Ingredients like vitamin C and niacinamide deliver impressive results, but none are as reliable as retinol. It will soften wrinkles or effectively prevent their formation. It also exfoliates the skin and makes it look younger.
Dermatologists also recommend retinol to people with oily skin because it prevents the clogging of pores and clears the skin of acne. After several uses, it will even out your complexion and remove blemishes from hyperpigmentation or pimples. Retinol is not just for mature skin.
It improves skin tone and it is recommended to start preventive retinol use as early as your 20s. However, teenagers who have a problem with cystic acne will also feel the benefits. You will find this ingredient even in eye creams.
It is a real lifesaver for people who have dark circles, wrinkles, or other irregularities on this part of the face. It is loved by dermatologists since it gives incredible results in a short time. If you have never used retinol before, start as soon as possible, and the most important thing is to know how to choose the right product.
What is the difference between Retinol, Retinoids, and Retin-A?
The main difference is their molecular structure and the way they act on the skin. Retinol is vitamin A, but very often you will hear other names such as retinoid and retinoic acid. It may seem a little confusing to consumers, but you don’t have to worry about it because they all come from vitamin A.
However, having a similar name does not mean that it is the same ingredient. Retinol acid is a derivative of vitamin A and is found mainly in prescription drugs. They are also the most effective and aggressive form.
For example, dermatologists recommend it to people who have acne problems. The retinoids include all vitamin A derivatives that are used for the skin. The mildest form of retinoid is a combination of retinol and palmitic acid, known as retinyl palmitate.
Finally, we have retinol, which is most commonly used in products and you can buy it without a prescription. Today I will talk about what retinol is and how to use it properly.
What is Retinol?
Why is retinol often considered a magical substance? The answer is simple – it is believed that this vitamin can help with many skin problems. It belongs to the group of liposoluble vitamins (fat-soluble vitamins).
You will find the ingredient in foods of animal and plant origin, and it is also used in cosmetics. Vitamin A is very important for skin health and is an excellent active ingredient that can be used for various skin conditions and problems.
Aging of the skin is a natural process, and the replacement of cells from the surface layer of the skin slows down. Because of this, the face becomes rougher to the touch, and wrinkles are more visible. Retinol prevents the production of melanin, stimulates the production of collagen, and softens the skin, making it more pleasant to the touch.
It can change the behavior of aging cells that begin to look younger.
How to include retinol in your skin-care routine?
Buying the product and how to use it can be very confusing for a beginner. Regardless of your condition and age, you must gradually introduce retinol into your skincare routine.
I will try to explain the procedure as simple as possible. Think of it as candy. You will find a treat in the market that contains a lot of chocolate, and a small amount will probably be enough to satisfy your craving. The same is with retinol.
Beginners should always choose milder retinoids, which means that you will first pay attention to the percentage of the ingredient indicated on the packaging. In this way, you will mitigate the possibility of side effects such as skin peeling or irritation.
Don’t think that weaker retinol will have a poor effect. It will not disappear, it will just take a little more time until the results are visible. Only after you use up that product can you start with retinol. Use it every third night.
Once a little over a week has passed, introduce retinol every night if you haven’t experienced a side effect before. In case of irritation, dilute the use of the product.
How to properly use a product with retinol?
You will determine the appropriate strength according to your skin type. For example, retinyl palmitate is recommended for dry and sensitive skin while Retin aldehyde is recommended for normal skin. Oily skin is usually treated with adapalene or tretinoin, but this can only be prescribed by a dermatologist.
However, don’t overdo it. It is enough to apply a pea-sized amount of the product on clean and dry skin if it is a cream. If you bought a serum, use a very thin layer. Wait 20 minutes for the skin to absorb the product and then apply a light hydrating cream.
Pay attention to how you combine it with other strong active ingredients. Always use them in shifts. For example, use acid peels or regular peels on days when you are not on retinol.
The golden rule is to never skip the SPF, as retinoids are photosensitizing. This makes your skin sensitive to the sun. If you ignore this, you can very easily get hyperpigmentation spots.
We all know how difficult it is to get rid of them because they stick around for quite a long time. It is recommended that you use SPF 30 or higher every morning all year round.
Benefits
By using this ingredient, you improve the ability of intercellular communication. You can also regulate the size of the pores and even out the existing fine lines of the face.
Tired and lifeless skin will become brighter and smoother after prolonged use. The reason is peeling that takes place at the cellular level. I must mention that retinoids also regulate oily skin and sebum secretion.
All sun spots and hyperpigmentation disappear over time and you get an even complexion.
Side effects
If you are familiar with the rules of use, you should not feel any consequences. Dermatologists do not recommend the product to pregnant and lactating women because of the bad effect of vitamin A on children.
However, at some point, you will switch to a higher concentration of the ingredient or you will want faster results. When this happens, there is a chance for reactions to occur. They are completely safe and it is important to know the difference between them and irritation.
The process that takes place is called retinalization, and it includes symptoms such as mild redness, sensitivity, acne breakouts, or mild flaking. Such a reaction is natural since the skin needs some time to get used to it.
Remember that the product draws all that is bad to the surface of the skin. After this phase is over, you get a glowing face. It lasts at most two months.
If you experience dry skin and similar reactions, don’t give up because it means the product is working. Increase hydration and use creams that strengthen the skin barrier.
Conclusion:
To achieve great results, you need to use the ingredient for a long time and continuously. Since it changes your skin, with irregular use you will soon be back to your old self and nothing will happen. Too much will only cause the opposite effect, so dose carefully.
If you have dry and sensitive skin, feel free to apply a thin layer of hydrating serum or cream before retinol. This will prevent the product from being completely absorbed and will not cause you any irritation.
