March 28, 2024
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Skincare

Everything You Need To Know About Retinol

Retinol has quickly become a skincare buzzword, with many online skincare gurus telling you that you need it in your skincare routine. And while that may be true for some, it’s certainly not the case for everyone. If you’re new to skincare, looking to start a routine, or want a little more insight into this active ingredient, read on to learn everything you need to know about retinol.

What Is Retinol, and How Does It Work?

Ultimately, you should know of three forms of retinol: Retin-A (tretinoin), retinol derivatives, and retinol. All of these are forms of vitamin A, which plays a critical role in cell division, skin cell hydration, and maintaining your dermis and epidermis. Tretinoin is the strongest retinoid and can only be prescribed by a dermatologist, whereas retinol is the strongest form you can get over the counter. Retinol derivatives are also over-the-counter but are less potent and can take a while to show results.

Upon your first few applications, vitamin A first works with the stratus corneum by exfoliating and removing excess dead skin cells. This phase is known as the purging stage, and you may notice dryness or breakouts. It will then start penetrating deeper into the epidermis into the melanocytes—pigment cells—and correct damage and hyperpigmentation. Over time, it will go even deeper into the basal layer and interact with stem cells, correcting any damage to the nucleus of these cells, so your skin can copy and reproduce healthier skin cells.

Who Should and Shouldn’t Use Retinol?

For those with sensitive skin or skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea, retinol may not be for you, and it’s best to speak with a dermatologist before applying. However, most skin types can benefit from using a retinoid in some form. For those with severe acne, your dermatologist may recommend Retin-A, but for those with oily, dry, or combination skin, OTC retinol is your best option.

How Should I Use Retinol?

Knowing how to apply retinol the right way and layering your skincare products in the right order are key. Ideally, your retinol should be applied after your toner and before your spot treatments and moisturizer. This is because retinol is typically thin, and you don’t want it to have to penetrate thicker products to begin working its magic.

Ultimately, the most important thing you need to know about retinol is that you should never apply it during the day. Retinol generally makes your skin sensitive to UV rays, decreasing the ingredient’s efficacy and making your skin more prone to sun damage. While applying it at night can mitigate this damage, you also need to apply SPF during the day, as the healthy cells retinol helps produce will still be sensitive. But with consistent application, moisturizing, and sun protection, you should notice significant results over time and overall healthier skin.