08/11/2023 17:22

All about Retinol: What it is, benefits for the complexion. How to use it

Skin is the body's largest organ. In addition to its aesthetic appearance, it fulfills many roles for the health and proper functioning of the whole body. It acts as a physical barrier against environmental factors, regulates body temperature, contains sensory receptors, has an excretory function via sweat glands, is involved in the synthesis of vitamin D and allows the absorption of certain chemicals, such as drugs or cosmetics.

That's why it's essential to take good care of your skin's health, regardless of age, gender or season, to prevent various skin problems and conditions and to treat existing problems.

What is retinol?

Retinol is considered one of the best anti-aging ingredients. Retinol for skin is a derivative of vitamin A and is part of a larger category of products called retinoids. When absorbed into the skin, retinol converts into its active form, retinoic acid.

Retinol is found in a variety of skincare products, from retinol serums and creams to facial treatments and masks. It works by stimulating collagen production, reducing pigmentation, promoting cell regeneration and reducing wrinkles and acne. The result? Smoother, brighter and more beautiful skin!

Types of retinol

The terms 'retinoids' and 'retinol' are often used interchangeably, but in reality there are some differences between the two. Retinol is a milder class of over-the-counter retinoids.

There are 6 main types of retinoids:

retinyl palmitate - the weakest, suitable for sensitive or excessively dry skin and for mild wrinkles;
retinaldehyde - suitable for sensitive and delicate skin;
retinol - the standard ingredient found in over-the-counter products with retinoids;
tretinoin - a powerful retinoid available by prescription only;
tazarotene - the most powerful retinoid, available by prescription only;
adapalen - usually indicated for acne.

Retinol products can be pure retinol or retinol derivatives and concentrations can vary. They can come in several forms: retinol night cream, retinol serum, retinol ampoules, retinol gel.

Benefits of retinol

Retinol increases collagen production and stimulates blood circulation in the skin. The benefits of retinol include smoothing skin texture, fading pigmentation spots and reducing the build-up of dead skin cells. It also promotes skin regeneration and can help with acne.

Retinol for acne

Retinol products can help with acne. For more severe forms, your dermatologist may recommend a stronger retinoid, such as tretinoin gel or a tretinoin cream - tretinoin cream 0.05% or tretinoin cream 0.025%. When applied to the skin, retinol acne products can reduce whiteheads, blackheads and other types of pimples.

Retinol for acne marks

What can I do to get rid of the marks left by pimples? As well as reducing pimples, different types of retinol products can help minimize marks and scarring. O blemish fading cream - PRO Retinol 0.3 can essentially reduce dead cells and promote cell regeneration. Also, such acne creams not only help to remove marks on the face, but also improve skin texture.

Retinol for pigmentation spots

Retinol stimulates skin circulation and speeds up the natural cell regeneration process. This can help fade pigmentation spots and prevent sun damage. As a result, you'll have smoother, brighter skin.

Retinol for enlarged pores

Another benefit of retinol is for enlarged, unsightly-looking pores. A serum or cream with retinol for enlarged pores can reduce visible pores by promoting cell regeneration and exfoliating.

Retinol for melasma

Retinol is very effective in treating melasma and pigmentation spots. It works by reducing hyperpigmentation, preventing melanocytes from producing more pigment in the skin.

Retinol for stretch marks

Retinol can also help fade early stretch marks. It may make them less visible, but it cannot reduce them completely.

Retinol for wrinkles

Retinol stimulates collagen production, helping to maintain elasticity and moisture levels in the skin. This can help reduce wrinkles and fine lines and has anti-aging effects. It usually takes several months of using retinol for the face to notice a difference. Retinol products may also have other anti-wrinkle ingredients such as collagen, so you can always include a retinol and collagen cream in your routine.

How to introduce retinol into your skincare routine

As with any new cosmetic ingredient, retinol should be introduced in small amounts and tested beforehand on a small patch of skin to detect any reactions or allergies. Apply a small amount of retinol cream to a small area of skin, such as the lower cheek or jawline every 2-3 days for a week. If no irritation or signs of redness appear after a week, you can start using retinol face creams regularly. However, as retinoids can be irritating, it is recommended to apply a product or retinol serum every 3 days for the first few weeks, and gradually increase the number of uses. Apply a small amount - the size of a pea.

