If you’re wondering what does retinol do, and whether this proclaimed skincare savior is worth the hype, salon suppliers The Global Beauty Group give us the lowdown on everything you need to know.
If there’s an ingredient that’s much-talked about in the skincare industry, then it’s undoubtedly retinoids. From beauty bloggers to skincare gurus who have a background in chemistry – they have a lot to say regarding this particular ingredient.
Some people swear by it and some people hate it for irritating their skin. After all, red, peeling skin is not a look that anyone wants. There’s so much mixed feedback regarding retinol and retinoids that it may seem intimidating and overwhelming.
What are retinoids and retinol, really?
Let us break them down for you. Retinoids are derivatives of Vitamin A, which is a very essential nutrient. There are so many types of retinoids and they can be either synthetic or natural.
You might already be familiar with or have heard of some other types of retinoids, such as Tretinoin and Adapalene. Tretinoin is known to be the most effective retinoid, which can lead to more irritating side effects when not used properly. On the other hand, Adapalene is recommended for people struggling with acne-prone skin. But what about retinol?
What is retinol?
Retinol is a specific type of retinoid and when applied to the skin, it converts into retinoic acid. This process is activated through special enzymes that are found in our skin.
Retinol is a retinoid that is relatively easier to work with, compared to tretinoin. A lot of scientific research backs this ingredient and it’s very well-respected in the medical community.
Since this retinoid is less likely to be irritating for beginners, it could be found in a lot of skincare products that may be bought over-the-counter. Higher doses of it could be accessed through prescription.
What’s the difference between Retinol and Retinoid?
In short, both retinoid and retinols are both forms of Vitamin A, however they contain slightly different molecular structures.
In general, Retinoids such as Tretinoin are much stronger as they contain a higher concentration of the product and work faster by turning the skin cells over more quickly.
In Australia you need a prescription for Tretinoin as it is much more potent form and contains retinoic acid, which is the most biologically active form of Vitamin A.
Retinols, whilst offering similar results, do work at a slower pace, however are still extremely effective and highly versatile products.
What is retinol for?
Retinol has very powerful effects and is one of the best skincare products for clearing acne, fighting signs of aging, brightening the skin tone, and refining skin texture. No wonder it’s become such a popular ingredient in the skincare industry!
It also helps that this holy-grail ingredient is very much supported by scientific studies that support its benefits and effectiveness.
This specific retinoid encourages cell regeneration and prevents clogged pores. This helps with acne-prone skin by clearing out any sebum or bacteria that could be trapped in the pores.
It also protects against blemishes while allowing the rest of the skincare regimen to penetrate deeper within the skin. This means that the skin absorbs all those other nutrients from the essences and moisturisers better.
Retinol also has anti-aging benefits, because it promotes collagen production which keeps the skin elastic. This lessens sagging by keeping the skin firm and plump. This helps one look younger for longer, which is why it makes such a great aging prevention ingredient.
Since retinol is such a cost-effective ingredient with so many great benefits, it’s become a popular ingredient to be incorporated into skincare regimens.
But this does come with a few things to watch out for. This very effective ingredient could possibly irritate skin and cause side effects, such as dry flaky skin, stinging, and redness. This generally happens in the first few weeks of use.
How to use retinol?
When using retinol, it’s important to start out gradually. As the saying goes, too much of a good thing can be bad.
When choosing retinol to incorporate into your skincare routine, look for lower concentrations that you could gradually build up over time. Apply it every other day or every two days as you start adding it to your regimen. This allows your skin to get used to it.
Alternatively, you could also opt for short contact therapy wherein you apply the retinol but rinse it off after. This gives you the benefits while reducing the chances of irritation.
Make sure to pair this with hydrating skincare products, such as gentle cleansers and soothing moisturisers. Avoid applying this while your skin is wet as it penetrates much deeper.
Another thing to note is that retinoids do break down when exposed to sunlight. Since retinol can also increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, it’s best to limit retinol usage during your evening skincare routine. And this may sound repetitive, but it can’t be emphasised enough that you should use sunscreen everyday, even if it’s not sunny out!
To find out more about Retinol visit our beauty supplier friends over at The Global Beauty Group here https://www.theglobalbeautygroup.com.au/skincare/obagi-360-system/
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