Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A being used predominantly as a cheap at-home treatment for aging. There has been a spike lately in the amount of retinol products available on the market; but what is Retinol? And why should you be using it? Read on to find out.
What Is Retinol
Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A. Retinol is the most common form of the ingredient you’ll find in most skincare creams and serums. There is a stronger prescription version of Retinol known as Retinoic Acid which provides more immediate results, but it is a harsher treatment. Consult your dermatologist for more information about acquiring retinoic acid.
Once Retinol is applied to the skin however, it is converted to Retinoic acid by enzymes present in our skin. You will still see fantastic results to your complexion with Retinol alone, it may just take a little longer.
Key Benefits of Retinol
Boosts Collagen Production
With continued use, Retinol boosts collagen production and promotes cellular regeneration. As we age, the collagen in our skin begins to breakdown. Using Retinol can slow down this process, therefore reducing signs of aging.
Anti-Aging
By boosting collagen and elastin production, the skin will be smoother and firmer; this can minimise the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Minimises Pores
Enlarged pores occur through the aging process as the skin around the pores begins to sag and droop. By boosting the production of collagen and elastin, the appearance of your pores can be minimised. Read our article for more Ways to Reduce The Size Of Your Pores.
Even Skin Tone and Sun Spots
Retinol can even and smooth out skin texture and tone, and over time, it can fade sun spots and hyper-pigmentation. Retinol has a mild exfoliating effect as a result of increased cell turnover.
How to Use Retinol
Retinol when used in skin care is a topically applied product, usually in serum form (cream forms are also available). As with most serums, they should be used after cleansing but before moisturising. Retinol serums should be applied everyday, it can take up to 3 months before you start seeing visible results. You’ll notice that retinol is added to most night creams/serums as it should generally be applied in the PM.
You should limit sunlight exposure when using retinol, as it can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Unlike AHA/BHA’s however, it is generally safe to be in the sun while using Retinol.
Combining Treatments
While retinol can be used with other treatments including AHA/BHA’s, it’s generally best to avoid combining the two. Retinol itself isn’t really an exfoliating agent but since it boosts cell turnover, it can cause redness and peeling.
We do recommend combining retinol with hyaluronic acid, as this will combat the dryness associated with using retinol. If you’re not familiar with Hyaluronic Acid, be sure to read What is Hyaluronic Acid? And How It Can Benefit Your Skin.
Side Effects
Typical side effects of Retinol include; skin peeling, dryness, redness and general irritation. No need to be alarmed however, this is very common and is usually part of the process of your skin acclimating to the ingredient.
If you are concerned by these side effects, try starting with a lower concentration Retinol formulation, and increase it gradually as your skin gets used to the treatment.
Products We Recommend
Try The Ordinary – Retinol 0.5% in Squalane. A fantastic water-free Retinol formulation at an affordable price point. A lower and higher strength formulation is also available.
Try La Roche-Posay Retinol 0.3% + Vitamin B3 Serum. This is a gentle formulation, better for those with sensitive skin. The addition of Vitamin B3 ensures your skin remains hydrated and soft.
Try Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum. This is a high-strength formula with a 6.5% concentration Retinol blend. Also includes Hawaiian white honey, a humectant which ensures your skin is hydrated.
Try Paula’s Choice – Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment. This treatment includes Vitamin C and will be effective in improving skin tone and texture while softening fine lines and wrinkles.
17 responses to “What is Retinol? And Why You Should Be Using It”
[…] Using this in conjunction with Retinol will provide excellent anti-aging results, read What is Retinol? And Why You Should Be Using It. […]
[…] Retinol has excellent anti-aging and cell regenerating properties, along with mild exfoliating properties. Combining this with stronger exfoliants such as AHAs/BHAs will lead to an increased risk of irritation. In addition to this effect, acids typically function at a low pH and combining this with a retinol solution may increase the pH of the acid serum, this will decrease it’s effectiveness. […]
[…] Retinoids also known as preformed Vitamin A […]
[…] in treating mild to moderate acne. You may have heard of retinoic acid when researching retinol. Retinol serums are converted to retinoic acid when applied to the skin. The results displayed that […]
[…] Retinoids/Retinol […]
[…] your skincare goals. Common ingredients include Vitamin C, to brighten and exfoliate the skin and Retinol, which is a powerful anti-aging […]
[…] Retinoids (Retinol, retinoic acid) […]
[…] Retinol has excellent anti-aging and cell regenerating properties, along with mild exfoliating properties. Combining this with stronger exfoliants such as AHAs/BHAs will lead to an increased risk of irritation. In addition to this effect, acids typically function at a low pH and combining this with a retinol solution may increase the pH of the acid serum, this will decrease it’s effectiveness. […]
[…] Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A. When applied topically, retinol is converted by enzymes into retinoic acid which has been shown to boost collagen synthesis and therefore reverse and reduce signs of aging. Retinol serums can also help to make pores smaller and even skin tone. […]
[…] using a Retinol solution on your skin, a chemical compound of Vitamin A. Retinol helps boost production of skin […]
[…] Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A which possesses fantastic collagen boosting properties. Forehead wrinkles appear when the skin loses it’s elasticity; this is due to reduction of elastin and collagen proteins. By boosting the amount of collagen in the skin, you can re-firm the forehead and minimise the appearance of fines lines and wrinkles. Retinol can also helps to minimise pores and even skin-tone. […]
[…] via What is Retinol? And Why You Should Be Using It — Obviously Skincare […]
[…] Retinol: Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin-A. Once applied to the skin, it’s converted to retinoic acid by the skin’s natural enzymes. It’s this acid which helps to not only boost elastin and collagen production, but also promotes cellular regeneration for a brighter complexion. Continued use of retinol (can take up to three months to see benefits) can minimise and reverse the signs of aging. Read more on Retinol… […]
[…] Retinol is perhaps the most common form of anti-aging treatment that is used at home. A stronger prescription version of retinol is available known as retinoic acid which is more effective, but also more harsh. Retinol is a form of Vitamin-A which can boost collagen production with continued use. […]
[…] What is Retinol? And Why You Should Be Using It — Obviously Skincare […]
[…] Retinol: Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin-A. Once applied to the skin, it’s converted to retinoic acid by the skin’s natural enzymes. It’s this acid which helps to not only boost elastin and collagen production, but also promotes cellular regeneration for a brighter complexion. Continued use of retinol (can take up to three months to see benefits) can minimise and reverse the signs of aging. Read more on Retinol… […]
[…] Using this in conjunction with Retinol will provide excellent anti-aging results, read What is Retinol? And Why You Should Be Using It. […]