If you're concerned about wrinkles, dark spots, or acne
scars, you should try retinol, the miracle ingredient that restores skin tone
and firmness.
What Is Retinol?
Retinol is a type of vitamin A that is used in many topical
creams and moisturizers. Over-the-counter retinol-based skin care products are
available, as are more potent prescription retinoid products from a
dermatologist.
Retinyl palmitate (retinol plus palmitic acid), retinal (aka
retinaldehyde, a vitamin A precursor), retinoic acid (a retinoid metabolite),
and other retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) such as adapalene, tazarotene, and
tretinoin are all similar chemicals.
What Does Retinol Do?
Retinol promotes healthy skin cell turnover and helps reduce
inflammation by increasing elastin and collagen production. Retinol, as a
retinoid (vitamin A derivative), also has antioxidant properties that help to
neutralize skin-damaging free radicals. Retinol products, when used as part of
a skincare routine, can treat acne and acne scars, improve skin texture and
dark spots caused by sun damage, and reduce or slow the signs of aging.
6 Benefits of Retinol
Retinol claims to treat a number of skin conditions,
including the following:
1. Acne: Retinol promotes skin cell turnover, which aids in
the prevention of clogged pores, which can result in pimples and acne
breakouts. Many over-the-counter retinol acne treatments are available, or you
can consult a dermatologist for a more potent prescription-strength retinol
cream.
2. Age spots: Hyperpigmentation or dark spots develop as a
result of sun damage or as a natural part of the aging process.
Over-the-counter topical retinol treatments may reduce the appearance of age
spots over time, but darker areas may require a stronger prescription retinoid.
Wear SPF to avoid hyperpigmentation (and because retinol makes your skin more
sensitive to light).
3. Enlarged pores: When oil and dead skin cells clog
pores, they become noticeably larger. Retinol aids in the removal of clogged
skin by increasing skin cell turnover, which effectively exfoliates your skin.
4. Scar reduction: Whether you have acne scars or scars from
an injury, retinol can help to speed up the healing process and even out your
skin tone. Severe acne scars may necessitate additional treatment beyond
retinoid products.
5. Skin disorders: Retinol can help with inflammatory skin
disorders like psoriasis and rosacea by reducing redness and creating a more
even skin tone. Because retinol can cause irritation and dryness, consult your
dermatologist about the best option for your skin type before using it to treat
skin disorders.
6. Wrinkles and fine lines: Your skin loses collagen,
elastin, and the ability to retain moisture as you age, resulting in sagging
and wrinkles. By increasing collagen and elastin, which "plump" your
skin, retinol serums and eye creams can reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Retinol Side Effects
If you have sensitive skin, allergies, or pre-existing skin
conditions, be aware that retinol products may cause the following side
effects:
1. Acne breakout: When using retinol, your skin may get
worse before it gets better. Retinol products may cause a temporary flare-up of
acne in some people.
2. Dryness: Despite its long-term hydrating effects, retinol
can cause dry skin in some people at first. Dryness can cause skin peeling or
flaking, as well as an eczema flare-up.
3. Irritation: Retinol has the potential to irritate
sensitive skin. Redness, blistering, burning, swelling, and itching may occur.
4. Sun sensitivity: Because retinol makes your skin
more sensitive to the damaging effects of sunlight, use an effective sunscreen
while using retinol treatments. Mineral sunscreen offers the best protection
because it forms an instant physical barrier between your skin and the sun.
Check out makeup artist Bobbi Brown's top sunscreen picks.
What Is the Retinol Purge?
When you first start using retinol on your skin, you may
experience a two- to six-week period of dryness, acne breakouts, redness, and
itchiness. Following the purging, you should notice a steady improvement in
your skin's health.
What Is the Difference Between Retinol and Retinoid?
While retinol and retinoid have many of the same effects,
the two terms are not interchangeable and have several key differences:
1. Composition: The term "retinol" refers to
a vitamin A derivative that does not act as an active ingredient in skincare
formulations. Instead, apply it to your skin to allow your enzymes to convert
it to retinoic acid. The term "retinoids," on the other hand, refers
to a group of ingredients (including retinol) that can be active skincare
ingredients and typically contain retinoic acid.
2. Implications: All retinoids (including retinol) have the
potential to improve skincare by increasing collagen production, unclogging
pores, reducing fine lines, and fading sun damage or acne scars. However,
because retinol is a low-strength retinoid, it does not always perform as well
as a prescription-strength retinoid at antiaging or acne treatment.
3. Time frame: Retinol is a slow-acting retinoid that
takes about twelve weeks of consistent use to see its full effect. Higher-strength
retinoids, on the other hand, can show results as soon as four weeks after your
first use.
4. Best uses: Many retinoids, including retinol, cause
redness, dryness, flaking, and irritation. However, because retinol products
are less potent, dermatologists may recommend them for people with sensitive
skin, dry skin, irritated skin, or who are just getting started with retinoid
products. If you have previously used topical retinoids or have skin that can
tolerate it, your dermatologist may recommend higher-strength prescription
retinoids, such as tretinoin.
5. Access: Retinol serums are available
over-the-counter in drugstores, whereas higher-strength retinoid products are
typically prescription-only.
How to Use Retinol
Before applying retinol products to your skin, always read
the instructions, or ask your dermatologist how to use a prescription product.
In general, you can use retinol by following these steps:
1. Perform a patch test. Always perform a patch test on a
small area of your skin before using an over-the-counter product at home to
check for allergic reactions. Wait a few days, and if the reaction is
manageable, you can begin using the product with confidence.
2. Wash your face. When you're ready to use retinol, wash
your skin gently and pat it dry. When using retinol products, avoid
over-exfoliating your skin. Allow thirty minutes before using retinol.
3. Apply in a thin layer. After thirty minutes, gently
pat your face with a pea-sized amount of your retinol product, avoiding your
eyes, mouth, and nose. Use retinol every other day at first, until your skin
adjusts to the product.
4. Apply moisturizer. Use a noncomedogenic facial
moisturizer that will not clog your pores after your retinol treatment. Even if
it doesn't appear to be very sunny, use sunscreen every day and reapply as
needed.
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