Should You Use Retinol? Find Out Why It’s A Must In A Routine

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Whenever active skincare products are being discussed, ‘Retinol’ gets the most mentions, and that is no surprise at all. It is known to be one of the best anti-aging ingredients in the skincare market, as well as for its ability to treat acne. 

Hearing about retinol from others may persuade you to use it; however, you may be wondering if it is okay to use retinol on your skin.

If you are looking to reduce the appearance of aging signs such as wrinkles, fine lines, and so on, then you should use retinol on your skin. Using a product that contains retinol is one of the best and easiest ways to treat aging skin. 

Read ahead to find out answers to every one of your questions concerning the usage of retinol on your skin.

Why should you use retinol?

“Using a well-formulated skin care product that contains retinol will visibly reduce the appearance of age spots caused by the sun, brown spots, lines, and wrinkles, and also shrink large pores.

“It can stimulate the metabolism of skin cells and boost collagen production,” explains Renee Rouleau, a celebrity skincare expert.

Unlike other vitamin A derivatives, retinol penetrates easily into the skin to treat skin problems. It is a skincare ingredient in the best anti-aging skin care products today. It effectively works on the skin to remove signs of aging and give your skin a smooth, youthful glow.  

There are several benefits to using retinol on your skin. Below are some benefits of using it on your skin:

  • Using it on your skin will help to reduce the appearance of aging signs by enhancing skin cell turnover.
  • It will also help to improve the texture of your skin by boosting collagen production to reduce the dull look of your skin.
  • Retinol works to even out skin complexion by fading off brown spots. 
  • “Retinol helps to treat acne by reducing oil production in the skin and unclogging your pores to prevent breakouts,” says Shari Marchbein, M.D., a New York-based dermatologist.
  • The antioxidant properties in it help to repair skin damage caused by the sun like dark spots.

How does retinol work?

Retinol works by eliminating or neutralizing free radicals in the skin and boosting collagen production in the skin.

It does this by penetrating past the epidermis into the second layer of the skin called the dermis. 

This compound converts into retinoic acid upon reaching the middle layer of the skin, and it proceeds to work its remarkable benefits to the skin. It contains small molecules and that makes penetration into the skin an easy task.

It works to create a plumpy effect on the skin, making your skin look firm. This reduces the appearance of aging signs such as; wrinkles, fine lines, and so on.

Using retinol on your skin will help create a healthy glow from within your skin as well as brighten your skin texture. This means that it works to improve skin tone and texture.

How to use retinol products on your skin

Frequent usage of retinol will help to treat skin issues by clearing off skin blemishes and aging signs.

However, there are some basic things to know about how to use it on your skin. This will help you achieve the anti-aging effects and other benefits in no time. 

Follow the instructions below to perfectly incorporate retinol into your skincare routine.

  • Cleanse your face with a gentle soap or cleanser that is suitable for your type of skin.
  • Use your toner after patting your face dry with a clean towel.  
  • Use your retinol cream, serum, or other retinol serum of your choice. To do this, apply only a small quantity of retinol on the area of your skin. 
  • Apply it on your skin gently to avoid irritating skin.
  • Allow your skin to absorb it for about 10 minutes.
  • Once your skin is completely dry, apply your favorite moisturizer to seal in hydration on your skin. This as well helps to prevent the dryness that comes as a side effect of using it. 
  • Apply sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to your skin before going outdoors during the daytime, as this will help to prevent skin damage and aging caused by ultraviolet radiation.
  • For better effectiveness, apply it on your skin twice a week to achieve smoother skin.

Other useful application tips:

  • The best time to use it is before going to bed. Using it increases the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, and the sun’s ultraviolet radiation can damage the skin.
  • Always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen before heading out, as this will protect the skin from sunburn and photoaging.
  • Store the product away in a dark place from direct exposure to light.
  • While using it in your skincare routine, try as much as possible to stay out of the sun. Avoid being exposed to the sun for a long time, as this will save you from further skin damage. 
  • Always cleanse your skin before and after applying it. This will help remove dead skin cells and open up your pores for easy penetration of the product.

