Retinol, a skin miracle ingredient, has beneficial properties for the skin, including anti-aging effects. You may read on your skincare products as an ingredient. It belongs to the retinoid family, which contains many positive effects on your skin. It is available in many skincare products, such as retinol serums, gels, etc. Retinol is very popular for multiple skin concerns these days.
Let’s explore more about it.
Table of Contents
What is Retinol?
Retinol is derived from vitamin A, known as one of the members of retinoids. First, it was approved in the 1970s for the treatment of acne. Retinol helps in promoting cell turnover and also prevents clogged pores. As an ingredient in skincare products, retinol improves its penetration into your skin which gives more positive results.
Many beauty products contain retinol to make your skin softer and smoother. The best strength of retinol ranges from 0.25 to 0.5. You can use it twice or thrice a week or it may irritate your skin.
The most popular property of retinol is that it is an anti-aging ingredient. It helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by promoting collagen production.
As we know that retinol is a member of retinoid, let’s know more about retinoid.
Retinoid: What is it?
Retinoids are a class of compounds that are derived from vitamin A. It covers both prescription-strength retinoic acid and OTC retinol. Retinoids are of different types, and the highest retinoid strength is Tazarotene.
Retinol is a topical treatment that you can only apply on the outer layer of the skin. You can find it in many skincare and beauty products, such as lotions, serums, gels, ointments, etc.
In the next section, you will learn how retinol-contained products or retinol serum can help your skin.
Retinol Benefits for Skin
Do you know why you need to use retinol?
Well, the following benefits can help you learn.
Fights off Aging Signs
Retinol is popular for its anti-aging effects. People who are also experiencing premature aging signs can get the benefit of such a miracle ingredient. Retinol helps in reducing and preventing fine lines and wrinkles. It promotes collagen production, which contributes to making your skin smoother and radiant.
Aids in Uneven Skin Tone
When you apply the retinol serum or any of its products, it boosts skin cell turnover, which results in producing an exfoliating effect. People with dry and dull skin should use products containing retinol. It enhances the levels of elastin and collagen, which help deal with hyperpigmentation and make your skin brighter. If your skin is healthy, retinol can still bring more radiant and glowing skin.
Treats Acne
Acne can affect your self-esteem, which makes you need a good solution for it. Yes, early approval of retinol was for acne treatment. It helps in unclogging the pores and also prevents more breakouts. If you are dealing with acne scars, retinol can also help with this condition.
Retinoids are known to make the way better skincare products penetrate the skin and amplify the effects of retinol serum, gels, and creams.
Who Can Use Retinol?
Many skin types can get the positive effect of retinol, but it is not for everyone. If someone has any skin condition, retinol is not a good choice. People who stay outside and have more sun exposure should avoid the use of retinol-based skincare products.
Your dermatologist can suggest better what retinol strength is good for you. Doctors also recommend avoiding retinol use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
When Retinol Will Start Giving Expected Results?
Multiple factors contribute to the results of retinol, such as:
- Strength of retinol
- Dose of the product
- Skin type
According to the top dermatologist in Lahore, Prof. Dr Faria Asad “You can see the possible skin results after about 12 weeks of consistent retinol use.” Start slow and with low strength to prevent any kind of adverse effect. Too strong retinoids can cause severe side effects on your skin. It is better to reduce the risk and use it slowly.
The expected results vary, but sun damage or aging treatment may take a long time.
How to Use Retinol Safely?
If you want to win the race, make sure you start low. Yes, it is very beneficial when you start using a new skincare product. You should try a lower concentration of retinol to avoid any severe side effects. But you need a good moisturizer while using retinol because it may make your skin dry. Experts from Doctors Hospital suggest using retinol with gentle skincare products to prevent any kind of skin sensitivity.
What are the Retinol Side Effects?
Every person should learn about the adverse effects of skincare products before using them. A person with sensitive or irritated skin should use this ingredient with caution as it may trigger skin sensitivity.
It is better to consult a doctor before using retinol strength on your skin. A specialist can help you know how much retinol strength you should have.
The first time, while using retinol, you may experience some symptoms, like skin irritation, peeling, etc. If there are any severe side effects, visit your doctor.
Now, Look Younger and Fresher with Retinol!
It may take a few months to get the expected results of retinol. But experts suggest that a person should consult with a skin specialist before its use. When you apply retinol to your face, avoid contact with your eyes. You can try retinol serum for both dry and oily skin. But retinol gel is good for only oilier skin. You may hear some horror stories about retinol use, but if you use caution, it will be safe to use retinol.
