There is one ingredient that stimulates the natural production of collagen and hyaluronic acid, fights wrinkles, reduces pore size, and lightens spots. Could it offer us more solutions to problems we face every day? It can, and how – meet retinol!
What is retinol?
This is vitamin A in the form of a cosmetic active ingredient. It is part of a family called retinoids, which can be found on the market in various products where the purity and concentration of the ingredient may vary.
It has been used in cosmetics for about 40 years, initially as a treatment for acne, and later for wrinkles and pigmentation spots.
When applied topically, retinol treats wrinkles and pigmentation spots, as well as improves the overall texture and appearance of the skin. For this reason, the ingredient is present in many creams, serums, and facial tonics aimed at combating signs of aging and sun damage (photoaging).
In most cosmetic products, this active ingredient is contained in low concentrations, so it can be used safely at home. However, for some people with young or more sensitive skin, its use may be compromised, as redness or irritation may occur.
Benefits of retinol in brief:
- It is highly effective against sun spots and other types of hyperpigmentation.
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
- Smooths and lightens acne scars.
- Stimulates the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – improving skin firmness, elasticity, and hydration.
- Regulates sebum production.
- Enhances cell turnover – removes dead cells, improves skin texture, and tightens pores.
How does it work?
Retinol penetrates the deeper layers of the skin, thanks to its light molecular weight and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. What makes it unbeatable is that it also improves the appearance of the upper layer of the skin.
It is beneficial for cell regeneration – dead skin quickly disappears, and new, healthier skin appears in its place. However, retinol can irritate sensitive skin, so it should be used with caution, especially when combined with sun exposure.
How to properly use cosmetics with retinol?
Products containing this ingredient can generally be used by all skin types. However, it is important to follow some basic recommendations to prevent unwanted effects such as skin irritation.
Study the product composition
When using cosmetics with retinol, you should approach carefully. It is important to familiarize yourself with the specifics of the product – the concentration of the ingredient, which active ingredients or products should not be combined with it, and the best time to use it.
Its effectiveness and action depend on these parameters, as well as the degree of irritation it may cause. It is also important to apply only a small amount (approximately the size of a pea) to avoid redness and skin irritation.
Add it gradually to your daily care
Retinol is an active substance, so more sensitive skin may react. If this is your case, specialists recommend introducing it gradually into your routine – use it once every three days at first, or start with low concentrations and build up over time.
Be patient and give your skin time to adjust.
Apply it in the evening
It is recommended that retinol products be included in the evening care, as this is when the skin actively recovers and regenerates.
Do not skip sun protection
In spring and summer, it is advisable to choose products with lower concentrations of retinol, as it thins the stratum corneum, making the skin more susceptible to sunburn.
That is why it is important, when using cosmetics with retinol, to apply a high SPF sunscreen during the day – 30 or 50. In some cases, it is even recommended to stop using the product from June, and after the end of summer – around October, it can be used again.
Which ingredients should we not mix with retinol?
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid
Retinol and popular acne treatment ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid should not be mixed, as their effects cancel each other out.
Their combination can lead to excessive drying of the skin and cause irritation, sensitivity, and peeling. Therefore, it is better to rely on only one of these actives and use it.
Alpha hydroxy acids
You might think that retinol and alpha hydroxy acids (including glycolic, lactic, and citric acid) can work well together since they both reduce fine lines and wrinkles? This is not the case because these ingredients have strong exfoliating properties that can cause redness, irritation, and even dryness and peeling.
What to combine retinol with?
Hyaluronic acid
If you use retinoids, you may have noticed that your skin starts to lose its upper layer. As a result, the dermis becomes more sensitive or especially dry, so you should add a product with hyaluronic acid to your routine to prevent irritation and provide hydration.
Sunscreen
If your routine includes a product with retinol, it is essential to use sunscreen daily (we emphasize – daily!). Retinol improves cell renewal, and the newly formed skin is more susceptible to UV radiation. To ensure maximum protection, apply daily (!) SPF 30 cream or higher.
Ferulic acid
Ferulic acid is a plant antioxidant that enhances the properties of other vitamins for healthy skin and protects against sun damage. When combined with retinol, it further boosts its effect.
While retinol works to strengthen the skin and add radiance, ferulic acid allows it to penetrate even deeper into the skin and stimulates collagen production.
Vitamins A, C, and E
These powerful antioxidants can work together to make the complexion even more radiant. Adding these three vitamins to your skincare will prevent collagen breakdown.
There is no doubt that retinol is one of the most powerful and effective anti-aging agents in the cosmetic industry. However, approach it carefully, as with any other ingredient. Test a small amount of the product on your skin, and if after 24 hours there is no adverse reaction, you can include it in your routine.
