Few beauty products will make an impact on your beauty regime like retinol. These wonder product addresses so many different skin concerns and can easily be incorporated into your morning and evening steps. Retinol serum for your skin has been around for a long time, but in recent years it has really exploded onto the beauty scene and is now a pretty commonly known and owned product. If you have yet to use retinol, let’s get to the bottom of what it actually does for your skin.
What is Retinol?
Retinol is another name for Vitamin A. those who have a Vitamin A deficiency will know all about retinol, but it is more commonly tied to skincare. Like many other effective skincare ingredients, retinol (Vitamin A) is also found in some food, such as green and yellow vegetables, fish oils, and egg yolk. Retinol is quite a potent skincare product and is only used by women who are 25 years old and older. One of the core properties that make retinol so popular is the way it increases skin cell production. Retinol is applied after cleansers and before moisturizers and night creams.
What does Retinol do?
In addition to increasing skin cell production, retinol can also be highly effective in unclogging pores. The potency of retinol is an effective agitator and exfoliant, and after regular use, there will be a reduction in wrinkles and fine lines. As we age, our skin loses that elasticity and fresh look and feel, which makes retinol a great solution to regenerate new skin cells and add that deliciously plump skin back to our face and neck. Some retinol users will notice a difference after only a few uses, while others will not see improvement in their skin for months. Everyone’s skin is different so stick with your routine and assess after one month of use.
Is Retinol Safe for My Skin?
You cannot speak about the popularity of retinol without mentioning the fear and trepidation that some beauty newbies have about using retinol. The term ‘retinol face’ or ‘Vitamin A’ face will come to mind for those who have ever been heavy-handed on the application or have used a higher percentage than their skin was ready for. Retinol is safe but you should start with a very low dosage and a skin care product that has other calming and moisturizing agents in the formula to soothe your skin. Look at adding niacinamide to your routine if you require extra moisture and the retinol is drying you out.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised that you do not use retinol during this time. There are some studies that suggest that retinol can impact a child, and while those studies are limited – it is not worth the risk! If you have very, very sensitive skin then you may wish to work with a skin clinician so you reduce the chance of causing harm.
Does all Retinol do the same thing for Your Skin?
If you have ever purchased retinol before or looked for recommendations online, you will see just how confusing it is to select the right retinol. There are three types of retinol and they are:
Retinol: this is the most commonly known and used retinol, it is what is found in most cosmetics. The percentage may be higher or lower in this retinol.
Retinoids: you have to have a prescription to receive retinoids, and they will be issued to you by a pharmacist. One thing to note is that the instructions, ingredients, and packaging may not be as helpful as a branded product will be because it is issued by a doctor, so be sure to listen to which usage dose they suggest.
Retinaldehyde: this is also known as retinal, this is stronger than retinol but not as strong as some of the potent retinoids. You don’t want to confuse this with retinol and find you are taking a higher dose, although Retinaldehydes are great for stimulating new cell generation.
If you were to choose one ingredient to have for the rest of your life, retinol would probably be one we recommend. It has exfoliating and anti-aging properties and can work to reverse sun damage and dark spots. Be sure to research the right brand for your skin before trying one out.