What Is Retinol?
Retinol is made from vitamin A and treats signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, and acne. However, there is a difference between retinol and retinoids. Retinols are a part of retinoids, but doctors or dermatologists usually prescribe retinoids. Retinols can be found over the counter and come in as high as 2%. Contrary to belief, retinol doesn’t get rid of dead skin cells. Instead, it goes to the dermis (middle layer of the skin) and helps to neutralize free radicals. As a result, it boosts elastin and collagen production, plumps the skin, and fills out fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores.
How To Use Retinol
A typical retinol skincare routine is to use a hydrating cleanser, dry your face, apply retinol, wait a few minutes for the retinol to sink in, and then apply a hydrating moisturizer. Remember that retinol is not photo-stable or sunlight-stable and should be used only at night. And you must wear sunscreen during the day because retinol could increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.
Another essential thing to keep in mind when you start to use retinol is that you should increase your usage slowly so that your skin doesn’t get irritated. So, it’s best to use retinol 2-3 times a week and then build up your tolerance to every other night and use it every day. When using retinol, you don’t need to use a large amount. You need a pea-size amount when using a serum or a thin layer when using a moisturizer.
Retinol works well with hydrating cleansers, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides. These ingredients won’t irritate your skin while using retinol. Instead, these ingredients are gentle enough to help the retinol work better. Don’t use retinol with aggressive scrubs, astringents, aha & BHA, benzoyl peroxide, and vitamin C. These ingredients will exfoliate the skin. Using it while using retinol could cause your skin to peel and become irritated.
How Long Until I See Results?
It would help if you were consistent with using retinol, and you should see results within a few weeks or about three months. However, if you want to see improvement in any existing wrinkles on your face, it takes about 12 weeks. For example, wrinkles on your neck and around your eyes take eight weeks.
Benefits Of Retinol
- Treat acne and acne scars
- Improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Reduce sun-damaged skin
- Reveal smoother skin
- Improve the appearance of pores
- Improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation
Side Effects
There are some side effects when it comes to using retinol. Some mild side effects are dry and irritated skin, redness, itchiness, and peeling skin. Some other severe side effects include blistering, stinging, swelling, discoloration of the skin, etc.
Have you tried retinol products? Which ones are your favorites? Comment below and let us know!