Retinol – The “It Girl” Of Ingredients!!
If you’re into skin care at all, you’ve heard of retinol before. It’s one of those ingredients that have made a name for itself in the medical and beauty industry. But what is it? What are the benefits? What are the side effects? How should it be used? Keep reading to find out…
What Is Retinol?
There is retinol, retinoid, and Retin-A. Retin-A and retinol fall under the categorization of retinoids, derivatives of Vitamin A. Now, how do they differ?!?
Retin-A is a prescription form of the ingredient; it’s more potent as it is the active form of retinoic acid. Retin-A penetrates the skin at first use and starts to work immediately. To use Retin-A, you must go to a dermatologist to get a prescription. You will not find it over the counter.
Retinols do the same job as Retin-A but on a smaller scale. For retinol to work on the skin, they go through a conversion process: It first turns into retinaldehyde, then retinoic acid. The conversion process makes retinol less potent; this is why you can find it in over-the-counter products that do not need a prescription…SCORE!!
Benefits Of Using Retinol?
Retinol’s claim to fame is its ability to normalize the skin cycle through cell growth and turnover. This act causes a chain reaction in the skin that results in a slew of positive side effects – to name a few:
Improves Overall Skin Texture
Treats Acne
Improves The Appearance Of Aging Skin
Brightens Skin Complexion (Sun-Damage & Hyperpigmentation)
Overall More Uniform Skin
Aids in Collagen Production
Side Effects
If this seems too good to be true, it’s because it might be. Like most things in life, too much of a good thing might turn ugly. Although you may get quicker results using Retin-A (prescription only), there’s a chance it may be a little too much for your skin to handle. Common side effects are irritations, dry skin, peeling, swelling, discomfort, and rashes. Even though retinol (OTC) is less potent, you should still use caution when adding them to your skin care routine. Irritations, dry skin, flakiness, and other side effects can still be expected when using a retinol product.
A good rule to follow is if you have sensitive skin, rosacea, eczema, dermatitis, are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding, don’t add retinol into your skin care routine just yet. Look for a licensed professional to guide you in your decision before you leap!
How To Use?
Use your retinol product at night. Start off using it once a week, then two times a week (alternate nights, not back to back). You may experience some redness and potentially some flakiness, no need to worry, simply skip that night. Your skin will start to acclimate to the product and build a tolerance.
Eventually, work your way up to 2 nights in a row, take the 3rd night off. If you feel dryness or flakiness, try using a gentle exfoliating product on a night that you are not using retinol (for example, the 3rd night). This will allow your skin to rid itself of the dead skin cells and promote healthier skin for better product absorption the next time you use your retinol.
Talk to your licensed professional about using retinol more frequently before doing so. Your goal is to keep your skin’s barrier healthy and strong throughout the entire process. Because of the conversion process, it can take weeks to months to see results while using retinol. Have patience and stick to it!! Patience and consistency are the key ingredients to beautiful skin.
What are your views on retinol? Have you tried it? Comment below or let me know your thoughts on social media IG @pacheesspa & FB Pachee’s Spa.
XO – Pachee
