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What is Retinol?
One of the most iconic ingredients in skincare, retinol is a form of vitamin A with many different uses in skincare from treating acne to reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol is a type of retinoid, which is a group of vitamin A derivatives. Retinol also comes in many different product forms from creams and gels to serums and lotions. If you're curious about incorporating retinol into your skincare routine or understanding what retinol does, learn more below.
What does retinol do?
Applied topically, retinol increases skin cell turnover and production and helps unclog pores. The small molecules that form retinol go deep beneath the outer layer of your skin to neutralize free radicals and boost the production of elastin and collagen which reduces the appearance of fine lines and enlarged pores. Retinol also exfoliates your skin, improving overall texture and tone. Retinol starts to work in the middle layer of your skin immediately, but it may take several weeks before you see a visible improvement in the look and feel of your skin.
What does retinol treat?
Incorporating retinol into your skincare routine has several benefits as it treats a number of skin conditions.
- Acne: Retinol can be used to treat acne as it prevents clogged pores which can form blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. Retinol can also reduce the swelling and inflammation from breakouts and prevent further breakouts.
- Dark spots:Topical retinols can lighten skin spots from hyperpigmentation or even stretch marks and scars.
- Wrinkles : Retinol boosts collagen and elastin production improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Skin texture: Retinol also has an exfoliating effect which can result in improved overall skin texture and tone.
What are the different forms of retinoids?
The terms retinoids and retinol are often used interchangeably, but retinols are a milder class of retinoids. Retinols can be very effective but may take longer to see results compared to prescription retinoids.
These are the different forms of retinoids you may have heard of:
- Retinyl palmitate: This is the least-potent retinoid and may be a better option for those with sensitive or dry skin.
- Retinaldehyde or retinal: An over the counter retinoid that is stronger than retinol and may have faster, more noticeable results. Despite being a more potent retinoid, retinal is less irritating on the skin compared to retinol, so may be better for more sensitive skin.
- Retinol: This is the standard ingredient found in over the counter retinoid skincare products
- Tretinoin: This is a potent retinoid available by prescription only and may be best for those with more mature skin.
- Tazarotene: This is the most powerful retinoid, available by prescription only.
- Adapalene: A commonly used retinoid for acne, and is now available over the counter.
What are the side-effects of retinol?
Skincare is unique to everyone which is why retinol may not necessarily be for you. Retinol is a powerful ingredient for anti-aging and acne, but if you have sensitive skin, eczema or rosacea you may want to consult a doctor first. You could also start with patch testing or incorporating retinol into your skincare once a week and gradually ramping it up. It is also best to refrain from using retinol if you're pregnant or breastfeeding since its safety hasn't been adequately tested under these circumstances.
It is also important to note that retinol makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight so the use of sunscreen is critical when using retinol skincare products.
Side effects from topical retinol skincare products are normal and usually temporary. As a first time user, you may experience:
- Dry, irritated skin
- Itching or burning
- Redness, peeling, flaky or scaly skin
When introducing retinol into your skincare routine, it is important to prioritize hydration and opt for nourishing moisturizers to counteract any potential peeling. You can also combine retinol with other skincare ingredients to combat the side effects. For instance, using hyaluronic acid serums to soothe and plump your skin in conjunction with a retinol may reduce the irritation and dryness.
Discover our assortment of the best retinol skincare products recommended by dermatologists now from SkinBetter Science Alpharet gentle retinoid to Vivier's Retinol 1.0 for advanced skin concerns.
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23293-retinol
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-does-retinol-work#fa-qs
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/retinoids-for-wrinkles#fa-qs