LGR Holistic Wellness

If you’ve been looking into skincare solutions to reduce the signs of aging, you might have heard the term “retinol”. Retinol is one of the better-known skincare ingredients available, best-known for reducing wrinkles and keeping skin looking young.

However, while the term retinol might be relatively well-known, most people aren’t sure what it does or whether it’s the right solution for their needs. If you’ve ever wondered what retinol really does, here’s what you need to know.

First things first. Retinol is an over-the-counter type of retinoid. A retinoid is a group of compounds which have a special impact on the body. Usually, retinol is derived from vitamin A, a crucial organic molecule you need for a well-balanced diet. Vitamin A can help to improve vision, the immune system, and even reproductive health.

What Is Retinol? The Basics

Retinol doesn’t have all the benefits of vitamin A, but it can deliver a range of benefits to the skin. Most commonly, people turn to retinol to reduce wrinkles and deal with common skin issues like acne. Applied topically to the skin, retinol penetrates beneath the surface of the skin to reach the dermis layer.

Retinol can neutralize free radicals, which reduce collagen levels and elastin. These are the substances most responsible for giving your skin its youthful, plump, and healthy look.

By revitalizing the elastin and collagen in your skin, retinol helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles, as well as reducing enlarged pores. While the benefits of retinol are still being researched, scientists believe it can have a number of positive effects on the skin.

The most common reasons to use retinol are for the treatment of issues like:

Fine lines and wrinkles: Retinol helps speed up the turnover process within your skin cells, which promotes brighter and smoother skin. It also helps to elevate collagen and elastin production, which removes the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

Acne: While specific retinoid treatments are often advised for severe acne, retinol can help to clear mild to moderate cases. The substance can reduce the build-up of oils and other substances in the skin cells, and reduces inflammation below the skin. Studies have shown topical application of retinol and retinoids can provide a safe and effective treatment for acne. Even low concentrations can lead to significant benefits.

Sun damage: The faster skin cell turnover promoted by retinol can also assist with improving skin tone following sun damage. This can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as hyperpigmentation. It can also strengthen the skin to protect against further damage.

Can Anyone Use Retinol?

Retinol is a safe substance for most people. However, there are circumstances where using it may not be recommended. Retinol is approved by the FDA, but it’s not intended for people who are nursing or pregnant.

Also, use this product with caution if you have extremely sensitive or dry skin, as it could make the issue worse. Speaking to a dermatologist should ensure you get the treatment most suited to your needs.

It’s also worth keeping an eye out for symptoms and side effects when using retinol, like peeling skin, itchiness, and redness. If you notice any side effects when using retinol, stop using them immediately. Seek help if your reactions are severe. You may have an allergic reaction to the product, which can be extremely dangerous.

If you are able to use retinol, it’s worth noting that the right timing can make a lot of difference. Starting a retinol regimen around the age of 30 can help protect you from some of the earlier signs of aging.

Using Retinol In Your Skin Care
Routine

One thing to keep in mind is that everyone responds to retinol differently. While most people have no issue with the product, experts recommend taking it slow when you’re getting started.

Start with a low concentration of retinol and see how your body responds. Also consider using retinol at night, as the substance can sometimes make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

If you don’t notice any negative side effects, you can gradually increase your use of retinol over time to suit your needs.