Everything you need to know about retinol
Dermatologists say that anyone who wants to start an anti-aging skincare routine should include some form of retinol product. The trick is to know your skin and what it can take. Understanding what to use and how often is the key to incorporating retinol into your routine.
Hailed by most dermatologists as one of the skincare superheroes of all time, retinol is one of the most effective ingredients in modern skincare (alongside SPF, of course).
It accelerates skin cell turnover, reduces inflammation, reduces hyperpigmentation, and stimulates collagen production, which helps to make skin smoother, firmer, and more radiant. In short, it is one of the best ingredients to use in all anti-aging skincare rituals.
Dermatologists say that anyone who wants to start an anti-aging skincare routine should include some form of retinol product. The trick is to know your skin and what it can take. Understanding what to use and how often is the key to incorporating retinol into your routine.
Table of content:
What is the difference between retinol and retinoids?
Can retinol be combined with other topical skincare products?
What is retinol?
First of all, what is retinol? Along with other retinoids, retinol is essentially a derivative of vitamin A - one of the key nutrients for promoting cell turnover in the body.
Retinol is well-researched as a key ingredient in skin care, reducing fine lines and wrinkles and slowing down the aging process.
It works deep inside the skin to stimulate cell renewal and get rid of dead cells, helping to stimulate the synthesis of natural collagen, so our skin looks plumper, smoother, firmer, and brighter, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is reduced.
Retinol, which acts similarly to vitamin C and is used to support the skin against free radical damage, stimulates healing and promotes cell renewal and repair at a deeper level.
Retinol is truly multifunctional as it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, smooths skin texture, and reduces pigmentation for a more even skin tone. And if that's not enough, it also helps fight acne.
What is the difference between retinol and retinoids?
Retinoids are a type of synthetic compound based on vitamin A, while retinol is the natural form of vitamin A. Retinoids are often more potent and effective than retinol, but they are also more expensive and can have more side effects. Retinol is generally suitable for all skin types, while retinoids are more suitable for more stubborn skin or those with acne.
Benefits of retinol - How does retinol affect your skin?
1. Retinol for acne
Acne is a common skin condition. When the pores become clogged with dead skin cells and/or oils, blackheads, whiteheads or other types of pimples can appear. Retinol works in acne by preventing the clogging of pores.
It is also thought to help fade scars caused by trauma or inflammation of the skin. These pink, red, or dark patches may appear on the skin as the acne heals.
Topical application of retinol is thought to help reduce the swelling and inflammation that occurs when outbreaks occur and to help prevent further outbreaks.
Although retinol is popular for the treatment of problematic skin, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist before use.
2. Hyperpigmentation
Dark spots (hyperpigmentation) can occur as a result of sun damage to the skin. If you have light to dark brown spots on your face, arms, neck, or hands, it is a build-up of melanin.
Melanin is a skin pigment produced by melanocytes. It is made up of many pigments, collectively called melanins. These give color to our eyes, skin, hair, and hair.
As well as giving our skin a tint, it also protects it from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. The lighter our skin, the less melanin it contains. As a result, it is more sensitive to UV rays and more prone to skin aging.
Also known as sun spots, age spots, and liver spots, these spots are painless, but if you don't like the look of them, procedures and topical treatments can help.
Some people find that topical retinol lightens their freckles, although it takes several months and can be irritating to the skin. If you are worried about dark spots, it is a good idea to see a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin conditions).
3. Retinol reduces wrinkles and smooths pores
Retinol is best known for reducing wrinkles and smoothing pores. Pores are openings on the surface of the skin through which hair and oils pass. When these pores become clogged with dead skin cells or oil, they become larger and more noticeable.
Topical retinol treats large pores by increasing skin cell turnover, which makes the skin plumper, and prevents the formation of clogged pores.
Also, topical tretinoin and tazarotene are said to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by slowing down the breakdown of collagen and making the skin more elastic. This is because skin cells divide more slowly as we age. The middle layer (dermis) of the skin starts to thin, making it harder for the skin to retain moisture, and there is less elastin and collagen.
How to use retinol?
You can start using retinol at any age - especially if you are experiencing early signs of aging such as fine lines, sun spots, pigmentation problems, or even general dullness.
Ideally, you don't even have to wait for these signs to start appearing, as proactive use of retinol can prevent and slow down their appearance. The most important thing is - especially if your skin is more reactive - to take it slowly and build up a tolerance.
As with any new active skincare product, it is important to know your skin.
Before using a retinol product for the first time, try a small amount on a small patch of skin (patch test) to see if you have any negative reactions. If after a few days, the patch on your skin is not very red or itchy, you can add retinol to your skincare routine before bed.
How often can I use retinol?
Because retinol can irritate the skin, it is best to start slowly. After testing, you can use the product once every few days and then gradually increase it to once or twice a day. You may experience some redness, itching, or burning at first, but these symptoms will subside as your skin gets used to the process.
Can retinol be combined with other topical skincare products?
Yes, retinol can be combined or alternated with other topical skincare treatments. However, as many treatments can irritate your skin, please do so with caution.
Retinol and glycolic acid
A glycolic acid is a form of alpha-hydroxy acid that acts as a chemical peel. Alternating between glycolic acid and retinol can work well to reduce dark spots and acne scars. However, both acids can irritate the skin. If you want to try both products, consider alternating or using glycolic acid in the morning and retinol in the evening.
Retinol and hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is an excellent moisturizer that works by slowing the evaporation of water from the skin. It soothes and plumps the skin, which can help counteract some of the irritating effects of retinol.
Retinol and niacinamide
Niacinamide is a derivative of vitamin B3 that can help to clear acne and reduce the signs of aging. It also helps protect the skin and can help prevent the irritating side effects of retinol.
Retinol and salicylic acid
Retinol and salicylic acid are used to treat acne. However, both can dry out and irritate the skin. Excessive drying of the skin can encourage more oil production, which can make acne worse.
If you want to try using retinol and salicylic acid, consider alternating them: use salicylic acid in the morning and retinol in the evening.
Retinol and vitamin C
Vitamin C serum can help lighten dark spots and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol slows down the breakdown of collagen and increases elasticity, so skin looks firmer and more toned. The combination can help even out skin texture and tone.
Retinol-Like Serum - a natural alternative to retinol
Retinol-like serum is an excellent choice for those who want the effects of retinol without the side effects that synthetic retinol can cause.
It contains NovoRetin™ - an ingredient that is a natural alternative to retinol. It does not cause irritation and is also suitable for sensitive skin. It works by increasing the activity of retinoic acid in the skin's epidermis.
NovoRetin™ moisturizes the skin, reduces the signs of aging, and visibly improves the condition of oily, impure skin. It also significantly reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles and increases skin softness.