Beginners Guide To Retinol And Its Effects on Skin Routine!

Did you just say ‘Retinol’?

Yes, I did. And if it’s ringing a bell in your head, you may have seen it on Instagram, on drugstore products, luxury skincare, or may have heard a Dermatologist recommend it on their YouTube Channel! The Retinol trend is basically everywhere! BUT…what is the buzz behind this new celebrity ingredient? Why is everyone trying to get their hands on it? What does the word Retinol even mean? Why are there ardent lovers & an equal number of haters for this product?

We know you have a tonne of questions in your mind… No worries we’ll answer them all! Let’s dive in…

???? WARNING: Content Ahead may get a wee bit scientific, but I’ll break it down into simpler words so that you wouldn't be reminded of a Biology journal!

What is Retinol?

So, let’s get back to the basics: Retinol, Retinyl Palmitate, Retinoids, Retinoic acid are all nothing but derivatives of Vitamin A. I’m sure you must have heard that Vitamin A is good for your eyes. Don’t you remember your mother nagging you to eat more carrots for the very same reason? But what is NOT popularly known is that the very same Vitamin A is a wonder ingredient for anti-aging effects. So just like your body needs nutrition from within, your skin (AKA the largest organ of your body) also needs vital nourishment.

Do you get it now? It’s just a Vitamin!

So how does Retinol work on the skin?

When you apply Retinol onto your epidermis (the skin surface), unlike other anti-aging ingredients it does not simply exfoliate the skin’s top layer. Instead, its micro molecules penetrate deep into the skin from the epidermis to the dermis (the inner layer of your skin) encouraging the production of collagen and elastin (the building blocks to youthful skin.)  It also speeds up the process of cell turnover or cell renewal, preventing the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. Therefore, it gives the skin a plumped-up feel by revealing fresh new skin underneath.

Whoops! Threw in a few technical jargon up there????.

 Are you still with me?

What are the positive effects of Retinol on the skin?

It has 4 major benefits:

1. Reverses signs of aging.
2. Fights acne as it unclogs pores & controls overactive oil glands.
3. Reverses sun damage with its powerful dose of antioxidants.
4. Fades acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and melasma with its exfoliation action.

But how should I use Retinol?

It’s a 4-Step easy-peasy routine!

• Step 1: Wash your face with a mild cleanser. Apply an eye cream to protect sensitive areas around the eye.
• Step 2: Ensure your skin is dry. If the skin is damp or wet, the Retinol will soak in too deep and may irritate. This step must not be skipped or missed.
• Step 3: ONLY a pea-size amount should be used. It is best to use Retinol on the target areas rather than all over the skin.
• Step 4: Apply an ultra-hydrating moisturizer to seal all things in, as the Retinol tends to make the skin excessively dry.

When to apply Retinol in your skincare routine?

• It is important to know that Retinol is a very potent antioxidant. Therefore, it cannot be used superfluously every day. Beginners might need to start ONCE A WEEK. If the skin can handle it, then one can increase the frequency SLOWLY.
• Retinol must be applied ONLY in the night. Retinol can be very irritating and sensitizing to the skin when it comes in contact with the UVA/UVB rays.
• Also, Retinol loses its power or deactivates with exposure to the sun! In short, you will be wasting your product.

How to use Retinol as per your age?

In your 20s

This is a preventive stage. Though you may not see even the slightest bit of a wrinkle, the idea is to maintain this very youthfulness, bounce, and elasticity! A mild Retinol every 3-4 days should do good. When you start a Retinol routine you do feel a slight tingling sensation or discomfort. That is completely normal. This is because the skin may take time to adapt to a topical ingredient. If you do not face any discomfort for 2-3 weeks, then you can increase the frequency slowly and steadily (say, every other day..)

In your 30s

If you have not started the anti-aging skincare routine in your 20’s, we’re here to tell you that it is not too late! You may have noticed a few fine lines and premature aging that made you go ga-ga over all anti-aging products and has led to this very article. Let me reassure you that you can still fight these early signs of aging. In fact, when you incorporate the Retinol routine now, you will notice a visible difference that a 20 + year olds (with no wrinkles) may not observe.

In your 40’s

Join the bandwagon for all things anti-aging! Though you may be able to use a higher dose of retinol over time, you must ensure you coddle your skin with ULTRA-HYDRATING moisturizers. Since mature skin tends to be dry, it is a MUST that Retinol is topped off with the deepest hydration possible.

In your 50s +

Don't’ give up on the anti-aging routine just yet. You need it now more than ever! At this age, your skin needs a bit of nudge for skin renewal. In fact, you may see some wrinkles on the back of your hands and neck too. As they say, the neck is the first body part to show one’s true age. There is nothing wrong with aging, but staying ageless never hurts!

Which ACTIVES are pair-fect with Retinol?

Ps: Take notes or just screenshot this for future reference.

Are there any side effects to using Retinol?

Several people have seen a transformational difference in their skin, but few others have witnessed their skin going from bad to worse. This has left the audience confused about whether Retinol is good or bad!!

