We love retinol a lot, don’t we? Here are a few reasons why. There are numerous benefits to using retinol. Having blemishes and signs of aging reduced is achievable with retinol. As a result, it is found in an increasing number of over-the-counter creams and at the top of dermatologists’ lists.
The side effects of retinol can be quite uncomfortable and irritating (literally), which makes it an intimidating ingredient for some. There are, however, many OTC creams that contain retinol that is milder than the prescription versions. You can therefore enjoy the benefits of retinol without having to worry about its unwanted side effects. Taking a closer look at retinol, let’s analyze how it works.
Retinol: What Is It and What Are the Benefits?
The retinoid family consists of retinol, a vitamin A derivative. The remarkable ability it displays to provide firmness to skin that has lost collagen, such as skin that has been exposed to the sun, is why it works so well. The skin has a bouncy and taut appearance thanks to the collagen, the body’s most abundant protein. Degradation of collagen occurs as we age, causing the skin to appear wrinkled and saggy.
By encouraging cell turnover (shedding cells more quickly and effectively to avoid them piling up and clogging pores) retinol can also help combat the appearance of blemishes. Retinol unclogs pores by preventing them from getting clogged.
Retinol can also help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation caused by UV exposure and acne scarring, even if it minimizes the appearance of aging and breakouts at the same time. Melanin gives color to eyes and hair (melanin is a pigment in the skin). This results in a reduction in the level of melanin in the skin.
The Side Effects of Retinol
People who have not used retinoids before can experience severe irritation, especially when using prescription retinoids. Peeling, redness, irritability, and dryness are all common retinol problems. There are cases in which people can be discouraged from pursuing treatment due to these issues. To reap the full benefits of retinol, it is important to know how you can continue using it.
It is typically within the first two weeks after starting treatment that retinol-induced irritation peaks. It is a natural process for your skin to become accustomed to the irritation after a while. It’s good to know that retinol will not diminish in effectiveness just because your skin becomes accustomed to it. Retinol continues to work even after symptoms of irritation subside naturally.
What You Need to Know About Retinol
You should still use a broad spectrum SPF from Odylique cosmetics after applying your retinol at night and cleansing your face the next morning. That way you can prevent further side effects and irritation.
Retinol should be applied to clean skin and then moisturized using any moisturizer from Natural Cosmetics. Beginners should start off with a mild formulation containing 0.25% or 0.5% of retinol before moving up to 1% formulations. Your skin will adjust to retinol more easily when you increase its strength over time.