Skin Retinol

We all get into a pampering phase at some point, and if you're staying up to date with your favourite beauty columnist or vlogger, then the talk of skin Retinol is bound to come your way.

As the gold standard for a majority of anti-ageing products, Retinol has a stellar reputation for its ability to promote the appearance of a firmer, radiant-looking complexion. It's for this reason that so many beauty gurus have proclaimed it a must-have item in their skincare routines. But like all essential skincare tips, the effective use of active ingredients such as Retinol depends on how you use them.

How does Retinol work on the skin?

Remember that Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A and that it is a form of Retinoid. You may have heard of Retinol and Retinoid used interchangeably, but they're not the same at the molecular level. Prescription Retinoids have a much higher concentration of the active ingredient and can potentially cause dryness, whereas Retinol is a derivative that is less intense and works more gradually when getting absorbed into the skin.

Don't be fooled by its modest comparison to Retinoid - just because Retinol is lower in potency does not mean it's any less effective; it simply means that visible results can take longer. As it is a derivative of Vitamin A, it takes more steps for your skin to convert Retinol into active Retinoic acid.

Whether you're looking to promote youthful-looking skin or target skin concerns such as fine lines and wrinkles, the beauty of Retinol lies in its versatility. Retinol is one of the most effective ingredients on the market today.

How to use Retinol in your skincare routine?

Using Retinol at night, when you are not exposed to the sun, will ensure you get the best results. It is best to choose skin Retinol products that are mild strength so that your skin gets used to the ingredient gradually. Start by introducing Retinol slowly and sparingly into your skincare regimen - apply only once every other night over an initial period of four weeks.

Once your skin tolerance has been built up, and you're not noticing any adverse reactions, you can increase your usage to nightly use or as needed. Taking the Retinol journey step-by-step is the safest and most effective way to determine whether your skin responds well to these ingredients and will also help you avoid scenarios of irritation, redness, or flakiness. Remember that it is important to do patch tests on all your skincare purchases to avoid allergic reactions to new topical products, especially when they contain active ingredients.