Retinol 101
What is Retinol?
Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative that helps to stimulate cell turnover rate, boost collagen production, calm inflammation, and target pigmentation. It is a natural antioxidant that is produced in the body to help restore the skin to make it look healthier, plumper, and brighter. This is often used as an anti-aging treatment because it corrects fine lines and wrinkles. However, what many people don’t know is that retinol will also benefit those struggling with acne as it will reduce inflamed breakouts and lighten scarring.
When Should you Start using Retinol?
In our opinion, it truly depends on the skin type and skin concerns. In general, we recommend the use of retinol starting in your mid twenties, as collagen production begins to decrease. Anything, you do to your skin in your twenties will predict your skins outcome in your 30’s and 40’s. So invest in your skin now as it is going to represent you for a very long time.
On the other hand, when it comes to acne (we’re talking about acne vulgaris not just a few breakouts) we suggest to start using retinol earlier (age 16 and up) as your skin is experiencing more trauma and is most likely able to handle more aggressive products.
How to use Retinol?
When it comes to introducing retinol into your skin routine, slow and steady wins the race. For the first month you are easing your skin into it. After cleansing the skin apply your retinol and eye cream and you’re good to go to bed. Make sure when you are incorporating retinol into your routine do not use any exfoliating acids ( BHA, AHA) at the same time as this will cause irritation. Save the acids for your day time routine or alternating days.
Week 1- Use retinol only on one day at night (ex: on Monday only)
Week 2- repeat
Week 3- Use retinol two times (ex: once on Monday, once on Friday)
Week 4- repeat
Continue increasing usage until you are using your retinol every night or as often as your skin needs.
Make sure you are aware of how your skin is feeling during this process to determine what needs to be changed. At anytime if you are experiencing redness, flakiness and irritation, slow it down and give your skin a break.
Extremely Important: You will breakout during the introduction to retinol. It is a sign that your cell turnover is stimulated and your skin is detoxing! After a few months your skin will will look great (push through it).
Optional: It is up to you if you want to use your face cream on top of your retinol, but if your are very sensitive and experiencing the symptoms above then use your moisturizer first and then retinol.
How to Choose your Retinol?
There are so many retinols on the market, so which one is for you?
Genetics, ethnicity and skin type all come to play when determining how your skin will react to retinol.
Those with more melanin (medium to dark skin types) are able to handle more aggressive retinols because they naturally have resilient skin. This means you can start with a retinol that is 0.5%- 1.0%. Whereas, someone with a lighter skin type should start with a 0.25% retinol because the skin is more vulnerable to irritation. If you are worried about introducing retinol into your skin start with a 0.25% and gradually increase.
Retinol Self.Skin Recommends:
Don’t Forget to Wear Sunscreen
