Benefits of Retinol – “holy grain skincare ingredient” it’s fair to say that retinol has quickly become all the rage in the market. Are you also thinking of incorporating retinol into your skincare regimen but don’t know what it is and how it works? Perhaps because some of us think of it as an anti-aging wrinkle serum while others take it as acne-free retinol. If you are also having similar troubles, fret not; you have stumbled upon the right place! We will walk you through all that you need to know.
Keep scrolling to discover the “ins and outs” of retinol – how you can introduce this powerful skincare ingredient into your skin care regimen and get the most out of it.
What is Retinol?
It is a derivative of Vitamin A that has a myriad of perks, including regeneration of skin cells and boosts the collagen production – turned out to be cleverest for battling out acne and wrinkles. But did you know it isn’t retinol that does the wonder instead, “retinoic acid”? Yes, absolutely, it’s the active form of Vitamin A that rejuvenates your skin cells.
Retinol doesn’t do much to the skin. Rather, it’s the enzymes of your skin that get the job done. Those enzymes convert retinol into the retinoic acid, helping the skin to get rid of wrinkles and acne. However, the only way you can get your hands on retinoic acid is by providing a prescription but, retinol is an over-the-counter product. OTCs are gentler on your skin.
Benefits of Retinol- How Much Beneficial It Is for Your Skin?
Retinol is like a “savior” for your skin as acne-free retinol makes your skin wrinkle and acne-free. Do you want to know how does it work actually? Are you with me? Here are some top benefits of retinol.
#1 Increases the Shedding of Dead Skin Cells
It works by accelerating the exfoliation process of your skin naturally that includes shedding of the dead cells and subsequently replacing them with the new and healthy cells – rejuvenating your skin cells.
#2 Boosts the Collagen Production
Collagen is what keeps the fine lines, wrinkles at bay. It is responsible for the firmness and thickness of the skin. Retinol basically thickens the skin cells and prevents the degradation and loss of collagen.
#3 It is an Antioxidant
Most of us are under the impression that it’s an exfoliant but, it’s actually an “antioxidant.” It helps in repairing the sunburnt skin and lightens the dark patches/spots. It neutralizes the free radicals.
#4 Helps to Get Rid of Acne
Benefits of Retinol are indeed your savior when it comes to getting rid of acne. They work by decreasing the function of oil glands and helps in unclogging pores. Acne-free retinol minimizes breakouts on the skin.
#5 Improves Skin Texture
Since retinol boosts the collagen production that eventually gives rigidity, strength, and thickness to your skin which ultimately increases the turnover of the skin cells. Hence, new skin cells will replace the dead skin that makes your skin is plump and smooth.
What are the Types of Retinol?
You might have heard of retinoids and often take them the same as retinol. But did you know they are not alike rather two different things? All retinoids aren’t retinol but, all retinol are retinoids. Yes, they aren’t the same thing.
Types of Retinoid
- Tretinoin.
- Retinol.
- Trifaro.
- Isotretinoin.
- Retinol Esters.
- Retinaldehyde.
- Adapalene.
Retinol is a form/derivative of Vitamin A, whereas we use retinoid as the general term for the whole family of Vitamin A derivatives, including both over-the-counter products as well as prescribed ones Benefits of Retinol.
Moreover, retinol is a very specific type of retinoid. It is one of the most common and effective OTC retinoids recommended by dermatologists and estheticians.
So, does that mean you should only stick to retinol? Not necessarily; it all comes down to how these retinoids convert into the active form of Vitamin A that does all the work.
Conversion Process of Retinoids
If you are getting your hands on retinol, then it follows up a two-step process, and if it’s retinol esters, then it first converts to retinol and follows up the same procedure as that of retinol.
- Retinol.
- Retinaldehyde.
- Retinoic Acid.
- Retinol Esters.
- Retinol.
- Retinaldehyde.
- Retinoic Acid.
Possible Side Effects Of Retinol?
Well, nothing is perfect; you need to take bad along with the good. Here are some of the side effects of retinol:
#1 Irritation
Don’t go too hard on your skin; that’s why it is recommended to start with over-the-counter retinol than directly opting for high-strength-prescription ones. They might cause irritation and peeling of the skin. You can gradually increase the concentration once your skin gets used to it.
#2 May Aggravate Acne
If you are suffering from severe acne that isn’t just sore/red but inflamed, then using retinol as treatment won’t do much; rather, it may worsen it. It is not suitable for skin conditions like cystic acne.
#3 Sensitive to UV Rays
Retinol can cause real damage to your skin under sunlight. It’s better to use it at night rather than daytime. But, you can use it during the day only if you are wearing sunscreen. Be consistent to achieve the desired results.
#4 Not Suitable for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
There is no scientific research behind it but, retinol did cause birth defects in mice, but there is no research on pregnant women as of now. Still, it has been recommended not to use retinol if you are expecting or breastfeeding. Honestly, is it worth a massive risk like this? I don’t think so.
You will most likely feel a little sensation of both stinging and warmth after an immediate application of retinol. Dryness, itching, the sensation of mild burn, and redness are some of the most common side effects of using retinol that occur during the first 2-4 weeks. These effects tend to decrease with sustained use.
But, if it persists and doesn’t go away with time, then you should consult with your pharmacist or doctor. They might limit the amount of tretinoin you use, modify the type or concentration, or stop it altogether.
PS Immediately notify your doctor in case of serious allergic reactions, blistering, swelling in the eye, conjunctivitis, and dis-coloration.
Is Retinol Suitable For Every Skin Type?
Generally, retinol is suitable for every skin type. However, here is something you must know.
- If you have sensitive or fair skin, you need to be very careful because your skin might find it hard to adjust to this potent ingredient.
- Retinol is not a good recommendation for someone with sun-damaged and over-exfoliated skin.
What Is The Right Time To Start Using Retinol?
Generally, dermatologists recommend using retinol after when you hit your thirties. That is because the collagen levels in the skin start decreasing rapidly. However, the moderate and prescribed use of retinol can do “wonders”.
Final Thoughts
Can you really say goodbye to those ugly wrinkles? Yes, why not! Adding retinol to your skincare regimen can take your skincare ahead of the game because it isn’t just anti-aging but acne-free retinol. However, you need to be cautious while using retinol; don’t jump to high-strength solutions just to get “instant results. That’s why they say; Great things take time. Benefits of Retinol.
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