See how retinol became the essence of skin care legends …
Retinol is not a unique beauty marvel, but it is a keystay in the skin care routine of beauty editors, dermatologists and skin care enthusiasts. An ingredient in the fight against fine lines and wrinkles, retinol has become as essential in some women’s beauty treatments as the best eye cream or the best moisturizer SPF – and it’s not hard to see why.
So popular, in fact, is this refreshing ingredient that 100,000 people signed up for the No. 7 Retinol cream waiting list before it was released. Pretty impressive, right?
Have you not used it before and want to know the best way to apply it in your skin care routine? Do you want to learn the right things and the wrong things or just to renew your knowledge of your skin care? Keep scrolling to learn everything you need to know about this wonderful ingredient.
What is retinol?
“Retinol is pure vitamin A and is used to treat specific skin problems, such as skin with a tendency for large pores (acne-prone skin) and mature skin,” he explains. Linda BlarNational Head of Training and Science at SkinCeuticals.
“Retinol reactivates the skin rejuvenation process and can be an excellent treatment for preparing the skin for chemical peels and other medical procedures.”
Does it really work?
In short – yes. Retinol is one of the most respected ingredients in the beauty industry and has been shown to be effective in treating early signs of aging, such as pigmentation, including sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles.
In addition to “exfoliating that smoothes the texture of the skin and gives it a natural glow, it also has antioxidant properties and reduces the appearance of brown spots”, says the aesthetic doctor Dr. Bernard Hayot.
Dr. Hayot explains that retinol “stimulates the flexibility and elasticity of the skin, collagen and also helps to create a radiant complexion and regenerate melanin to combat pigmentation.”
But make sure you use a product that contains the correct form of retinol. Check the list of ingredients first to make sure it contains “retinol or retinaldehyde, instead of one of the less effective derivatives such as retinipalmitic ester”, he recommends. Dr. Stephanie Williamsdermatologist and Director of the Eudelo Clinic.
Is retinol the same as vitamin A?
Retinol is a form of retinoid, which is a derivative of vitamin A. Dr. Hayot adds: “Retinol is an acid of vitamin A, which is the natural precursor of retinoic acid. The body then converts retinol to retonic acid.
In this form, like retonic acid, the benefits of retinol are really felt on the skin.
How to use retinol
“Start at the latest when you see the first signs of diminished skin elasticity, fine lines and also irregular pigmentation,” advises Dr Stefanie Williams.
When using retinol for the first time, you may experience some irritation, such as dryness, redness and even peeling of the skin. So, if this is your first time using it, relax by applying a low percentage and use it only twice a week at intervals, gradually increasing to daily use, if your skin tolerates it well.
As your skin adjusts and, if you do not suffer from hypersensitivity, you can also increase the rate. “Even if you can not increase your time for more than two days a week, it is still effective and worth doing, do not postpone it,” says Dr. Stephanie.
When applying for the first time, use only a pea-sized amount. Trust us, a little goes a long way.
What to apply after retinol
We talked to Dr. Eleanor BradleyNo7’s Science Credentialing Manager, on what to apply after using retinol.
“When using retinol, it is very important to use nourishing products that can help hydrate, calm and support the skin barrier as part of your night treatment. This is because your skin may be prone to dryness and redness due to the action of retinol on the skin, especially at higher strengths.
“That’s why we developed the No7 Pure Retinol Post Retinol Soother, a retinol-free composition specifically designed for use with high-strength retinol products such as No7 Pure Retinol 1% Night Concentrate. No7 Pure Retinol Post Retinol Soother contains a range of nutrients and barrier-supporting ingredients such as niacinamide, Japanese lily tiles and peat along with soothing bisabolol, licorice and remedial centella asiatica – helping to support the skin the skin is so soft and supple. more durable “.
No7 pure retinol after retinol pacifier, 14.95 £ | Boots
No7’s Post Retinol Soother helps support the skin’s retinol tolerance by ensuring that the skin is hydrated. The skin looks visibly healthier and feels hydrated and soft from the first use.
What percentage of retinol is best?
“The higher the concentration, the stronger the skin will respond with visible miscarriage and redness,” explains Blahr. “But it is equally important to note that this is exactly the reaction we want for optimal results – it does not cause any irritation.
“However, a skin without retinol experience should always start low (at 0.3%) and increase the level (to 0.5% and then to 1%) with each bottle. If the skin is quite sensitive, just stay at 0.3%. “1% is optimal for visible signs of aging or light damage (hyperpigmentation) and signs of acne, however you will only receive it with a prescription.”
When do you use it?
Retinol can cause skin sensitivity and, after use, it is important to be especially careful in the sun and apply a high SPF 30 or 50, even if it looks cloudy or gray on the outside. You will find formulas for both day and night, but we would be careful to follow your nightly routine. You will find it in many forms – but mainly as a night serum or in the best night creams.
Where should you apply it?
It is effective on all parts of the body. It is even included in some hand creams, although it is more commonly found in facial care products such as the best face serums and hyperpigmentation products. A good routine is to start with something like this La Roche-Posay Retinol 0.3% + Vitamin B3 and apply to the forehead, then to the nose, cheeks and chin. Be careful to avoid the eye area and around the nostrils as this area is prone to dryness.
“Avoid using retinol around the eyes because the skin is thinner, thinner and more sensitive in this area,” advises Dr. Bernard Hayot.
When should you start using retinol?
It is important to remember that everyone’s skin is different, but Dr Ewoma Ukeleghe of the SKNDOCTOR clinic tells us that, as a general rule, the age of 25 is a good time to start using retinol, as it is when our skin’s collagen levels begin to decline.
Is retinol good for acne?
“Vitamin A or retinoic acid was first used to treat acne in young adults before its benefits for skin care were fully realized,” says Dr. Hayot. Isotretinoin, more commonly referred to as Roaccutane, is a form of vitamin A.
However, be careful if you are taking any prescription acne medication. Some ingredients commonly found in acne medications, such as salicylic or glycolic acid, can cause irritation and redness if combined with retinol, so be sure to consult your doctor before use.
How long does it take to operate?
As with all skin care products, you need to be patient with the results. “The skin renews itself after 28 days on average, which means that new cells migrate to the surface of the skin after this time you will start to see results,” says Dr. Hayot.
Then get the best retinol products on the market. Take a look at the editing of the best below. We tried each product as part of our evening skin care routine and looked at things like formula, texture, ingredients, price and of course results.