Here's Why You Need Retinol In Your Skincare Routine!

Flawless skin is a constant effort. A consistent skincare regime gives you skin that's hydrated, clear, and young. What is the secret ingredient that helps you get such dreamy skin?

While there are several ingredients that work in tandem to deliver such results, one of them is retinol. You will readily find a retinol cream or serum over the counter for regular use. This ingredient helps in unclogging pores and increasing the production of skin cells. However, for the desired results with skincare products with retinol, you must understand the nuances of using these products, including the when, the how, and the how much while being aware of their benefits. Keep reading to learn about these important aspects of your skincare routine.
 

What is Retinol?

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative and belongs to a group called retinoids. It is a low-concentration formulation in the form of creams & serums for skin care. This ingredient is commonly found in serums, moisturisers, creams, and other skincare products. As retinol has an anti-ageing effect, its products help protect skin from wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. Also, its properties help clear skin imperfections like acne and the scars that stay behind. 
 

Benefits of Retinol

Retinol is the most effective skincare product if used the right way. In its true form, it penetrates your skin to increase the production of skin cells. These healthy cells generate a glowing and youthful appearance of your skin for a long time.

Listed below are several other benefits of using products with retinol.

1. Fine lines and wrinkles: 

Retinol in skincare is used as an effective treatment for fine lines and wrinkles. It can increase the production of collagen and cells. Collagen production & cell replacement slows down with age. Retinol seeps into the middle layer of the skin, called the dermis, and increases collagen production, thereby keeping the skin hydrated and free from wrinkles. It ensures a youthful texture and glow with regular use. Products like Dermdoc Retinol  Serum decrease pigmentation and signs of ageing and leave you with soft and young skin.

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2. Acne: 

Acne is caused by the accumulation of dead cells in the pores of your skin. Retinol is an excellent agent which escalates cell replacement of the skin. A layer of dead cells from the skin is replaced by newly formed skin cells, thereby removing the trapped dirt from pores and reducing acne. Retinol also corrects the skin's oil secretion and reduces new acne lesions.

3. Acne scars: 

Scars can form after the active acne lesions settle. Retinol is an excellent topical agent that helps reduce inflammation around acne to help reduce acne scars.

4. Dark spots & sun damage: 

UV rays damage the normal skin due to excess accumulation of melanin-responsible dark spots. Retinol can help resolve dark spots by breaking excess accumulation of melanin. Products like Dermdoc Retinol Cream come with the capability to fight sun damage and dark spots.

5. Stretch marks: 

Retinol can help make stretch marks less visible. The anti-ageing features of this ingredient increase your skin's elasticity to give it a clear and spotless appearance. Consult your dermatologist to know more about retinol use to reduce the visibility of stretch marks.

Precautionary steps before using retinol

Retinol is generally considered to be safe for use by dermatologists. The proof of this statement comes from the fact that several cosmetic products with retinol have been lab-tested and verified by doctors for regular use. However, stronger medicines with retinol may have several side effects. People with sensitive or irritated skin have also faced problems after using retinol-based products. Reportedly, itching, peeling, redness, and dryness are the skin problems faced by first-time users.

Thus, you must take the steps listed below as a precaution to ensure that a retinol-based product is safe for use on your skin.

• Don't use these products if you have skin conditions like rosacea or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult your dermatologist before using a product with retinol to check if it's safe for your skin.
• Before you start applying retinol creams and serum, perform a spot test. Apply retinol on your elbow, back of the palm, or neck. Evaluate & observe for any ill effects before applying it on the entire face. Ideally, the right site for a spot test is the neck. 
• Start by applying retinol once a day for three times a week. Increase the frequency of retinol application gradually over time. Remember that applying a lot of retinol with increased frequency will not yield the desired effect in a short period. The application must be done with caution.
• Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to shield your skin which has become sensitive to the sun because of retinol.

You may see mild irritation, and the skin may initially become a little sensitive when you apply retinol. This sensitivity eventually fades with the constant use of retinol. If you notice an exaggerated irritation, visit your physician before using retinol again.
 

How should your skincare routine with retinol be?

Start using retinol once every night for 2-3 days a week. Remember to never use products with retinoids during the day. They make your skin hypersensitive to the rays of the sun. Use it twice or thrice a week for about three weeks. If you notice positive results, increase the frequency gradually to once a night every day of the week. However, consult your dermatologist before changing the frequency of usage. 

Note: Retinol is brilliant for the skin but can cause dryness; therefore, always combine retinol with a moisturiser. You must also apply sunscreen every morning if you've applied a retinol serum or cream at night. SPF 30 or more will keep your skin protected from skin damage due to sunlight on skin that has become sensitive because of retinol. 
 

To sum it up

Retinol products are excellent for daily use, but before you start applying them regularly, make sure to perform a patch test before the first use. Follow the Dermdoc rule of retinol application. Increase the frequency of application gradually over 2-3 weeks. Remember to pair retinol products with a moisturiser to avoid extreme skin dryness. Lastly, be very sceptical of combining retinol with other similar products. 

Retinol is excellent for your skin if used in the right way. It will make your skin free of wrinkles, keep it younger looking, and put you on the path to achieving flawless skin.