Retinol is arguably the beauty ingredient of the decade – it’s one of the most potent anti-ageing forms of Vitamin A. Not to be confused with retinoids, which is the umbrella term for all the Vitamin A compounds and derivatives — including retinoic acid and retinol.
How Does Retinol Work?
Retinol helps rejuvenate your skin by stimulating natural collagen production. It also speeds up skin cell turnover to reveal newer, brighter skin. It’s an ingredient that helps make your skin glow and reveals skin that is visibly younger-looking. Retinol also delivers visible improvements in dark spots, pores and wrinkles. Read on to find out how retinol can help you with specific skin concerns in the next section.
Some people think that these benefits come at a cost because they associate retinol with skin peeling, burning, irritation and redness. These side effects could indicate that you’re not using the right retinol product for your skin.
Does Retinol Help Refine Pores?
Yes, it does! If you use it regularly, retinol visibly evens your skin’s texture while minimizing the appearance of pores.
Can Retinol Reduce Wrinkles?
Yes. Retinol stimulates the natural collagen production of the skin, making fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable.
Can You Use Retinol for Dark Spots?
Of course! Retinol was designed to deliver anti-ageing ingredients 10 layers deep into the skin’s surface. Apply it in the evening regularly and wake up to a visible improvement in dark spots, as well as smoother, glowing skin.
How To Use Retinol
Your skin is most receptive at night, as that’s when your skin naturally repairs itself.
Here’s an example regimen to help you get the most out of retinol:
- Cleanse your skin to remove all impurities like dirt, oil and make-up so that any skin treatment you apply afterwards can have maximum effect.
- Apply Retinol Eye Cream which has been specifically developed for the delicate skin around your eyes. It helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles and unleashes your skin’s glow.
- Hydrate your skin with Retinol Serum, making sure to avoid layering over the Retinol Cream. Both penetrate the skin up to 10 surface layers deep while you sleep, instantly hydrate it for 24 hours, and help to optimize surface cell renewal. You’ll wake up to glowing, younger-looking skin. Please note, we do not recommend using both the Retinol Cream and Retinol Serum in the same application.
- Moisturize every morning with a day moisturizer with an SPF for greater skin protection. This is important because retinol can make your skin sensitive to direct sunlight.
Every consumer’s skin reacts differently to a new routine and a patch testing prior to incorporating any new product into your routine is advised. Patch tests are a helpful way to understand if you will have a negative initial reaction to a new product. You can apply a small amount of product behind your ear or wrists and leave for 24 hours, if no changes in the skin, continue to use the product as recommended.
What If I Am New to Retinol?
If this is your first-time using Retinol, start by running a patch test. If there is no change to your skin after 24 hours, start applying a thin layer of Retinol Cream or the Retinol Serum three times per week, then gradually increase the frequency as your skin adapts to use. Follow with a day moisturizer with an SPF for greater skin protection.
It is helpful to remember that some change in skin feel is normal when first starting to use any Retinol Products like mild stinging or increased sensitivity and this should reduce after use. However, if any burning, flaking, or severe itching occurs, please discontinue immediately.
Via: Olay.co.uk
