All You Need To Know About Retinol

Want to look ageless? Want to reverse time, and look young again? No, we are not your fairy godmother, but your above wish can come true! Not like the way Cinderella had her wish come true i.e by closing her eyes and spinning 2-3 times but by committing to an effective skincare routine! But over here, we don’t mean just any skincare routine, we mean a high-performing skincare routine with ingredients and actives that target wrinkles and fine lines. 

And when it comes to skincare, who are the experts? Dermatologist ofc! And what do they recommend for anti-aging? RETINOL 

But what is Retinol?

Retinol is nothing but Vitamin A! Vitamin A has a lesser-known super-power- anti-aging! Vitamin A can have been proven to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles by plumping skin with collagen! No this is not yedi-yadah! This is a FACT! Dermatologists prescribe Retinol for aging. Do check out more such anti-aging ingredients for a wrinkle free skin & younger looking skin!

Benefits of Retinol?

So when you apply Retinol onto your skin, it penetrates deep into the skin promoting the production of collagen. FYI- Collagen is what keeps your skin tight and elastic! Not just that, Retinol chemically exfoliates the skin by shedding off the old layers, revealing the fresh skin underneath! So to sum it up here are 4 positive effects of Retinol:

1. Reverses time, and we mean signs of aging!
2. The powerful antioxidant is an anti-dote to sun damage! It’s a Vitamin A after all! 
3. Fades acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and melasma with its exfoliation action of shedding old skin cells to reveal the newer one below.
4. Works on pesky pimples and zits as it unclogs pores & controls overactive oil glands.

Phew! That’s a lot of skincare superpowers in one bottle!

Who should use Retinol?

• If wrinkles and fine lines get the best of you, introduce your skin to the best of ingredients!
• If you have over-working oil glands that make oil control a full-time job, introduce this wonder ingredient!
• If you suffer from acne or acne scarring, retinol will be your go-to saviour!

Then who should not use Retinol?

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• ​Sensitive skin or skin that has Rosacea.
• Dry skin and those with Eczema.

But how should I use it?

It’s a 5-Step easy-peasy routine!

Step 1: Start with a clean canvas. So wash your face with a cleanser of your choice. Just ensure the cleanser is not over-stripping or loaded with fragrance. Keep to a mild cleanser that’s non-fragrant and non-comedogenic. 

Step 2: The area around the eye is very thin and sensitive. It is advised to apply a protective layer like an under-eye cream. 

Step 3: Your skin now must be squeaky clean and dry! No, even damp won’t do! If there is water on the skin, the Retinol tends to get absorbed more than required, thus sensitizing the skin. So beware!

Step 3: Once you have prepared your skin for the Retinol active, ensure you use clean and dry hands to apply the Retinol. How much Retinol is needed? Only a pea-size in case of a cream or a coin-size in case of a serum! Also, Retinol should be used on target areas only and not superfluously on the whole face! 

Step 4: Apply an ultra-nourishing cream to seal all things in. When powerful actives like Retinol are used, ensure you coddle your skin with calming, hydrating, and cooling ingredients. Also, Retinol tends to make the skin excessively dry due to its exfoliation power, so a deeply hydrating moisturizer is a must!
 

Things to keep in mind for Beginners:

• Apply it only at night! Retinol can be very sensitive to the skin when it comes in contact with UV rays!
• Start slowly. Once a week should be good enough. If your skin can handle the potency of the ingredient, then increase the frequency! But yet again, slowly!

Are there any side-effects to using Retinol?

Retinol is a SUPER-SAFE ingredient! (Ps: note the capitalization.) It is one of the most prescribed treatments by Dermatologists. It is only when used incorrectly without taking into consideration the proper guidelines, it creates havoc on your skin, like:

• Breakouts
• Excessive dryness
• Probable burns Itchy skin
• Stinging sensation

But remember, only when used incorrectly! If you follow the guidelines on top ???? you are good to go!

Which Actives work well with Retinol?

• Ceramide 
• Hyaluronic Acid 
• Vitamin C 
• Niacinamide

Which Actives should not be paired with Retinol?

• AHA 
• BHA 
• Physical scrubs 
• Alcohol/ Astringent
• Benzoyl Peroxide

Now that you're a complete ‘gyaani’ on Retinol, it’s time to try it out! Welcome soft, smooth and ageless skin! Yes, ageless is a thing, and you can have it- but remember not by a wish, but by committing to a Retinol Skincare routine! Also check out this latest word in the world of skincare know as skin microbiome here!

Read More - Best Retinol Serums And Creams For Acne Scars