Although it is true that laboratories conduct tests on cosmetics before they reach the market – personal testing is the best way to avoid irritation and for you and your skin to live in harmony and health!
Retinol / Retinol
There is one ingredient that stimulates the natural production of collagen and hyaluronic acid, fights wrinkles, reduces pore size, and lightens spots. Could it offer us more solutions to problems we face every day? It can, and how – meet retinol!
What is retinol?
This is vitamin A in the form of a cosmetic active ingredient. It is part of a family called retinoids, which can be found on the market in various products where the purity and concentration of the ingredient may vary.
It has been used in cosmetics for about 40 years, initially as a treatment for acne, and later for wrinkles and pigmentation spots.
When applied topically, retinol treats wrinkles and pigmentation spots, as well as improves the overall texture and appearance of the skin. For this reason, the ingredient is present in many creams, serums, and facial tonics aimed at combating signs of aging and sun damage (photoaging).
In most cosmetic products, this active ingredient is contained in low concentrations, so it can be used safely at home. However, for some people with young or more sensitive skin, its use may be compromised, as redness or irritation may occur.
Benefits of retinol in brief:
How does it work?
Retinol penetrates the deeper layers of the skin, thanks to its light molecular weight and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. What makes it unbeatable is that it also improves the appearance of the upper layer of the skin.
It is beneficial for cell regeneration – dead skin quickly disappears, and new, healthier skin appears in its place. However, retinol can irritate sensitive skin, so it should be used with caution, especially when combined with sun exposure.
How to properly use cosmetics with retinol?
Products containing this ingredient can generally be used by all skin types. However, it is important to follow some basic recommendations to prevent unwanted effects such as skin irritation.
Study the product composition
When using cosmetics with retinol, you should approach carefully. It is important to familiarize yourself with the specifics of the product – the concentration of the ingredient, which active ingredients or products should not be combined with it, and the best time to use it.
Its effectiveness and action depend on these parameters, as well as the degree of irritation it may cause. It is also important to apply only a small amount (approximately the size of a pea) to avoid redness and skin irritation.
Add it gradually to your daily care
Retinol is an active substance, so more sensitive skin may react. If this is your case, specialists recommend introducing it gradually into your routine – use it once every three days at first, or start with low concentrations and build up over time.
Be patient and give your skin time to adjust.
Apply it in the evening
It is recommended that retinol products be included in the evening care, as this is when the skin actively recovers and regenerates.
Do not skip sun protection
In spring and summer, it is advisable to choose products with lower concentrations of retinol, as it thins the stratum corneum, making the skin more susceptible to sunburn.
That is why it is important, when using cosmetics with retinol, to apply a high SPF sunscreen during the day – 30 or 50. In some cases, it is even recommended to stop using the product from June, and after the end of summer – around October, it can be used again.
Which ingredients should we not mix with retinol?
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid
Retinol and popular acne treatment ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid should not be mixed, as their effects cancel each other out.
Their combination can lead to excessive drying of the skin and cause irritation, sensitivity, and peeling. Therefore, it is better to rely on only one of these actives and use it.
Alpha hydroxy acids
You might think that retinol and alpha hydroxy acids (including glycolic, lactic, and citric acid) can work well together since they both reduce fine lines and wrinkles? This is not the case because these ingredients have strong exfoliating properties that can cause redness, irritation, and even dryness and peeling.
What to combine retinol with?
Hyaluronic acid
If you use retinoids, you may have noticed that your skin starts to lose its upper layer. As a result, the dermis becomes more sensitive or especially dry, so you should add a product with hyaluronic acid to your routine to prevent irritation and provide hydration.
Sunscreen
If your routine includes a product with retinol, it is essential to use sunscreen daily (we emphasize – daily!). Retinol improves cell renewal, and the newly formed skin is more susceptible to UV radiation. To ensure maximum protection, apply daily (!) SPF 30 cream or higher.
Ferulic acid
Ferulic acid is a plant antioxidant that enhances the properties of other vitamins for healthy skin and protects against sun damage. When combined with retinol, it further boosts its effect.
While retinol works to strengthen the skin and add radiance, ferulic acid allows it to penetrate even deeper into the skin and stimulates collagen production.
Vitamins A, C, and E
These powerful antioxidants can work together to make the complexion even more radiant. Adding these three vitamins to your skincare will prevent collagen breakdown.
There is no doubt that retinol is one of the most powerful and effective anti-aging agents in the cosmetic industry. However, approach it carefully, as with any other ingredient. Test a small amount of the product on your skin, and if after 24 hours there is no adverse reaction, you can include it in your routine.
Although it is true that laboratories conduct tests on cosmetics before they reach the market – personal testing is the best way to avoid irritation and for you and your skin to live in harmony and health!