How does retinol works? Find it out here!
RETINOL – When it comes to skincare, retinol has quite a reputation and here are some things to know about this.
Among the famous ingredients in many skin care products is retinol – the over-the-counter (OTC) version of retinoids. It is derived from vitamin A. This ingredient is best known for its capacity to prevent signs of aging and treat acne.
While it has quite a good reputation, not all of us are exactly sure how it works and what it really does.
The main benefits of using this are the following:
- increase cell turnover
- boost collagen production
- regulate oil production
There are limits as to who can use this. Women who are pregnant and planning to be pregnant are not advised to use this. Those who are nursing and people with eczema or rosacea are also not allowed to use this.
It works well with hydrating cleansers, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides. Maryann Mikhail, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, clarified that this ingredient is not an exfoliant. It is an antioxidant.
For it to be effective, it has to go through two steps: conversion to retinaldehyde and to active form retinoic acid.
“Using a well-formulated and stable product with retinol will visibly reduce the appearance of sun damage, brown spots, lines, wrinkles, and large pores. It can stimulate the metabolism of skin cells and encourage collagen production,” explains Renée Rouleau, an esthetician.
Here are the benefits:
- lessens signs of aging resulting in a more youthful skin
- improves skin texture since it can boost collagen production
- helps fade hyperpigmentation
- prevents pimple and acne breakouts
- helps repair damages caused by sun exposure
Meanwhile, some of its side effects include dryness, peeling, and irritation. It also doesn’t work well with harsh scrubs, astringents, toners, alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, and vitamin C.
And if you are using retinol and are planning to have a facial, laser treatment, chemical peel, waxing, or sun exposure, you must stop using it a week prior.
Here are some tips from experts based on a post from Byrdie on using this:
- Follow this simple routine: gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen in the morning and gentle cleanser, retinol, and moisturizer at night.
- Start by applying it once or twice a week on non-consecutive nights. Observe how your skin reacts. If it can tolerate this antioxidant, over time, gradually work out the application. The effects won’t be instant and give yourself enough time to adjust to it.
- When applying, get a pea-sized amount and remember the five points in the face: forehead, nose, each cheek, and chin. Get another pea-sized amount for the neck and décolletage.
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