It has become one of the most widely used cosmetic ingredients, especially over the last 2-3 decades, and as you will discover, not without reason! Retinol, also known as vitamin A, has good reason to be considered a valuable multi-tool by aesthetic medicine experts.
In more detail, it contributes significantly to the function of cell renewal and the enhancement of collagen production, which offers immediate results, giving a brighter, smoother and more youthful skin. It evens out the texture and tone of the skin, minimizing any possible discoloration. It smoothes fine lines and wrinkles. It reduces acne scars and prevents or improves new breakouts by making them milder, while it noticeably softens and smoothes the appearance of skin pores. It regulates sebum production.
Although there has been much systematic research on Retinol and it has been systematically sold to the general public since the early 1980s, many misconceptions about its proper use and benefits as an ingredient remain. Let's analyze in the simplest way possible some of its basic properties as well as how one can gain the most from its multiple benefits.
The general term Retinoid is used to describe all the different forms, as well as derivatives, of the well-known vitamin A. So, as you probably guessed, Retinol is a form of Retinoid. It is by far the most widely used form of Retinoid, without the requirement of a medical prescription. Although perhaps not as powerful as some other Retinoid derivatives that are only available by prescription, it offers the same benefits of giving you brighter and smoother skin, while minimizing any possible side effects that could occur.
Note here that instead of Retinoids there are some alternative forms of plant origin, such as for example Bakuchiol, a natural ingredient whose action is equivalent to retinol and can offer almost the same amazing results, but without any side effects. While the same applies to the unique Cacay oil.
But we mentioned a little while ago about possible side effects. Are there any and if so, what are they? And most importantly, can they be minimized or even avoided?
The most common side effects attributed to the use of Retinoids include skin redness (flushing), itching or even peeling of the skin. However, they can be minimized or even avoided with proper and systematic use, slowly and gradually "building" the skin's tolerance to Retinol.
Essentially, the key to success lies in the term slow and gradual. So it would be appropriate to start with use about once every three days (no more than twice a week), then after the first 15 days increase the application to every other day and later, also seeing the skin's tolerance to Retinol during the first month, even with daily use!
Something else that could also help prevent unwanted side effects is when the retinol serum or retinol cream we use also contains ingredients that hydrate and retain moisture in the skin, such as hyaluronic acid.
* It is also important to use retinol in your evening routine, because 1st) then your skin's natural renewal process begins and 2nd) retinol makes your skin more sensitive to harmful sunlight. That is why you should always apply a cream with a high SPF the next day during your morning routine.
So we could say that, regardless of your skin type, the benefits that arise from the use of Retinol are multiple and significant. However, it is particularly beneficial for oily and mature skin, as well as for those with a tendency to acne. Dry and sensitive skin are most likely to experience some kind of reaction or side effect, but applying a balanced product in combination with a correct rate of use and dosage can help in the gradual tolerance of retinol even by the most sensitive skin.
