Skin care ingredients have been stealing the spotlight lately, and rightfully so. It’s important to know and understand what goes into the skin care products you use, what works for your skin and what should be avoided. Retinol is an ingredient that has gained momentum in the last couple of years due its myriad benefits for the skin. Read on to know more about this potent and effective active ingredient, and how you can incorporate it into your skin care routine.
what is retinol?
Retinol is an over-the-counter, milder version of retinoids, derived from Vitamin A extracts that primarily help target ageing skin. Retinoids help increase production of collagen in the skin and skin cell turnover, which then slows down the skin ageing process. Retinol is its multitasking derivative that addresses fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, helps unclog pores and give you healthier-looking skin.
what are the benefits of retinol for the skin?
Retinol has multiple benefits, especially for ageing skin. It helps protect the skin and targets signs of ageing to give you visibly smoother, healthier-looking skin. Some of the benefits of retinol include:
- Skin cell turnover slows down as we age, which results in dull, pigmented skill. Retinol helps increase the rate of skin turnover, which in turn, targets concerns like hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage
- Retinol has exfoliating properties, thus removing the build up of dead cells on the surface of the skin. This results in clearer smoother skin that absorbs other skin care products more effectively. It also helps in targeting acne and other skin breakouts.
- Retinol helps improve the elasticity of the dermis, which is the second, deeper layer of the skin. This translates to smoother, more taut, healthier-looking skin.
how to include retinol in your skin care routine?
As a rule of thumb, retinol should be used at night, after cleansing and before moisturising. If you are also using a Vitamin C serum, use that in your AM routine and retinol in the PM routine. Avoid using retinol after exfoliation, as it could aggravate sensitised skin. Start by including retinol into your routine once or twice a week to let your skin get used to this active ingredient. Once acclimatised, you can increase the frequency to three-four times, before using it every day.
You can start by trying the Dermalogica Retinol Clearing Oil, a first-of-its kind face oil that can be used to treat acne. Combining two powerhouses into one formula: Salicylic Acid to clear and prevent breakouts, and potent, time-released Retinol to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, this product has proven to show dramatic improvement in skin health and texture.
Another retinol-infused product to try is the Dermalogica Multivitamin Thermofoliant. This powerful skin polisher combines physical and chemical exfoliants to refine skin texture and enhance vitamin delivery. Resurfacing microgranules gently polish off dulling skin cells to reveal smoother, fresher skin immediately. Unique thermal technology activates upon contact with water to stimulate skin-sloughing Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid and Retinol, as antioxidants help condition and even skin tone.
is retinol suitable for all skin types?
Retinol is a powerful active ingredient, so it’s important to use it with caution. While it can provide benefits for most skin types, retinol should be avoided by those with:
- hyper sensitive skin
- severe acne
- skin conditions that require medical attention
If you’re unsure about whether or not it will work for you, introduce it into your routine gradually. Due to its potency, you can expect some initial purging that could last up to three-four weeks. Once your skin settles, you can increase the frequency of use.