but not more than that. Retinol should not be used daily.
Retinol is sensitive to sunlight and can cause sunburn, so it should be applied at night on clean and dry skin. It is recommended to wait thirty minutes after washing your face to apply retinol, and it should always be followed by a good hydrating and non-comedogenic moisturizer, as retinol can cause dryness. Retinol should not be used with strong acids like AHAs, BHAs, and Vitamin C, as that can lead to skin irritation. Hydrating acids like Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, and Glycerin are safe to use with Retinol. Always wear sunscreen during the day if you have included retinol in your skincare.
WHEN TO USE RETINOL?
The primary benefit of retinol is to battle against signs of aging, which become more noticeable later in life, so dermatologists usually recommend including retinol during your mid-20s and early 30s. While there is no strict age limit, retinol should not be used too young because the skin is thinner, still developing, and can be more sensitive. The skin’s protective barrier is still developing when you are young, and using retinol can disrupt that process. If you have specific concerns about your skin when young, especially severe acne, you can consult a dermatologist about using retinol.
SIDE EFFECTS OF RETINOL
Topical retinol is generally safe to use when applied correctly, but it will not necessarily suit everyone. If you have extremely sensitive skin or are prone to allergies, retinol can make your skin more sensitive, dry, and even cause purging. Always consult a dermatologist before including retinol in your skincare, start with a lower concentration of the product, and follow the proper steps to apply it to avoid any long-lasting damage.
Retinol can take a little time to show results, but it is one of the most powerful ingredients that has proven to combat a lot of skin concerns. It significantly increases skin cell turnover, leading to a brighter and smoother complexion. It is also one of the few ingredients that can stimulate collagen production, helping you gain plumper and more radiant skin.
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