In the vast and ever-evolving world of skincare, few ingredients have accumulated as much attention and acclaim as retinol. It's definitely a popular one.
A powerhouse derivative of Vitamin A, retinol has firmly established itself as a cornerstone in many skincare regimens, revered for its potent anti-ageing properties and transformative effects on the skin.
From combating fine lines to refining texture and tone, the benefits of retinol span wide, making it a sought-after solution for various skin concerns.
As we delve into this blog post, we'll uncover the science behind retinol, what is retinol used for, its multitude of benefits, and how to harness its power effectively for radiant, youthful skin, how does retinol work and is retinol good for your skin.
What is Retinol?
The use of retinol on acne skin goes as far back as the 1960s, this was when it was first developed 🧪 and used on acne skin.
Yes, I know, fighting acne goes as far back as the 60s 😲
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that is widely used, and it derives from retinoids.
It was initially introduced as a potent treatment for acne, researchers were pleasantly surprised to note its profound impact on wrinkles, skin texture, and pigmentation.
This unexpected discovery catapulted retinol to the forefront of anti-aging treatments, a position it has held steadfastly over the years.
The Science Behind Retinol: How It Works
What truly sets retinol apart in the crowded skincare market is that how does retinol work?
At its core, retinol works by increasing cell turnover, ushering damaged, older cells to the surface to be sloughed away and replaced by fresh, new cells.
This process not only addresses visible signs of aging but also helps unclog pores, making retinol a dual force against both wrinkles and acne.
Moreover, its ability to boost collagen production aids in restoring skin elasticity, combating sagging, and ensuring a plump, youthful appearance.
Yet, as with any potent ingredient, the journey with retinol is about balance. It's crucial to understand its strengths and limitations, as well as the best practices to maximise its benefits while minimising potential side effects.
What are the Benefits of Retinol?
There are many reasons why retinol is worth testing on your skin, not just on the skin ageing side of things but other benefits such as:
Benefits of Retinol:
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Anti-aging properties: Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
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Acne management: increase cell turnover and helps unclog pores, leading to clearer skin.
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Improves skin tone: Minimises the prominence of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
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Boosts collagen production: Reinforces skin's elasticity and plumpness.
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Enhances texture and radiance: Regular use rejuvenates skin, granting a smoother texture and radiant glow.
Those are the main benefits you will hear people rave about, as an acne advocate it’s worth considering the benefits for acne-prone skin 🙆♀️
Is Retinol Good for Acne Skin?
If you haven’t been paying attention during this blog post you may not already know that retinol can be effective on acne skin 🥳🎉
what does retinol do for your skin?
Retinol can be used topically to treat acne and achieve the following benefits:
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Unclog pores: The main benefit I have been screaming about throughout this post is the way in which retinol can unblock clogged pores 😍. Pores usually become blocked by dead skin cells, bacteria, or oils.
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Acne scarring: Sometimes dealing with the aftermath of a breakout is hard 🥲, because once the breakout reduces, your skin may experience inflammation which can develop into acne scarring. In some cases, retinoids can help reduce inflammation and any swelling from acne breakouts.
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Hyperpigmentation: This is more common on darker completions and it can develop from sun damage. These spots are known as sun spots or age spots. There are some cases where retinol has been used to reduce the appearance, however, this can take months or years before a real difference is visible.
Where to Find Retinol?
It's essential to remember that not all retinol products are created equal. They can range in concentration from 0.01% to 1%, with higher percentages generally offering more potent effects.
However, a higher concentration can also increase the potential for skin irritation, especially for those new to the ingredient.
Thus, it's often recommended to start with a lower concentration and gradually work your way up, allowing your skin to acclimate.
Topical retinoids are available over the counter in low strength and also at a higher strength through prescription⚕️
Over-the-counter topical retinoids are Retinyl palmitate, Retinaldehyde, and Retinol.
Prescription retinoids are Tretinoin (Retin-A) and tazarotene, tazarotene is the highest strength of retinoid and is usually used to treat severe acne.
As retinol is popularly used and readily available over the counter, it's only smart to give it some more attention.
There are different type of retinol in various formulations, including creams, serums, and oils.
Depending on your skin type and specific concerns, the right vehicle can make a significant difference in efficacy and comfort.
I am sure you are wondering whether retinol is worth the hype and how to best introduce retinol to your skin care routine.
Introducing Retinol to Acne Skin
Throughout this post, you have only heard wonderful and positive things about retinol, but there are some things to watch out for when using retinol.
Retinol can be irritating to the skin if it isn’t used correctly especially if you have sensitive skin 😕
Retinol can also be irritating when it is applied for the very first time, resulting in peeling 🤯.
This usually occurs during the adjustment phase, basically, the period your skin is getting used to the product 👌
Once retinol is applied to the skin it begins work in the cells straight away 😃
However, it has been estimated that retinol can take up to 5 weeks before you see results and this can vary person to person.
If peeling continues after this period there is a high possibility that your skin may be sensitive to retinol 😔.
