With skincare being all the rage recently, new products and compounds have been emerging that promise to clear away those blemishes and give us flawless skin.
Retinol is one of those compounds, found on almost every dermatologist’s shelf and recommended by skincare enthusiasts from around the globe. Everyone seems to be reaping from the benefits of this magic product that vows to combat fine lines and return our youthful glow.
While the benefits of retinol in skincare are aplenty, there are a few essential things you need to know before you reach for that fancy-looking vial.
What is Retinol?
Let’s start with the basics. Retinol, retinoids, retinyl palmitate, and retinoic acid are all derivatives of vitamin A. Since vitamin A is a crucial nutrient to promote cell turnover in the body, these different retinol forms all work to promote skin renewal by getting rid of old, dead cells and growing new ones.
Often called the holy grail of skincare, retinol is a tried-and-tested product among skin enthusiasts who swear by its magical properties to heal and renew.
While also naturally produced by our bodies, adding it to your skincare routines can offer extra benefits.
What are its Skincare Benefits?
Retinol is a miracle ingredient that helps smoothen your skin, brighten, and even hydrate all in one. These properties make it that single product for getting it all done in your skincare.
Some other benefits of retinol include:
· Combating hyperpigmentation
· Treating acne
· Collagen production
· Reducing wrinkles, fine lines, and crow’s feet
· Thickening the dermis for healthier skin
The Best Age to Start Retinol Treatment
While it is a common belief that people should use retinol in their 30’s, the dermatologist-proven fact is that the best age is mid-20.
That is because, by the time you get to your thirties, your skin has already started losing its elasticity and showing signs of age. Prevention is always better than cure, and incorporating retinol in your 20’s will ensure that those fine lines don’t appear at all (instead of trying to get rid of them!).
The best way to use retinol is for three months religiously, then take a three-month break to ensure your skin doesn’t become immune to its effect.
The Right Way of Using Retinol
Retinols, if introduced suddenly, can cause irritation and even adverse reactions. To avoid this, always start slow and gentle.
Building up a tolerance to topical retinol in skincare is essential if you wish to enjoy its benefits. You should start with a tiny, pea-sized amount of a 0.01% or 0.03% retinol formula and determine its effect on your skin. Go with twice a week initially and slowly increase the frequency as your skin gets used to the compound.
Introduce retinol in your night-time skincare routine only and wait at least 30 minutes before applying any other products over it. Avoid the eye area at all costs!
At the End
Retinols, when used right, can be the answer to all your skincare prayers. However, you will need to give your skin some time to get used to the chemical. Always do a patch test on a less-sensitive part of your skin before applying anything on your face to avoid the formation of bumps, dry patches, and redness.