Table of Contents
Retinol is a powerful ingredient that complements skin’s natural renewal process to fight the look of fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and sun damage. It can take weeks to months to see results.
Studies have demonstrated that retinol is as effective in UV-induced epidermal thickening and collagen synthesis as tretinoin but without the side effects of irritation and erythema.
What Is Retinol?
What is retinol, and does retinol dry out your skin? Retinol is a vitamin A compound that reduces signs of aging by speeding up the turnover of skin cells and encouraging collagen production. This results in plumper, more youthful-looking skin, according to a 2015 study. It also evens skin tone, minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, and helps fade hyperpigmentation.
Over-the-counter retinol is found in many drugstore and cosmetic counter products, usually in serum form (the best way to deliver the ingredient as it’s highly water-soluble). A doctor or dermatologist can also prescribe medical-grade retinoids with a higher compound concentration, and are only available through prescription.
Retinoids increase oil production and unclog pores, which is how they help clear acne. They also decrease the amount of sun damage the skin absorbs by inhibiting certain enzymes. That’s why it’s essential to wear sunscreen with any retinol product and use it often.
It can take several weeks to months for the anti-aging effects of retinol to become noticeable. Depending on the starting condition of your skin, the results can be subtle or dramatic. It’s essential to use sunscreen with any retinol product and to apply it frequently—at least 20 minutes before you go outside. And remember that your body may need a little time to adapt to the new product, so start with just one or two applications per week and gradually increase the frequency.
How Does Retinol Work?
The vitamin A derivatives you’ve been hearing so much about promote cell turnover and stimulate collagen production to reduce fine lines, even out skin tone, soften pore size, and give your complexion a more galvanized glow. Retinoids also reduce pigmentation issues such as dark spots and melasma.
Unlike other anti-aging ingredients, which are often designed to temporarily plump the skin and reverse their effects once you stop using them, retinol takes time to work. The most subtle fine lines and sun damage can take weeks or months to fade. Using retinol regularly is vital for seeing the most dramatic results.
When you’re first starting, your skin can look flaky and dry as the retinol works its magic—this is called retinization. Many users opt for a retinol rotation method, using the ingredient on a ‘work’ night and then taking a break with Intensive Recovery Face Serum or face mask.
Retinols are safe for almost everyone except those pregnant or breastfeeding and those with severe cases of rosacea or eczema. Because sunlight deactivates retinol, applying it at night after cleansing and moisturizing is best. Avoiding products with harsh exfoliants and other active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and alpha hydroxy acids is essential, as they can irritate the skin.
Can I Use Retinol While Pregnant?
If you’re incorporating retinol into your beauty routine, you’ll want to run your skincare regimen by your doctor or OB/GYN to ensure it’s safe. No evidence exists that topical retinol causes congenital disabilities, but “we always exercise an abundance of caution and recommend avoiding it during pregnancy,” says Zeichner. Retinoids can be absorbed into the bloodstream and transferred to your baby through breastfeeding.
The same goes for prescription retinoids such as tretinoin, which has been shown to increase your risk of having fetal retinoid syndrome. This condition causes severe congenital disabilities and abnormalities in the fetus. Oral retinoids, including isotretinoin (previously known as Accutane), also have serious risks and are not recommended during pregnancy or while nursing.
Luckily, other skincare ingredients have been proven safe and effective during pregnancy. For example, vitamin C can deliver some of the same collagen-boosting, hyperpigmentation-fading benefits as retinol, and it’s also considered safe to use during pregnancy.
Another good option is bakuchiol, an active ingredient in a plant called Babchia. It is similar to retinol in increasing cell turnover and boosting collagen production. But it’s much less irritating and has been shown to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation just as well as retinol.
What Are The Side Effects Of Retinol?
Retinols are a group of compounds derived from vitamin A that help cells regenerate. Over time, they reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and boost collagen production to firm and plump skin. They also help fade hyperpigmentation and smooth rough patches of skin. They can be drying and irritating, mainly if you use too much, so it’s essential to start using them slowly, every other day, then work your way up to nightly applications.
Retinoids can increase your sensitivity to sunlight, so you should always wear sunscreen when using them. They can also cause a bit of flaking or redness, which usually disappears after a few weeks of use. Retinol products are more effective with other anti-aging ingredients, like niacinamide (vitamin B3), which helps calm and brighten the complexion.
While retinol is highly effective, it takes some time to see results, and the effects can be inconsistent. If you don’t see any noticeable improvement, talk to your dermatologist about increasing the frequency of application or switching to a different product.
You should also avoid exfoliating or scrubbing your face while using retinol, as it can lead to irritation and overdrying. Instead, try to use it with other ingredients that can counteract these side effects, such as salicylic acid, which can clear acne without drying out your skin.
No Comments