WowIngredient: Retinol - everything you need to know

In general we can say about retinol that it is a retinoid derived from vitamin A. Retinol is the strongest form of vitamin A, often also called vitamin A1. Both have very similar properties and are much loved by skincare specialists. The reason is very simple. Both Vitamin A and Retinol increase the rate of cell renewal, are a natural collagen stimulant and contribute to the neutralization of free radicals. Quite a package of benefits, right?

BENEFITS OF RETINOL

Retinol penetrates deep into the skin and can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.

• Collagen stimulator

As we age, our body does not produce as much collagen. Some prefer to add it artificially (through creams, serums) and others to use ingredients that stimulate your own skin to produce the necessary collagen (such as retinol). What exactly will filling the collagen gap lead to? For improved skin elasticity and healthier looking skin.

• Improves skin tone and texture 

Among other properties, it increases the rate of cell renewal. This fact leads to the replacement of tired cells with new ones that will give the skin a softer, smoother and brighter appearance. This is also why retinol can help fade blemishes and dark spots.

• Helps clear up acne

By unblocking the pores, it cleans the skin and prevents further outbreaks. Naturally, less acne will lead to less acne scarring. In addition, retinoids can amplify the effects of other creams and gels, allowing you to get maximum benefits from whatever routine you use.

CONCENTRATION

When used correctly, retinol can be extremely effective and bring the benefits I wrote about above. However, it can be found in many product categories and in many concentrations, each with a diverse method of application. Sometimes it seems impossible to navigate all these concentrations. It is for this reason that we will try to analyze the most common ones.

• Low Potency Retinol - 0.01% to 0.03%.

This concentration is suitable for people who try this ingredient for the first time but also for people with sensitive and dry skin. If you have already introduced retinol into your routine, the given concentration can be used daily, 1-2 times a day. Small percentages of retinol are effective in reducing multiple signs of aging, reducing pore size, and improving overall skin health. A good example of retinol suitable for beginners is The Potions Retinol Vitamin A Serum . With a retinol concentration of 0.03% it is a good product to see if the ingredient suits your skin.

• Moderate intensity retinol - 0.03% to 0.3%.

This concentration is recommended for people with more pronounced skin problems. Here we refer to the dull and uneven skin tone but also to the loss of firmness. For safe use, it is recommended to use the product 2-3 times a week, preferably in the evening. At this percentage we can count on a faster and stronger result in terms of counteracting the harmful effects of the environment.

• High Potency Retinol - 0.3%-1%.

Those with stubborn skin problems, such as deep wrinkles and pronounced uneven skin tone, may want to consider a cream, serum or treatment with a high percentage of retinol. But what percentage of retinol is effective? Look for formulations with a percentage between 0.3% and 1%, with 1% retinol being the strongest option. Higher percentages of retinol will provide quick results for skin care concerns that may not have responded to lower percentages. Although it seems like the ideal solution, our advice would be to consult a dermatologist before applying a product with a high concentration of retinol.

HOW DO WE INTRODUCE IT INTO THE ROUTINE?

Armed with this knowledge of the power of retinol you should use for your concerns, all you need to know is how exactly you should work this ingredient into your routine.

Like any other product this ingredient should be introduced into the routine slowly and carefully. Initially we recommend testing retinol products of a low or maximum medium concentration about 2 times a week for 2-3 weeks in the evening. During this period you will notice how the skin reacts to this ingredient. If you notice a visible good effect you can try to increase the frequency for example from twice a week to three times a week. Here a lot also depends on the concentration of retinol you have chosen. A very important thing is that we should not rush. Any change in concentration or frequency must undergo a trial of at least two weeks to achieve maximum results.

ESSENTIAL IF YOU USE RETINOL – SPF

Although it has many benefits, retinol tends to thin the skin and make it more sensitive to UV rays. It is for this reason that if you choose to use retinol in your routine, it is essential to use a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 even on rainy or snowy days. We must understand that retinol under the influence of UV rays can bring more problems than benefits. In order to choose an SPF suitable for our skin and which goes well with retinol, the simplest solution would be to choose soothing sunscreens for all skin types. For example, sunscreen from SKIN1004 , which contains Centella Asiatica.

ConCluSIonS

Retinol is a very good ingredient if used correctly. It may seem strange that one ingredient can do so much and yet so many people fear it. The truth is, just like any other ingredient it doesn't suit everyone. The main reason for this fear is misinformation. We hope this article sheds some light on the benefits and risks of using retinol. Indeed, every other ingredient is absolutely not suitable for everyone, however, the benefits it can bring us are far too good not to try.