Introducing retinol to your skin care routine is exciting 🤩, but it is important to take precautions.
Always follow the instructions on the packaging or any other advice provided by the brand.
Also, remember to do the following to ensure that any retinol side effect can be spotted:
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Patch test: Always patch test on a small area of your face to see how your skin responds to the product. After a couple of days if your skin hasn’t reacted proceed with the full application.
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Sunscreen: Retinol makes your skin extra sensitive to sunlight, apply sunscreen in the day and try to apply retinol at night using the skin cycling method
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Side effects: Retinol can cause irritation, look out for any redness, flakiness, dryness, itchiness, or a burning feeling when you start using retinol.
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Start slowly: there are different strengths of retinol available, if you are just starting out with retinol, start slow and build on the dose over time, ie: start with a lower percentage of retinol and slowly work on increasing it over time.
Final Thoughts: Retinol and Topical Treatment
In this blog post, the relationship between retinol and human skin.
Retinol is a highly regarded derivative of Vitamin A, and has carved a niche for itself in the realm of skincare, thanks to its extensive range of benefits.
Its benefits extend to managing acne by increasing cell turnover and unclogging pores. Its consistent use promises an even skin tone, minimising dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Remember, everyone's skin is unique. What works for one individual might not work for another, patch test retinol products or speak to a dermatologist about topical retinoids.
I hope that you learned something about the benefits of retinol and safely incorporating it into your skin care routine 🙂
If that was a yes, sign up for our newsletter, and let's go on this journey of learning more about acne skin 🥰 🙌
FAQ: Using Retinol on Human Skin
What is a retinol?
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and it is used to treat acne due to its ability to promote the turnover of skin cells and unclog pores. The promotion of skin cell turnover also helps to replace old, damaged cells with new making it ideal for premature skin aging.
How do I use retinol in my skincare routine?
Start by using retinol at night. Begin with a lower concentration (0.25% or 0.5%) and gradually increase as your skin tolerates it. Apply a pea-sized amount after cleansing and before moisturizing to avoid irritation.
Can I use retinol during the day?
It's generally not recommended to use retinol during the day because it can make your skin more sensitive to UV radiation. If you must use it during the day, follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
What are the potential side effects of using retinol?
Retinol can cause skin dryness, redness, flakiness, and peeling, especially when first starting. These side effects are usually temporary and can be managed with a good moisturizer.
Can I use retinol if I have sensitive skin?
Those with sensitive skin should be cautious when using retinol. Start with a lower concentration and apply it less frequently. You can also buffer it by applying moisturizer before retinol to reduce irritation.
How long does it take to see results with retinol?
It can take several weeks to several months to see noticeable improvements in your skin with retinol, depending on your skin concerns and the strength of the product.
Can I use retinol while pregnant or nursing?
It's generally advised to avoid using retinol during pregnancy and nursing, as high doses of vitamin A may be harmful to the baby. Consult with a healthcare professional for safer alternatives.
Should I use retinol with other skincare ingredients?
Retinol can be used in conjunction with other skincare ingredients, but be cautious when using it with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) as it can increase skin sensitivity. Always patch-test and introduce products gradually
Can I use retinol with other anti-aging products like peptides or antioxidants?
Yes, retinol can be used in combination with other anti-aging ingredients, such as peptides and antioxidants. These ingredients can complement each other and enhance the overall effectiveness of your skincare routine.
Is it necessary to use retinol if I'm in my 20s or 30s and don't have visible signs of aging?
While retinol is commonly associated with anti-aging, it can also benefit those in their 20s and 30s by promoting skin health and preventing future signs of aging. It can help with issues like acne, uneven skin tone, and texture.
Can I use vitamin C with retinol products?
According to some dermatologists, vitamin C and retinol can be used together to treat acne-prone skin as long as they are used properly. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to brighten the skin, reduces inflammation, and promote collagen synthesis. Whilst Retinol helps with skin cell turnover, helping to unclog pores from dead skin cells or bacteria.
Can I use retinol and salicylic acid together?
Salicylic acid is a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) that helps to exfoliate the skin shedding dead skin cells that result in clogged pores, whereas retinol has elements of this but also helps with hyperpigmentation and acne scars. Although both ingredients are powerful on their own, using them together can increase results, but combining them in one routine can be tricky as it increases skin sensitivity.
P.S. Feel free to check out the articles that helped us put this blog post together:
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Cosmetic Formulation of Skin Care Products by Nadia Khan - Link
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Retinoid or Retinol? - Link
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Theoretical Study of Retinol, Niacinamide and Glycolic Acid with Halloysite Clay Mineral as Active Ingredients for Topical Skin Care Formulations - Link
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The Detrimental Side Effects of Retinol : Beyond Beauty Products by Michelle W. Lee - Link
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Cosmeceuticals vitamins by Mônica Manela-Azulay, Ediléia Bagatin - Link
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10 tips for clearing acne in darker skin tones - Link