Curious about whether retinol could be a beneficial addition to your skincare routine? Learn more about this key ingredient here!
Retinol is one of the best-known skincare ingredients on the market. An over-the-counter version of retinoids, retinol is derived from vitamin A and is primarily used to treat mature-looking skin concerns as well as acne.
That said, retinols are not the same products as prescription retinoids, which are more powerful and are made out of all-trans retinoic acid. However, retinol is still the strongest non-prescription version available, compared with more gentle retinoids such as retinaldehyde and retinyl palmitate.
Retinol is a type of retinoid, which is made from vitamin A. The small molecules that make up retinol go deep beneath the epidermis (outer layer of skin) to your dermis.
Once in this middle layer of skin, retinol helps neutralize free radicals. This helps boost the production of elastin and collagen, which creates a “plumping” effect that can reduce the appearance of:
~fine lines
~enlarged pores
~wrinkles
While retinol is also sometimes used to help treat acne as well as related scarring, severe acne is usually treated via a prescription retinoid along with other medications that help target inflammation and bacteria.
Finally, retinol has an exfoliating effect on the skin’s surface that can help improve texture and tone.
Retinol is primarily used to treat the following skin conditions:
~fine lines
~wrinkles
~sun spots and other signs of sun damage, sometimes called photoaging
~uneven skin texture
~melasma and other types of hyperpigmentation
To achieve the best results from your retinol-containing skincare product, try using it every day. It may take several weeks until you see significant improvements. It is better to use a lesser strength that you can use regularly and build up gradually. In the beginning, you may experience dry and irritated skin, especially after using a new product. Other side effects may include:
~redness
~itchiness
~peeling skin
~ allergic reaction (rare)
It’s also a good idea to do a “skin test.” This is when you put a small amount of the product on your inner forearm for several days to make sure you don’t react before applying it to your face
In conclusion, retinols are a must-have skincare product, retinol is the most accessible form of retinoids, as well as the best choice for most people’s skin. Keep in mind that it can take a few months of constant use before you see results.