There’s no doubt that you’ve heard that word whispered around the internet or amongst your closest friends - retinols. Touted as a new “holy grail” of the skin care world, these products have seemingly promised to deliver everything from more even skin tone to less noticeable fine lines and wrinkles to a natural, otherworldly glow. But what exactly are these mystery products and are they really that effective?
If you’ve found yourself wondering about the truth and potency behind the world of retinols, we’re here to help. We’ve gone ahead and done the heavy research to get you the information you so greatly desire about what retinols are, how they work and what they can potentially do for your skin to help you decide if you should include retinols in your skincare routine. Keep reading to discover more.
What on Earth is Retinol?
We’ll get started with the basics - what in the world is retinol? Often confused with the like-named retinoid, retinol is a pure form of vitamin A that is often included in anti-aging products. This beloved ingredient is often touted as a must-have in modern anti aging skin care routines, as they actively work to increase skin cell production and clear pores, resulting in clearer, smoother and more radiant skin. Retinols can be found in a variety of different product types, ranging from serums and gels to lotions and creams and everything in between.
How Does Retinol Work?
While they may seem like a magical do-all ingredient, the truth about retinols is that there is a pretty simple method to the madness of how they work. All in all, retinols work to boost skin cell production while also working to boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity. They also work to provide gentle exfoliation to the skin, helping to remove dead skin cells and promote a more even, smoother experience with natural radiance.
Retinol works to improve the look and feel of the skin by permeating the middle layer of the skin, also known as the “dermis.” Once inside the dermis, retinols work to neutralize free radicals, adding plumpness back to the skin, which can help to reduce the look and feel of fine lines and wrinkles. These anti-aging effects will take many weeks of consistent use to fully make a noticeable appearance.
Should I Use Retinol in My Skin Care Routine?
Now that we’ve gone over the basics of retinols and how these amazing skin care superstars work, it’s time to talk about whether they’re right for you.
ADD IT - Fine Lines and Wrinkles
For those of us who are seeing the signs of aging in our face and neck, retinols are a great option to add to our anti aging skin care routine. These products actively work to fight back against the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, slowing the breakdown of collagen in the skin and boosting its elasticity for a more youthful appearance.
SKIP IT - Sensitive Skin or Sun Exposure
If you are prone to have sensitive skin or have significant allergies, these products may not be a good fit for you. Additionally, if you spend a lot of time in the sun, you might want to skin retinols as well. This is because retinols are so powerful, which can irritate sensitive skin, and leave your skin more sensitive to sunlight after use. Try a small patch of skin as a test to see how it reacts before you use it on your entire face.
ADD IT - Dull or Textured Skin
If you are prone to have dull and lifeless or textured and uneven skin, try slipping a retinol into your nightly routine. Because it is a natural exfoliant, retinol will help to wash away dead skin cells which can be a core cause of dull, uneven skin. By both removing dead skin cells and improving the production of new ones, retinols help to promote smoother, more radiant skin with continued use.
Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast or just jumping into the world of crafting your own routine, there’s no doubt that you’ve heard the word ‘retinol’ being tossed around amongst friends and colleagues. These skincare superstars may be newer to the game but are making waves in providing a more even skin tone, less noticeable fine lines or wrinkles and a natural glow in those who use them regularly. If you’re interested in adding them to your routine, make sure to take the time to patch test before you jump in head first in order to make sure that they are safe to use for your unique skin’s needs.
Interested in further exploring your skincare journey? Discover our comprehensive range of Anti Aging Skincare products, each meticulously formulated to combat the signs of aging. Dive deeper into targeted solutions with our curated collection of Anti Wrinkle Products, designed to smooth and refine your skin. For those specifically addressing the challenges of maturing skin, our Aging Skin Treatments offer advanced options for rejuvenation. And don't forget to explore our general Skin Care collection for a comprehensive approach to maintaining your skin's health and vitality