What Is Retinol and How Do I Use It?

When it comes to skincare products, retinol is one of the top recommended products. Although it’s not for everyone, it’s amazing enough toretinol treat many women’s skin problems and provide excellent results. If you’re new to the world of skincare, you’ll want to know about Retinol first, and if it’s right for your skin. Here’s some information about Retinol and how to use it to your advantage.

What Is Retinol?

If you’ve been on social media, you’ve seen retinol used by many women. Skincare and beauty gurus tout the product as an essential part of a daily skincare regimen. It’s such a buzzword because it has the reputation of a near-miracle product. So, what is it, exactly?

Retinol is the natural form of vitamin A. This nutrient is fat-soluble and an excellent way to supplement your skin. If you’re in search of a skin product that goes deep into the skin for lasting change, retinol is especially great because it absorbs easily, penetrates the skin’s upper layer, and is stored in fat.

What Does Retinol Do?

Topical use of Retinol helps make the skin look better and keep it healthy. It brightens the complexion and makes it more even by reducing dark spots and enlarged pores, smoothing skin texture, and reducing the effects of acne as well as the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The secret behind this effect is that Retinol increases skin cell turnover. It means that your skin cells reproduce faster and increase the production of collagen and elastin. You’ll have new skin cells more often and have more of the two key proteins you need for healthy skin which decrease as you age. Collagen makes your skin shapely and firm and elastin makes it resilient, soft, and elastic.

Retinol also reduces the production of sebum, thereby working against acne. Acne sufferers also benefit from the faster cell turnover, which renews the skin.

How to Use Retinol

There are two main topical forms of Retinol: Retinol serum and retinol cream. Retinol serum is the most direct version with high concentrations of the active ingredient. It’s water-based and has no moisturizing ingredients added. Some have hyaluronic acid, but you’ll still need a moisturizer on top.

On the other hand, if your skin is sensitive or dry, you’ll definitely want a Retinol cream. It includes products such as under-eye treatments. The following is a general guide of what form of Retinol to use for your skin type:

  • Dry skin: Retinol serum or gel
  • Oily skin: Retinol lotion or cream
  • Combination: Retinol serum or cream

Most women can benefit from using Retinol for almost any kind of skin problem, and experts recommend that they start using it in their mid-20s. However, you should not use retinol if you have especially sensitive skin or conditions such as rosacea. You should also not use Retinol if you’re going to be spending a lot of time in direct sunlight. Retinol is not to be used if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or plan to become pregnant.

If you’re looking for a treatment that’s right for your skin type, Blush and Grey offers skincare consultation on what services you may benefit from. Contact us today to see how we can make you glow!