Retinol is an exceptionally potent skincare ingredient. It can smooth, even, and firm skin tone as well as reduce fine lines and wrinkles while targeting pigmentation irregularities.
Caution should be exercised when beginning to use vitamin E supplements; in particular during its first few weeks of usage. Experts advise starting off slowly by applying small doses every other day until your skin adjusts to it.
1. Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Retinol works by encouraging your skin’s cells to turn over more quickly, increasing collagen production and lightening discolorations. Additionally, it unclogs pores, treats acne and lessens hyperpigmentation – according to one 2015 clinical study it reduced crow’s feet wrinkles by 44 percent among women age 40+ who took regular retinol doses regularly.
Vitamin A derivatives have also been proven to improve skin elasticity, making your complexion appear younger. You’ll find this type of ingredient in many skincare products such as topical retinols and prescription tretinoin and tazarotene; though beware – results usually take several months of consistent usage before becoming visible, according to Carroll.
As your skin adjusts to the active ingredient in retinol, you may experience irritation, dryness and flaking; these side effects are all normal parts of retinization process. A gentle cleanser and fragrance-free moisturizer will help minimize these side effects; furthermore, using sunblock can make you more vulnerable than usual during this period.
Both Carroll and Mizen advise gradually increasing your application of an over-the-counter retinol product by starting off slowly; applying it every other night initially before gradually transitioning to applying once per night. “Attempting too aggressive a change too early increases your risk for adverse reactions,” according to Carroll.
Tretinoin and tazarotene, stronger prescription versions of skincare ingredients, work similarly. Both consist of retinoic acid which penetrates more quickly into your skin, usually at higher concentrations than their over-the-counter equivalents; meaning you could see results faster but it may lead to severe irritation or peeling as a side effect.
As it will have an impactful reaction with the ingredients used, selecting a retinol product tailored specifically for your skin type and tone is important. A glycolic retinol product may be better suited to sensitive complexions as it’s less potency than tretinoin; you should also consider selecting gel formula if acne-prone skin, cream for dry or normal skin and serum for pigmentation issues.
2. Evens skin tone
Retinol is an indispensable ingredient for brightening and evening out skin tone. By increasing cell turnover, Retinoids help fade hyperpigmentation (dark spots) while evening out skin texture. Retinoids also protect against age spots, freckles, and sun damage – all great benefits!
Retinol comes in various strengths to suit different skin types. Over-the-counter versions tend to be gentler than prescription retinoids and can be found at drugstores and cosmetic counters; higher strength versions should only be obtained through a dermatologist or medical spa. Retinol may irritate sensitive skin so unless treating specific skincare conditions like rosacea or eczema, start out by selecting a lower strength formula.
This product combines encapsulated retinol with skin-nourishing ingredients designed to provide soothing comfort to the complexion, creating a cream that’s gentle enough for first-time users yet effective at evening out tone and texture.
Retinol can also help fade stretch marks, scars that form due to pregnancy, extreme weight gain or rapid muscle growth stretching the skin. While they can be hard to get rid of, topical retinol has proven its efficacy at increasing cell turnover and stimulating collagen production in order to lessen their appearance and fade them quickly.
Retinol should generally be safe for all skin types; however, those prone to acne or other forms of breakouts should particularly benefit from using it as it accelerates cell renewal process, clearing out blocked pores while decreasing redness, swelling and irritation.
Keep this in mind when starting a retinol regimen: your skin needs time to adjust to this active ingredient. If you experience flaking, dryness or redness upon first using, discontinue use for several weeks until your body can tolerate two-weekly doses without side effects before increasing frequency gradually until daily application can be achieved. It is always best to apply products at night in order to maximize benefits of this anti-ageing ingredient!
3. Boosts collagen
Retinol, a form of Vitamin A, works to boost collagen production to decrease fine lines and wrinkles while improving elasticity for firmer and younger-looking skin. According to Cleveland Clinic dermatologist Sheila Farhang, collagen is required for full and plump skin; as we age this production decreases naturally; using high concentration retinol products may help restore that much needed collagen back into our bodies.
Retinols are keratinocyte activators that stimulate cell turnover. Furthermore, they inhibit enzymes responsible for breaking down collagen so the body can retain more of it.
Tretinoin, which can be found in prescription-strength products like Retin-A, is the fastest acting and bioavailable retinoid on the market, says she. No conversions are needed as it penetrates deep layers of skin where fine lines and wrinkles tend to form more readily.
Robinson asserts that all skin types can benefit from including retinol in their routine, even those prone to breakouts and acne can enjoy its advantages. Retinol helps avoid clogged pores that could otherwise lead to breakouts; furthermore, exfoliation speeds up, clearing away dead cells and excess oil that contributes to acne outbreaks; helping prevent their appearance altogether.
As with any new skincare product, it’s wise to approach retinol with caution when starting its use in your routine. Too much or the wrong formulation can be irritating to skin; Bowe suggests beginning by adding small amounts (a pea-sized amount is plenty!) of an over-the-counter formula between 0.1% to 0.3% concentration to gradually increase usage until your body adapts. She further advises not using your retinol product when exfoliating to allow more efficient absorption into skin without frictional issues.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using retinol products, as Farhang says they can cause birth defects by interfering with how hormones function and potentially leading to redness and irritation of sensitive skin. If this happens to you, stop using the product immediately and consult a dermatologist as to whether less frequently or at a lower strength would be more suitable.
4. Reduces acne
Retinol has long been recognized as a beauty-boosting powerhouse, helping turn back time, reduce pigmentation and leave skin glowing beyond belief. Like any skincare ingredient though, retinol takes time for results to appear; but beyond boosting collagen and fine line reduction capabilities it is also widely known for fighting acne and its symptoms.
Retinol, when applied to your skin, is converted by your body into retinoic acid which resets cell turnover and helps treat acne, hyperpigmentation and clogged pores. At first use, retinol may cause dry skin, itching and flaking which should subside after your skin becomes used to the product; otherwise try switching to lower concentration retinoids or finding products containing ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid that counteract dryness such as ceramides ceramides niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.
Acne is caused by excess oil, sweat, dirt, makeup and dead skin cells clogging the pores, leading to blackheads, whiteheads and other types of pimples. Gunk-clearing ingredients and gentle exfoliants should be part of your skincare routine to prevent breakouts; but retinol may help by blocking infected pores from becoming infected further and producing overactive cells in them.
If you suffer from papulopustular rosacea, which appears as red and scaly bumps on the skin, retinol may help improve symptoms by reducing inflammation and slowing overgrowth of cells. Retinol may take six months before having an impactful result in these cases.
Retinol can be safely used by virtually all skin types; Carroll advises beginning with low-concentration over-the-counter retinol such as Mizen’s Retinol 0.1% Gel to test before transitioning to higher concentration prescription retinoids like Renova’s 0.1% Retinoid Gel or stronger prescription formulations such as Renova 0.1% Retinoids. She cautions pregnant and breastfeeding women not to use retinoids, while sensitive skinned people should start slowly before moving onto stronger prescription retinoids; too much retinol may lead to red, itchy and peeling skin; furthermore it is vitally important that one always use sunscreen daily when using any retinoid product!
