Retinol: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About

Retinol is a type of retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A, used for anti-aging and found in many skin care products. It helps to reduce the appearance of sun damage, brown spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and large pores. It can also stimulate the metabolism of skin cells and encourage collagen production. 

Additionally, it’s magic is in its ability to resurface the skin’s texture for a smoother, more even-toned look. 

Benefits of using Retinol 

Retinol has a plethora of benefits when it comes to skincare. One of the many benefits of Retinol is that it reduces signs of ageing by enhancing skin cell turnover thus giving a more youthful quality to your skin. Additionally, it improves the texture of the skin by boosting collagen production. This in turn gives your skin more structure and strength. Moreover, the cells on the surface of the skin will be replaced at a greater pace, thus helping smooth your skin and reduce the dull, dry look of dead skin.

Retinol can not only smooth out the texture of the skin but can also evens out the skin tone. With consistent use, Retinol reduces hyperpigmentation and dark spots. It also decreases the function of overactive oil glands and unclogs pores. This in turn, clears skin, makes pores look smaller and also prevents breakouts. 

Additionally, it boosts the potency of active ingredients in other acne-fighting medications, so if you use it in conjunction with other cleansers, you may see amplified results. Moreover, it boosts collagen production that helps to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and skin laxity. 

Suffering from sun damage? Nothing to worry about! Retinol reverses the effect of sun damage and also lightens dark spots with the antioxidant properties in it. 

Side effects of Retinol 

Retinoids can only damage your skin if you have a super-sensitive skin or you have a skin condition like eczema or rosacea that can flare and enhance inflammation. The side effects of retinol include dryness, skin peeling and irritation. However, Retinol can also make skin more sensitive to other products, procedures and sunlight. 

Don't use harsh scrubs, astringents, toners, alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and benzoyl peroxide at the same as your Retinol because such combinations can dry out and irritate your skin. 

The Takeaway 

Retinol is an antioxidant that increases cell turnover, boosts collagen production and regulates oil production. People looking to reduce the signs of skin ageing can incorporate Retinol in their skincare regime. Start with twice a week to prevent irritation. Because sunlight deactivates Retinol, apply it at night, followed by a moisturizer. Retinol works well with hydrating cleansers and niacinamide. It’s a miracle product that can change your entire skincare regime.