Retinol!! I assume you have already heard about retinol by now. If not, you are at the right place. Yes, Ladies!! Here I have a complete guide on Retinol for beginners, its uses, and the best retinol products recommended by dermatologists. It has been there for a long time but recently created a lot of buzz in the beauty world. And when I tell you this, Do not doubt Ladies, the Retinol hype is real!! Thanks to real people sharing their experience with retinol and the drastic transformations on social media.
If you are still new to this but still a little skeptical about giving it a try, Here I have tried to break down everything that possibly could be the answer to all your doubts and queries related to retinol. Trust me when I say this, it’s a Holy grail of the beauty world.
What you will find in this article ??
- What is Retinol?
- How does retinol Works?
- How to choose the Right Retinol for Beginners?
- Retinol Benefits?
- How does Retinol help with acne, melasma, anti-aging, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and comedones?
- Best Retinol Serums and creams recommended by Dermatologists?
- How and when to apply retinol?
- Retinol myths and concerns
Read ahead and discover the versatility of this pot of gold yourself.
(image source: Reddit)
What is retinol ??
Retinol aka Vit A is a vitamin that is usually found in our food and is also used as a dietary supplement. It’s a Vit A approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) as an anti-wrinkle agent that changes the appearance of the skin surface and has anti-aging properties.
How Does Retinol Work?
Retinoids regulate cell apoptosis, proliferation, and differentiation. This means that it eliminates dead cells and grows or increases new cell formation, boosts collagen production, which reduces fine wrinkles, slowing down premature aging.
(image source: Internet)
How to choose the right retinol for your skin ??
When I use the term retinoid, keep in mind that it’s an umbrella term for all VIT A derivatives that are available in the market. However, retinoids are classified according to their strength and effectiveness.
(image source: Internet)
Starting from the weakest
Retinyl Palmitate/ retinal acetate
- Beginner-friendly
- Gentlest, weakest (By weak here I mean it takes more time to show visible results )
- Great for dry or sensitive skin.
Retinol
- Beginner- Friendly
- Strong and most tolerable
- Good for other skin types
- Takes several months to a year for visible results.
Retin A or Tretinoin
- The Strongest of all retinoids, Best for anti-aging
- Requires Prescription
- Works faster than Retinol and more effectively
- Can be more irritating to the skin.
Adapalene
- Good for the treatment of acne.
- Best for Acne-Prone skin
What is Retinol Used for ??
- Acne
- Anti-aging
- Anti comedogenic
- Hyperpigmentation
- Dark spots
- Improves texture and tone.
- Photoaging
- Melasma
- Large pores
How retinol helps in slowing down aging?
Since Retinol is a fat-soluble vitamin it penetrates the deep layer of the skin i.e into the dermis to some extent. Thereby, influencing the secretion of certain growth factors responsible for new cell formation, Hence strengthening the epidermis which is the outermost layer of skin, and reducing water loss.
Moreover, it protects against the degradation of collagen by neutralizing free radicals to boost the production of elastin and collagen improving skin elasticity and creating a plumping effect.
There are two types of aging
- Chronological
- Photoaging
Aging is an intricate process, While Chronological aging is an inevitable process, photoaging however is premature aging of the skin caused by extreme exposure to harmful sun rays.
Tretinoin is the most potent bioactive form of retinoids that can be applied topically to the skin. Since it stimulates collagen production it helps thicken the skin.
How does Retinol help with Blackheads/ Whiteheads?
Retinol reduces the amount of sebum secreted by the skin, hence reducing the tendency to form blackheads. It produces anti-comedogenic effects (i.e prevent the formation of white and blackheads) by regulating secretion within the ducts of the sebaceous glands thereby controlling sebum production. It keeps the pores unclogged by creating comedolytic agents to help prevent the comedones.
Read beginner routine for acne-prone skin Here
How Retinol helps with Acne ??
Retinol not only helps in treating severe acne but also helps fade stubborn acne scars and fix hyperpigmentation.
Adapalene is the best Retinol for Beginners with acne problems. As it slows down the process of excessive growth of sebum inline of pores and desensitizes the skin to inflammation making it ideal for acne. Find out how to use adapalene before using it HERE.
Acne can occur when oil and dead cells clog the pores in our skin. Thanks to bacteria which can mix with the blockage leading to inflammation and bumps. It helps unclog the pores and enables skin repair by reducing sebum production.
Related: Also read all about the Ten Step Korean Glass Skin Routine at home with natural ingredients.
