When it comes to skin, Retinol, also known as Vitamin A, is a wonderful skincare ingredient.
It belongs to the Retinoid family and helps in fighting off skin aging, fine lines, wrinkles, and maintaining a healthy skin tone.
These days, dermatologists are adding Retinol to topical skincare products to enhance the skin tone, eliminate acne, renew dead skin, and improve collagen production.
It also works as an antioxidant to guard your skin against free radical damage which can lead to skin aging.
Since the human body does not naturally produce Vitamin A, it’s important to consume different forms of Vitamin A to keep the optimum Vitamin A levels in your body.
In this guide, we’ll talk about the history of Retinol and its benefits for the skin. Read on to know more.
Retinol vs. Retinoids – Understanding the Difference
Don’t worry if the similar sounding terms are causing confusion, we understand. Both, Retinol and Retinoids are Vitamin A derivatives, but they have different chemical structures.
In simpler words, Retinol is a subset of Retinoids.
While Retinol-based products are easily available on the market, you require a doctor’s prescription to buy Retinoid-based skincare products.
How Retinol Changed The Skincare Industry
The discovery of Retinoids
In 1990, there were reports of increased skin irritation and sensitivity after using retinoic acid. This is the time when Retinol gained popularity for being a safer alternative to retinoic acid (also known as Tretinoin).
"Retinol is a mild retinoid that is converted to retinoic acid in your skin."
Retinol Facts
Here’re some quick facts about Retinol:
- Retinol is a member of the “Retinoid” family.
- Retinol affects gene expression and stimulates collagen production.
- Retinol works best at night as retinoids break down in sunlight.
- Retinol does not work well with dry skin.
- It takes an average 11-12 weeks for Retinol to show its effects on your skin.
- Retinol can help in smoothening your skin.
- Retinol works on the outermost layer of the skin as well as beneath the surface of the skin.
Common Retinol Myths Demystified
Since we are talking about the history of Retinol, let’s also look at some common myths that are associated with retinoids:
Myth#1: Retinol can make your skin sun-sensitive
This is one of the most prevalent Retinol myths that has been doing rounds on the internet since ages. While it’s true that Retinol is sensitive to sunrays, there is no scientific proof that Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to UV light.
In fact, summer is a great time to start using Retinol-based skincare products. However, it is recommended to use Retinol-based products at night for maximum benefits.
Myth#2: Retinol will make your skin worse
This is another common myth in the air. There have been reports showing that retinoids can cause skin irritation and redness.
However, if used properly, Retinol does not cause any side-effects. For the first one or two weeks, apply Retinol every third day.
If you do not notice any skin flaking or dryness, you can start using the product every day.
Anti-aging Benefits of Retinol
Retinol is indeed a gold standard ingredient in the cosmetic industry. When it comes to the prevention of skin aging, Retinol helps in accelerating the renewal of the skin and reducing fine lines, pigmentation, wrinkles, baggy eyes, and age spots.
As a Vitamin A derivative, Retinol enhances collagen production, brightens the skin tone, evens out dull skin, speeds up cell regeneration, and unclogs skin pores.
Moreover, Retinol also makes the skin firmer, refines the skin surface, makes it smoother, and protects it from environmental toxins.
It is also known that Retinol works well with oily skin.
While Retinol is well-known for its impeccable anti-aging effects in the skincare industry, it would be unfair to miss out on another great benefit of the retinoid. Retinol also helps in dealing with acne.
4 Skin Benefits of Retinol
Here’s a detailed account of the benefits of Retinol for your skin. Let’s look at the benefits one by one.
Retinol helps in preventing skin aging
Retinol is typically prevalent for its anti-aging properties. It helps in minimizing the appearance of annoying wrinkles, strengthens skin thickness, increases the elasticity of the skin, reduces the speed of collagen breakdown, and eliminates brown spots caused by exposure of the skin to the sun.
Retinol works by stimulating the skin cells to turn into dead skin cells and shed rapidly, paving the way for the growth of cells underneath the skin.
It thickens the deepest layer of the skin where wrinkles are born.
Retinol helps in battling pigmentation and enhancing the complexion
This is another incredible benefit of Retinol. It lightens up dark spots and evens out the skin tone. Retinol also reduces fine lines and enhances the production of new blood vessels inside the skin, improving the skin tone and color.
By using Retinol, you can get smoother skin, smaller pores, and a bright rosy complexion.
Not to forget, Retinol also comes with powerful antioxidant properties and protects your skin from harmful free radicals in the environment.
Retinol helps in getting rid of acne
Even though Retinol is not an exfoliant, it acts like one. It unclogs the skin pores by clearing dirt and debris and provides your skin with fresh air. Y
You’ll be surprised to know that Retinol was first manufactured as an anti-acne solution.
So, if you’re struggling with acne breakouts or acne marks, you can make the most of Retinol to get rid of those problems.
Retinol helps in treating certain skin conditions
Since Retinol blocks the growth of unhealthy skin cells, it helps in dealing with skin conditions such as Psoriasis and Eczema. It can also help you get rid of warts and skin tags.
If skin inflammation is the cause of concern, you can use Retinol to reduce the inflammation and redness.
How to Use Retinol on Your Skin
Retinol works best when used topically. The best time to start using Retinol is between 35-40 years.
To make the most of the benefits of Retinol for your skin, you don’t need to visit a dermatologist.
You can easily use Retinol-based cosmetics or skincare products at home.
Follow these steps to effectively use Retinol to prevent skin aging, get rid of acne, improve your skin tone, and maintain a healthy, glowing skin.
- Before you use the Retinol cream, wash your face with tap water and apply eye serum.
- Allow your skin to dry naturally. Do not use a towel or napkin. (If your skin is wet, Retinol will not be able to penetrate the skin entirely and may lead to skin irritation.)
- Take a small amount of Retinol and apply to your face beginning from the chin.
- Massage with your fingertips in an upward and outward motion.
- Once done, apply a the Retinol moisturizer.
- The next morning, make sure you apply a sunscreen cream or lotion before stepping out in the sun.
Pro tip: Don’t get hassled if you do not notice any immediate effects. Retinol can take up to three to six months to show its effects on your skin.
Now that you know almost everything about Retinol, you can confidently use Retinol-based products to overcome skin aging, get rid of wrinkles and pigmentation, fight acne, and even your skin tone.
But, make sure you don’t overuse Retinol-based skin products. In the initial days, use the product every third day for at least one to two weeks.
If you do not notice any side effects on your skin, you can then use it daily.
Ebanel products with Retinol
