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Retinol, a holy grail ingredient.
A must-have in most skin care routines. That's because these products can do so much for so many skin concerns and conditions.
Despite all the benefits, retinol can be intimidating for some and have a reputation for being an aggressive ingredient. However, that doesn't have to be the case. These days, many retinol options on the market vary in strength and formulation. It's more a matter of finding the right product for your skin and knowing how to use it properly. Here are a few things you should know to help you do just that.
So what the heck is retinol, and how does it work?
Retinoid acid, as you may already know, is essentially a form of Vitamin A. It can also be referred to as Retin-A, Retinol, Retinaldehyde, Retinyl Palmitate, and a host of other names.
The purpose of using retinol is primarily to increase cellular turnover. As we age, our natural skin regeneration process slows down just a little more each year. Retinol serums can kick it back into gear, forcing your skin to perform more like that of someone in their 20s. They can also help stimulate collagen and elastin, increase hydration and fight off conditions such as acne or hyperpigmentation.
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Should I start using retinol, will it help my concerns?
Most skincare experts suggest that you can start using retinol in your 20s as preventative skincare. Additionally, it is recommended that everyone start using one by their 30s. Starting sooner can help undo visible sun damage that has already occurred, prevent future sunspots, and help with hormonal acne.
Retinol is also a key ingredient in preventing wrinkles. By keeping the skin's turnover going at a healthy pace, your skin will exfoliate itself naturally, helping diminish the appearance of those fine lines.
Just about all skin types can benefit from using retinol, with just a few exceptions. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to skip retinol or use a low percentage to not cause irritation. While pregnant or nursing, you will also want to avoid retinol products, but you can still get many of the same benefits by using an alternative like vitamin A.
How do I use retinol correctly?
Most forms of retinoids are derived from the same source (vitamin A) but vary significantly from there. Retinol is commonly found in serums, some night creams, spot treatments, and even chemical peels.
From prescription strength to over-the-counter, it's essential to pay attention to what percentage you are using and follow the advice of your skincare professional when using these products. Technology is advancing, and many skincare companies continue to work on different delivery systems making retinol ingredients gentler, more effective, and better able to penetrate the skin.
Retinol is meant to be used only at night as it can make your skin more sun-sensitive. If you are just starting out with retinol, you may want to start with as little as once per week and work up from there.
Redness, tightness, irritation, and dry, flaky skin can be expected during the initial adjustment phase. However, by starting slow and working your way up, you can avoid some of these initial adjustment issues and get a more accurate assessment of how the product works for you.
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Other things to know
When using retinol, it is important to always wear daily SPF to protect your skin against additional damage. You should also skip your retinol about one week before and after any professional skincare treatment such as waxing, facials, or peels.
Retinol products work well with your other nighttime products, such as moisturizers and face oils. However, you should avoid combining retinol with other active ingredients, including Vitamin C, alpha-hydroxy acid, and beta hydroxy acids, to avoid irritation or over-exfoliation.
AGELESS total overnight retinol masque
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Looking to add a retinol to your routine? Browse SBS best-sellers listed in this blog or click here to view our complete collection of retinoids