Retinol for acne scars
When acne breakouts penetrate the skin, they damage the skin and tissues. As acne clears the body tries to repair the damage.
Retinol can help with the stubborn scars caused by cystic acne by speeding up cell growth and improving skin texture.
Best Retinol Serums for beginners recommended by Dermatologists
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalene (Start with the lowest concentration)
0.2% in Squalene is your best bit for Retinol as a beginner.
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Anti-Aging Night Cream
Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Cream
Murad Resurgence Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol
Skinceuticals Retinol 1 Maximum Strength Refining Night Cream
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Retinol & Vitamin E Daily Moisturizer
Acne Treatment Differin Gel
Paula’s Choice CLINICAL 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment
CeraVe Anti Aging Retinol Serum
Best Retinol for Beginner
Eau Thermale Avene RetrinAL
Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Max Moisturizer
No7 Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex Night Concentrate
The INKEY List Retinol Serum
L’Oreal Paris 1.5% 0.3% Retinol Serum
Tretinoin/ Retin- A – This is not a best Retinoid for beginner. However, I have mentioned if you are already accustomed to the other formulas and ready to switch to the higher concentrations. Keep in mind this comes in diff concentrations and requires a prescription by certified dermatologist. After consulting with your derm, You can get this from the local medical store.
Related: Check out the 20 Best Skincare Products you need asap to achieve the skin of your dreams.
FAQ’s
Can you use retinol Daily?
Yes, you can use this daily if your skin tolerates it. However, daily retinol for beginners is a big No. Start slow, say 2-3 times a week, with the lowest concentration, and slowly increase the concentration/ strength and application depending upon the tolerance of your skin. For example;
- 1st month – 2 -3 times per week
- 2nd month – every other day per week
- 3rd month – every night (avoid on the days of exfoliation, shaving, waxing, and mixing with acids )
How much Retinol is enough??
Surprisingly, you may think you need to load up, However, Less is more when it comes to Retinol. Just a pea-sized amount of retinol is enough for your whole face, Do not go overboard with this.
What to keep in mind while using retinol?
The rules apply the same for a beginner or a pro when it comes to Retinol.
- First of all, always wear sunscreen while using Retinol. Since retinol breaks down in sun making it unstable resulting in dry and irritated skin, which may worsen sun exposure and also cause a retinal burn. Therefore, wear sunscreen every day and avoid direct sun exposure. Sunscreen is a must in skincare as such but while using retinol it should be noted that it becomes extremely important to use, to avoid stripping of skin. Read HERE to find out why sunscreen is so important.
- Secondly, do not pair retinol with other actives like AHA’s/BHA’s or PHA’s and other exfoliants like salicylic, and glycolic acids.
- Thirdly, It’s not advisable to use retinol during pregnancy. Despite all the benefits, Avoid any topical application while you carry as this may increase the risk of birth defects. Talk to the derm for substitutes, they will guide you better.
- Introduce Retinol slowly, 2-3 times a week increase as per your skin tolerance.
- Do not pair Vit. C with retinol. Prefer applying retinol in your Night routine. However, you may pair it with Vit B aka Niacinamide
Also, Keep in mind
- You start seeing results in 12 weeks but give a religious 3-6 months to see wonders. However, If you still don’t see the results, consult the dermatologist.
- Most importantly, Never apply retinol on damp skin, that is because it can go very deep into the skin and result in irritation.
- Do not use it if you have some skin condition like eczema. Consult your Derm before using it.
- Retinols have typical effects like dryness, tightness, redness sometimes, and slight peeling. Always moisturize after applying RETINOL. You can also use the sandwich method i.e layer with a light moisturizer, or eye cream, then apply retinoid and layer with a moisturizer again. If you have a very dry skin layer with skin oil such as squalene or jojoba.
- You can start using retinol in your late 20’s and early 30’s. It is around when the body starts to produce less collagen.
- Wash off immediately if it stings try a patch, particularly around the neck to check whether you can tolerate it or not.
- Last but not the least, Always consult the derm if you have any serious problems.
I hope this covers all your queries, and after reading this you will start using Retinol in your routine. Don’t be afraid to incorporate retinol into your skincare routine. Undoubtedly, it will be the best decision you will ever make for your skin.
Do let me know if you have more concerns will try to find answers for you and address all the queries regarding retinol. All valid queries will be added and updated in the article itself. If you want more information, Just drop or comment below. I will be happy to help !!
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Stay Tuned!!
XoXo
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