Retinol 101: Why Dermatologists Love It

If you are into skincare or have a basic skincare routine, you have undoubtedly heard of retinol lately. It seems like it just came out of nowhere, and from then on, it is the focal point of skin products, skincare tips, and bloggers' content. If you still don’t understand the power of retinol, I am here to give you a dose of information as to why retinol is amazing!

Let's go!

What is Retinol?

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that falls under the wider category of retinoids. It treats various skin issues, from fine lines and wrinkles to dark spots and acne. When applied to the skin, it promotes cell turnover and prevents the clogging of pores, which not only defends against blemishes but also helps all of your other skincare products penetrate and work better.

You may think retinol is new in town, but it received its initial approval in the 70s for treating acne. 

How Does Retinol Work?

There are several levels and methods of action for retinol. Retinol promotes cell turnover and prevents pore blockage. Retinol causes skin cells to shed and flip over to show the healthy skin beneath, encouraging cell turnover. Acne is prevented by maintaining clean pores, which are achieved by speeding up cell regeneration. By reducing and eliminating hyperpigmentation, popularly known as dark patches, cell turnover also aids in balancing skin tone.

Retinol has several advantages, one of which is that it boosts collagen synthesis. Collagen is abundantly produced by the body, supporting the development of young, plump skin. As a result, at the age of 25, collagen synthesis starts to drop.

Is Retinol Safe for All Skin Types?

Retinol is safe for the skin. It is frequently cited as one of the best substances to prevent aging skin. Minor adverse reactions, including redness and itching, are possible with retinol. However, these adverse effects disappear within a few weeks when the skin adjusts to cell turnover.

People with sensitive or dry skin are advised to start with a lower concentration of retinol, such as 0.25 percent, and work their way up. Apply a modest dose of retinol 2-3 times per week if you are just starting to take it to help your tolerance develop. 

Retinol is safe for all skin colors. Those with dark and light skin tones can benefit from retinol in treating hyperpigmentation and dark patches. To give the skin time to adjust to the pace of cell turnover, it is crucial to begin using retinol at a lower dosage.

Benefits of Retinol

#1 Clearing Acne

Are your acne symptoms resistant to treatment? You may just require retinol. The most known benefit of retinol is acne treatment. Retinol clears skin and stops new breakouts from occurring by unclogging pores. Naturally, fewer acne scars will be the outcome of less acne. Additionally, retinoids can enhance the effects of other prescription creams and gels, enabling you to benefit fully from all of your current therapies.

#2 Fighting Aging

Retinol is one of the most popular and thoroughly researched anti-aging compounds so that you can relax. Tretinoin was first promoted as an anti-acne medication in the 1970s, but it soon became clear that it also had powerful anti-aging properties.

#3 Evening Skin Tone

Retinol has a number of interesting properties, one of which is its ability to increase skin cell turnover, which has a kind of "exfoliating" effect. New, lighter, more even-toned skin with higher amounts of collagen and elastin replaces dull, dry skin. Stronger, smoother, and with fewer overall flaws is the thicker skin. As a result, retinol can have radiating effects on skin that is largely "problem-free."

How to Choose the Right Retinol Product for Your Skin

There are several strengths of retinol. I advise beginning with a 0.25 to 0.5 strength and using it two to three times per week. Avoid using Retin-A products, which are significantly more potent than retinol.

An over-the-counter retinol product should be sufficient for most people to get started. With a lesser risk of irritation, the smaller dosage enables the skin to adjust to the substance. Additionally, retinol at these lower levels has fewer negative effects than retinoic acid at prescription strength. The downside is that it can take longer to see tangible benefits. Consult your dermatologist or plastic surgeon if you are unsure about the dosage that is necessary.

Alpha C, is the ultimate vitamin C & retinol serum to add to your skincare routine and start enjoying the benefits of retinol and vitamin c to your skin!

When Should You Use Retinol?

Although there is no ideal or inappropriate age to start taking retinol, most doctors advise including it in your skin care regimen in your 20s. This mild product can be applied to the skin many times per week. Depending on your age, start once or twice a week, see how your skin reacts, and then increase the frequency. For instance, taking retinol three times per week when you're in your 30s, four times per week when you're in your 40s, and up to five times per week after you're 50 and your skin has adjusted.

Applying retinol is best done at night. It is maintained in dark packaging or packaging that blocks all light since it is susceptible to light. Apply retinol only at night to prevent unnecessary solar damage.

Pro Tip: Applying retinol to your skin after mixing it with your facial moisturizer might help your skin acclimatize to the retinol. If you have sensitive skin, this enables the retinol to be a bit kinder on your skin. You may eventually stop using moisturizer and just apply the retinol directly to your skin. Another alternative is to use your moisturizer as a barrier on your skin first, followed by your retinol.

Retinol is relatively easy to start using in your beauty regimen, especially as you become more aware of its benefits for your skin. Despite its advantages, many people might be reluctant to use retinol in their cosmetic regimens. They may be a bit uncertain about how to use it, interact with other products, or be concerned that it will make their skin more sensitive or dry. 

Now you know everything you need to add retinol to your skincare routine!