How much and how to use retinol

Before choosing retinol creams, it is essential to read the instructions on the packaging before use. When is retinol applied? Use retinol products in the eveningas they have a regenerating and exfoliating effect and skin may be more sensitive to the sun. If you need to use a retinol product during the day, be sure to apply sunscreen.

Apply a small amount of product retinol product (the size of a pea) to clean, dry skin. Follow with a moisturizer. Start by using it twice a week, and if there are no signs of irritation you can use it every 2 days and then every day if the skin reacts well. Watch out for any signs of irritation, redness or dryness while using the product. Results usually start to show results after a few weeks, but you may only notice a significant improvement after about 12 weeks.

Like any other cosmetic product, retinol can sometimes cause a number of side effects:

mild stinging and burning sensation;
dryness, flaking;
itching;
increased sun sensitivity.

Side effects depend on the amount of retinol used, frequency of use, skin type and type of cosmetic product. In general, the side effects of retinol disappear after a few days or weeks. However, if you experience severe discomfort, talk to your specialist about ways to reduce irritation. Retinol products should be used with caution in cases of sensitive or dry skin, rosacea, eczema, severe acne.

Tips and curiosities about retinol

Retinol is a well-known ingredient when talking about cosmetics. However, there are still many opinions about retinol, curiosities or doubts. Here are some possible questions and answers about retinol:

What is the difference between retinoids and retinol?

Retinoids and retinol are both forms of vitamin A, but with slightly different molecular structures. Retinol has a molecular structure that makes it convert more slowly. Retinol is also a class of retinoids. There are several types of retinoids, and retinol is one of them.

How often can you use retinol?

Initially apply twice a week to see how the skin reacts for a few weeks. Later, you can start using retinol every 2 days or even daily, depending on how well your skin reacts. It depends on the type or product you use, how sensitive your skin is and the percentage of retinol in the product.

Can retinol be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

The use of retinol is not recommended during pregnancy. The use of retinol in pregnancy is therefore discouraged for safety reasons. It is not clear whether a retinol cream is safe during breastfeeding. It is best to talk to your doctor to see whether or not you can use retinol during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Can retinol be used in combination with other acids?

What not to combine retinol with? You find out below because not all skincare ingredients fit in combination. Some combinations may react negatively or diminish the benefits of the ingredients. It depends on the type of product, type of ingredients and frequency of use.

Retinol and glycolic acid

Glycolic acid is a form of alpha-hydroxy acid that acts as a chemical exfoliant. But because both ingredients can irritate the skin, it is recommended to alternate and should not be used together. Applying them at the same time can cause irritation, dryness, itching, flaking and sun sensitivity.

Retinol and hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a good moisturizer that works by slowing water loss from the skin. It soothes the skin, which can counteract some of the irritating effects of retinol. So, you can use retinol and hyaluronic acid at the same time or opt for a retinol and hyaluronic acid cream.

Retinol and niacinamide

Niacinamide is a vitamin B3 derivative that can reduce acne and signs of ageing. Like hyaluronic acid, it may also help to counter the irritating side effects of retinol.

Retinol and salicylic acid

Both retinol and salicylic acid are used for acne or signs of acne. But the downside is that both can dry and irritate the skin. Over-drying the skin can stimulate sebum production, further aggravating acne. If you want to use both retinol and salicylic acid, you should alternate them. It is also essential to use a moisturizer to prevent dryness.

Retinol and vitamin C

Vitamin C can help reduce pigmentation spots, fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol slows the breakdown of collagen and increases elasticity, leaving skin firmer. This combination of ingredients can help even skin texture and tone. But both products can cause irritation, so it's a good idea to alternate - use a product with vitamin C in the morning and retinol in the evening.

From what age can retinol be used?

In general, retinol products can be included in your skin care routine around the age of 20to prevent signs of ageing. It also depends on skin type and any blemishes or problems. It is best to seek specialist advice to use the right products, choose the best retinol cream and for more information on how to use retinol.

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