Have you ever wondered if you should add retinol into your skincare routine? I am here to tell you all about retinol and how it can benefit you!
Most people have heard about retinol although are unsure of what exactly it is. Retinol is a derivative form of one of the essential nutrients we need in our day-to-day life, Vitamin A. Retinol is often named a key ingredient in skincare because of all that it does.
This post has everything you need to know about Retinol.
Benefits Of Retinol
Retinol itself has numerous benefits. The ingredient can be prescribed to people with a Vitamin A deficiency. A lack of Vitamin A can cause the skin to become dry, and itchy. Within skincare, it can assist in the production of collagen and increase the breakdown of dead skin cells and promote the new skin cells underneath to grow. In turn, it also can help in many skin complications and insecurities including hyperpigmentation, acne, fine lines and wrinkles, psoriasis, and more. Retinol can be prescribed in a medical grade form from a provider, as well as over-the-counter options.
How to Incorporate it into Your Skincare
Retinol comes in multiple forms, including serums, creams, ointments, gels, and lotions. The best time to apply it is at nighttime during your nighttime skincare routine. This allows your skin time to repair, absorb, and assist with collagen production without any disruption. Within your routine, aim to incorporate these few steps to achieve the best results:
- Remove makeup with a makeup remover.
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove any access makeup, dirt, and oils.
- Apply toner with a cotton round to get a deeper cleanse.
- Take a small pea-sized amount of retinol onto your finger and lightly pat it into the skin on trouble areas. This can include the forehead, chin, cheeks, and jawline.
- Take a moment to allow the retinol to absorb into your skin.
- Lastly, apply your favorite moisturizer.
The strength varies anywhere from moderate to very strong, so a little pea size amount goes a long way. Because of the strength, you don’t need to apply this every day. Typically aim for 2-3x a week especially when just introducing to your skin. You may notice redness or irritation if you apply it more often while your skin is adjusting. Once your skin recognizes the retinol and obtains a tolerance, you can adjust accordingly to your specific needs and with age.
When Will I See Results?
Incorporating this ingredient into your skincare routine is an incredible way to better your skin, but you must have patience. With most skincare products, you won’t notice results immediately. Most people will start to notice a change within a few weeks to a few months. Dermatologists guide that it can take up to 12 weeks to see a difference. If you stick to your routine, you will notice your skin becoming smoother, less breakouts and acne, and within time, your fine lines and wrinkles will improve. The wait is not fun, but don’t give up! The results are well worth it.