But the fact of the matter is: Retinol is a VERY SAFE product

(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:

• Eczema flare-up
• Breakouts
• Scaly skin
• Excessive dryness
• Retinol Burns
• Stinging
• Skin irritation

But just in case you get shaky after reading this, let me reassure you that none of these side-effects should occur when used as per the instructions. These severe side effects occur only when:

• Too strong Retinol & its derivatives are used.
• Used too frequently with improper intervals in the application.
• The moisturization step is skipped.
• Used with AHA-BHA and other prohibited active ingredients mentioned above.
• Used on wet skin, when all Retinols must be applied on dry skin.

Is there anyone who shouldn’t use Retinol?

Yes, some just cannot use Retinol, come what may!

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you have a job that keeps you under the sun all day.
• If you have hyper-sensitive skin or Rosacea.

TOP 5 Retinol for Beginners

Do you know which Retinol product is the best-seller WORLDWIDE? It’s The Ordinary Retinol Serum. But for obvious reasons (the pricey tag & availability issues) makes it a ‘not-so-popular’ product in India.

But we rounded up TOP 5 Retinols that are amazing dupes to the Ordinary Retinol Serum. Why? Cause we know the information galore on Google can be intimidating and tiring!

But no worries we saved you the effort and time, by rounding up amazing dupes to the Ordinary Retinol Serum. They are beginner-friendly and that too in lower concentrations!

Thank me later …. (or just gift me one of these ????)

1. DERMDOC ANTI-AGEING FACE SERUM

Customer Rating: 4.1 / 5

Net Volume: 15ml

Retinol creams or serums are expensive, right? Wrong! Not when you have quality products produced at a budget price by Derm Doc. Welcome advanced skincare solutions designed to nourish, hydrate, and improve skin’s overall health. The Derm Doc Retinol Serum contains superior emollients and humectants that are clinically proven to bind water to the skin to prevent dehydration or water loss. Though Retinol can be drying to the skin due to its chemical exfoliation, this serum will prevent just that.

Explore: DermDoc Serums & Essences

2. MINIMALIST 0.3% RETINOL

Customer Rating: 4.2 / 5

Net Volume: 30ml

Now, this is what I call a powerful Retinol serum. With the precise measurement of 0.3% Retinol, this formulation is what I call efficacious. Since it is very potent, beginners are advised to use the serum once a week to prevent a ‘Retinol burn.’

The beauty of the product is that the Retinol is mixed in Squalene so be rest assured you have the best hydration possible. Boosted with the calming 1% Bakuchiol Oil, skin irritation is reduced to the minimum. Vitamin E and Coenzyme Q10 are outstanding radical scavengers and visibly reduce wrinkle depth. Since Retinol is unstable and loses its power in the sun, the Minimalist bottle thoughtfully packaged them in UV-safe bottles.

Phew! With so many benefits, the price point is more than justified. And it is undoubtedly the best-rated Retinol, and how can it not be?

Explore: Minimalist Serums & Essences

3. OLAY NIGHT SERUM REGENERIST RETINOL 24

Customer Rating: N/A

Net Volume: 30ml

Discover the latest serum in town, the Regenerist Retinol 24. With a proper blend of Niacinamide + Retinol complex, this provides bountiful benefits like wrinkle repair, smoothness, brightness and treats pesky spots. With the 24 hours deep hydration the formula ensures virtually no skin irritation. It is advised to use this serum with the Olay Sculpting Cream that transforms your skin in 28 days!

Welcome younger-looking radiant skin!

4. WOW SKIN SCIENCE RETINOL FACE CREAM

Customer Rating: 4.1 / 5

Net Volume: 50ml

Help repair and restore your tired and lifeless skin with the WOW Skin Science Retinol face cream. The repair cream revives skin's youthful glow and improves texture over time! It delivers the exfoliation action to remove dead skin cells and reveal fresh new skin underneath.

The milder version of Retinol- ‘retinyl palmitate’ has been used. Further, to prevent dryness of any kind, the formulation is laden with calming Aloe Vera, ultra-hydrating emollients like Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Argan Oil, Jojoba Oil, and Almond Oil. This is one of the best creams for Retinol beginners, as it is very gentle.

Explore: Wow Face Cream

5. DERMA CO. 0.3% RETINOL SERUM

Customer Rating: 4.1 / 5

Net Volume: 30ml

Another no-nonsense formulation is the Derma Co. 0.3% Retinol Serum. This Serum stands out as one of its kind! This is because of the deadly combination of Retinol + Vitamin C. Dull skin, early signs of aging, acne scars…beware! The Retinol exfoliates the skin and boosts collagen production while Vitamin C - a powerful brightening booster keeps skin looking spotless & ageless!

So, Retinol for skincare is a great idea! The benefits of it are numerous! Update your beauty stash with this potent potion and take your skincare game a notch higher!

Explore: The Derma co. Serums & Essences

Read More:
- What is bakuchiol?
- Best Retinol Serums And Creams For Acne Scars