Benefits of Retinol will Maximize Skin Health and Long-Term Goals.
The magical ingredient that every mature girl should have in her arsenal, the end all be all when it comes to real results in plumping, lifting, smoothing, and repairing the skin. Retinol is the answer to so many problems we encounter with our skin. Whether we are attempting to build collagen and elastin, smooth skin texture, or even repair old acne scars, retinol is the solution time and time again. It stands as the miraculous ingredient we reach for several times a week as we age. The key benefits of retinol will maximize skin health and long-term goals
What is Retinol?
Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A. Its main benefits include increasing cell turnover and accelerating collagen production. You may remember hearing retinol as the go-to product for treating acne as a teenager. The increase in cellular turnover is what heals blemishes and scars. However, today we use retinol as a necessary ingredient to control the skin’s aging pace. Retinol can be found in serums and creams and is used to decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, fade pigment, and brighten dull skin, for example. In some cases, retinol may be used to prevent skin cancer as well. It is an essential ingredient when creating a routine with focus on any common skin concerns.
When is the Best Time to Apply Retinol
Since retinol is photosensitive, it is best to apply during your nighttime skincare routine on dry skin after cleansing. Always wear sunscreen and reapply every couple hours the following day. Using one pea size amount is typically enough for the face, although skincare brands usually provide instructions for each retinol treatment. I usually choose to follow my retinol treatment with a hyaluronic acid serum and moisturizer for extra hydration.
Are There Side Effects to Using Retinol?
Like any derivative of Vitamin A or other potent ingredients, retinol can occasionally dry or irritate the skin when not used in moderation. It is recommended to spot treat with retinol for a few nights before determining how the skin on your face might react. Then, alternate nights using it or start using it once or twice as week. How often should retinol be used? A general rule of thumb: Women in their twenties can use retinol two times a week. Women in their thirties can use retinol three times a week. Women in their forties can use it four times a week. Women in their fifties and above can work up to using retinol five or more nights a week for optimal long-term results. These are purely suggestions and can be increased or decreased depending on your skin sensitivity. A gentle retinol and good place to start if just dipping your toes in is the January Labs Triple Active Reclaiming Serum. A couple other of my favorites at the moment are Environ Retinol Serum and Beauty Bio R45 The Reversal.
Tricks to Prevent Skin Irritation from Retinol
I have found that there are a few tricks to prevent dryness or redness from retinol.
- Cocktail the retinol with your moisturizer as the last step in the routine.
- Cocktail the retinol with another serum in your routine before your moisturizer is applied.
- For extra sensitive skin types, apply the retinol after your moisturizer at night. This creates a barrier to prevent irritation.
Retinol will Maximize Your Long-Term Skin Goals
Retinol is one of the key ingredients in skincare that can truly strengthen your skin with consistent use. It drastically improves skin texture and reduces visible fine lines, pigment, and age spots. When you combine retinol with all of the other necessary nutrients your skin needs, you will have phenomenal results and less problematic skin.
I hope this overview on the magical retinol was helpful for you. It is a miraculous ingredient with key benefits that will maximizing skin health and overall long-term goals!
xxx
Lindsay