Who shouldn’t use retinol on their skin?

Sensitive skin, nursing mothers, body exposed to photosensitivity.

Generally, if you are looking to reduce or prevent the appearance of aging signs on your skin, you can use this anti-aging ingredient to achieve smooth, radiant skin. However, not everyone should use it on their skin. 

If you have sensitive skin, it is best to do away with any product that contains retinol, as this ingredient can immensely irritate your skin. Also, if you have skin conditions, such as eczema or rosacea, avoid using the product on your skin. 

Additionally, if your body is constantly exposed to the sun for long periods, you might want to avoid using retinol on your skin. Sunlight neutralizes retinol, thereby inhibiting its effect on your skin. 

Retinol increases photosensitivity, that is, it makes your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation. Frequent exposure to the sun while using it makes your skin prone to sun damage. Therefore, there is no point in using it on your skin.

Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and women looking to get pregnant should also avoid using retinol on their skin. You can contact your dermatologists for advice and answers to questions concerning retinol for pregnant women.

What are the side effects of retinol?

Retinol is a very popular anti-aging skincare ingredient because it effectively treats skin issues. However, your skin can react harshly to this product. Also, overusing it on your skin can cause side effects.

Using it on your skin may cause your skin to become dry. This is the most common side effect of retinol, and it happens when the oil in the skin is not sufficient.

To avoid this, ensure that you accompany it with a moisturizer; to hydrate your skin.

Another side effect that may occur is peeling and redness of the skin.

It happens especially because it can cause some drugs to be more toxic, thereby leading to this effect. To prevent this from happening, ensure that your dermatologist is aware of your medications.

Retinol also increases the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, as retinol itself is photosensitive to sunlight. Using it on your skin may cause skin damage from sunburns.

To prevent this, always apply sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin from burns. Additionally, stop using it on your skin immediately if you notice a change in the color of your eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions

should you use retinol

Can you use retinol around your eyes?

Yes, you can.

Retinol is safe to use around the eyes as it is neither an irritant nor an allergen. Using it around your eyes will cause no problems. 

However, if your skin is sensitive or you have a skin condition called ‘rosacea,’ using retinol around your eyes can irritate your skin. Therefore, contact your dermatologist for advice concerning using it on your skin before incorporating it into your skincare routine.

How do you know if retinol is working?

If your skin feels supple and appears better than it was before you started using retinol on your skin, it is working.

You will begin to notice changes in your skin after a few weeks of using the product. 

Skin improvements to look out for are; smooth skin, reduction in breakouts and redness, even skin tone, and firm and glowing skin. If you notice any of this, it is working just fine for you.

When should you use retinol on your skin?

Retinol is best applied to the skin at night.

It increases photosensitivity and makes your skin prone to sun damage. Using your retinol at night will save you from worrying about sun damage. 

You can also use your retinol product on your skin in the morning. However, ensure that you use a sunscreen of SPF 30 on your skin as a layer of protection from solar ultraviolet radiation damage. 

How often can you apply retinol serum to your skin?

You can apply a little on your skin as often as three nights a week.

When you start to use it on your skin, don’t go all in. Also, don’t use it too often. 

You can build up the frequency of usage every month. Start with twice a week, and move on to using it three times a week for the next month. After three months of using retinol, you can begin to use it every day in your skincare routine.

Conclusion

Retinol is one of the most important skincare ingredients on the market today. It effectively works on the skin to remove signs of aging and give your skin a smooth, youthful glow.

Using a well-formulated skincare product that contains retinol will visibly reduce the appearance of age spots caused by the sun, brown spots, lines, and wrinkles, and also shrinking large pores.

It can stimulate the metabolism of skin cells and boost collagen production. For better effectiveness, apply retinol on your skin twice a week to achieve smoother skin.

Thanks for reading.

You can find more helpful beauty tips here on MBGON.