Retinol for the face. What is it for and how to use it during your beauty routine
It seems like everyone from Nicole Kidman to Hyram to Dr. Sandra Lee (anyone want to talk about Dr. Pimple Popper?) is crazy about retinol, and for good reason! But what is retinol for?
The vitamin A derivative, first pioneered in the 1960s, has been called the ultimate anti-aging ingredient. However, this hype has been accompanied by a good deal of fear about its possible irritating and dehydrating effects. But there's no need to stress! We explain what the benefits of retinol are and what it is for so you know how to include it in your routine. For starters, retinol is an active ingredient, meaning it is used in products to treat specific skin problems. It is known as a superhero ingredient that helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles, treat acne, smooth texture, reduce hyperpigmentation, sun spots and acne scars, and strengthen the skin barrier. Retinol works by exfoliating the skin and increasing cell turnover – the process that helps it heal and reveal smoother, brighter, shinier skin. It differs from other exfoliating ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy (lactic, glycolic, etc.) and beta-hydroxy (salicylic) acids because it has been shown to penetrate deeper into the skin, reaching the dermis, while AHA and BHA acids exfoliate it. outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis. Retinol has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, while preventing the degradation of existing collagen and elastin, thus reducing the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin. As we age, the rate of cell turnover decreases substantially, which is a major contributor to all the skin problems listed above. Therefore, using retinol in your routine not only works to heal and repair existing skin damage but also helps prevent further damage.
It is because of the exfoliating nature of retinol that people can often be wary of this ingredient. If not used correctly, it can dry out the skin and cause redness, flaking and bleeding.
What is retinol for? Retinol offers dramatic, visible results without “retinol scars,” as we like to call them. While most people can benefit from including retinol in their skincare routine, it may not be a right option for everyone: for example, some skin conditions such as rosacea can react negatively to this ingredient. For many people, however, it is an incredibly effective and skin-transforming treatment. If you are new to retinol, we recommend starting slow and steady. Apply it once or twice a week, in the evening. Retinol degrades in sunlight and can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it's important to use it as part of your nighttime routine and always use a broad-spectrum SPF during the day while treating with retinol. Apply a pea-sized amount all over your face, yes, all over your face. If you are also treating the neck and décolleté, you can use a second pea for those areas. Follow with a nourishing moisturizer to hydrate your skin and keep it protected while the retinol does its work. If you want to be more conservative, you can use the “sandwich method” by applying a layer of moisturizer to your skin, followed by retinol, and finishing with another layer of moisturizer. What is retinol for? Try this method for several weeks, until you feel your skin has adapted and has no adverse reactions (redness, flaking, bleeding). Afterwards, you can slowly increase the frequency of use and concentration. Remember that consistency is key when using retinol, so make sure you use an amount that is sustainable for your skin and that you don't exceed your tolerance to the point of having to stop for an extended period of time.
