In the world of skincare, there are few ingredients as potent as retinol. With so many products claiming to help improve skin health and reduce the appearance of acne or fine lines and wrinkles, it’s easy to get lost in the long ingredient lists. With retinol, you won’t have to look any further for glowing skin.
So what exactly is retinol? If you’ve ever wondered «What does retinol do?», you’re not alone. There are many benefits of retinol that are important to know about. Retinol professionals Kate Somerville We’ve put together a basic guide that delves into what retinol is, the key benefits of retinol for skin, and additional tips to help improve the appearance of your skin.
What is retinol?
Retinol is a commonly used ingredient, but many people still don’t know exactly what retinol is. At its basic level, retinol is a form of vitamin A. When applied to the surface of the skin, it converts into retinoic acid. This skincare ingredient is available in a wide variety of over-the-counter products. When searching for various products containing retinol, you may also come across the term retinoids. To understand what form and potency of retinoic acid is in the skincare product you’re using, you need to start with Retinol 101: Understanding the Difference Between Retinol and Retinoids.
The difference between retinol and retinoids
One nuance that can be confusing when discussing skin care products is the difference between retinol and retinoids. Are they the same thing? Are they different? In fact, retinol and its branded products, such as Retin-A, are part of a family of medications known as retinoids. This group of compounds consists of artificial derivatives of vitamin A. These have a variety of benefits when used on the skin, including helping to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging.
The main difference is that over-the-counter products contain an ester form of retinol, meaning they are derivatives of vitamin A. Some examples of ester forms of retinol include retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, and retinyl linoleate. When these forms of retinol are placed on the surface of the skin, the skin must convert them into retinoic acid in order for it to be able to use it. The potency of retinol is based on how many conversions the ester form of retinol needs to go through to get to the retinoic acid form. The more conversions retinol needs to go through to become retinoic acid that the skin can use, the weaker it is.
Prescription retinoids, such as RetinA or tretinoin, have a much higher concentration of retinoic acid than over-the-counter retinol products. The main difference between retinol and prescription retinoids is their potency and the amount of retinoic acid they contain. With continued use of either product, many people notice an improvement in their skin, although there is an initial adjustment period to build tolerance. With this understanding in mind, it is now possible to explore five of the key benefits of retinol.
How does retinol work?
Retinol is a key ingredient in many skincare products due to the significant benefits it provides. Many people can integrate topical retinol products into their regular skincare routine to help improve the appearance of their skin. Below are the main benefits of applying retinol as part of your skincare routine.
Improves skin fullness
As we age, healthy skin loses some of its natural volume, contributing to wrinkles and a more sunken-in appearance. This volume loss typically begins between the ages of 30 and 35, so the earlier you start using retinol products, the more effective they will be. Fortunately, when retinol is applied topically, such as with a Moisturizing cream with vitamin C and retinol that helps fight the appearance of wrinkles and hollows by increasing the skin’s ability to retain moisture. As aging skin becomes more hydrated, the face will look fuller and the skin softer.
Exfoliate the skin
Retinol can also help exfoliate healthy skin, unclogging pores and removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Having clear pores allows other products to penetrate deeper into the skin, making them more effective. The benefits of exfoliation can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by buffing away the surface layers of the skin, leaving fresher, younger-looking skin exposed. Revealing these new layers of skin also helps to even out the complexion and minimize the visibility of acne scars.
Helps soften age spots and even out skin tone.
Not only can retinol help reduce the appearance of acne scars, but it can also help visibly smooth age spots, whilst correcting uneven skin tone and improving complexion. You can even use our retinol eye cream to help tighten ageing skin. Our Kate Somerville Skin Health Experts report that clinic clients with mild discolouration have seen noticeable improvement after three to six months of regular use, whilst more severe cases may require up to twelve months of use before seeing significant results.
Tips for using retinol products
As shown through the benefits above, retinol is one of the best anti-aging ingredients you can integrate into your skincare routine. However, before you do so, it is important to know some key tips on how to apply retinol anti-aging products to ensure that they are as effective as possible and that your skin experiences minimal irritation. Here are some tips to keep in mind when using pure retinol products.
Use retinol products only at night: Since retinol products stimulate the removal of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin and replace them with newly regenerated skin cells, the skin may become more sensitive to sunlight. To avoid the side effects of photosensitivity, use retinol products only at night. If you must use retinol in the morning, be sure to apply sunscreen over the product to prevent sun damage, although doing so should already be part of your daily skincare routine.
Follow the golden rule for usage: You may be wondering how often you should use retinol products for them to be effective. Regardless of your age, retinol can be an extremely beneficial addition to your skincare routine. Consider starting with products like Vitamin C and Retinol Serum or KateCeuticals rejuvenation Night peeling.
Let your skin type adjust. Some skin types are more sensitive to retinol than others, leading to redness and other visible signs of irritation. Be sure to gradually increase your use of retinol products so your skin gets used to its presence. If you aim to use a retinol product 3-4 times a week, start with once or twice a week before increasing the frequency. This will minimize the side effects of irritation.
Improve your skin care routine
At Kate Somerville, we recommend the new Mega-A Skin Transforming Serum to help you achieve your skincare goals. This premium formula contains Retinal, an advanced retinoid 11 times more effective than traditional retinol, which has been shown to smooth, firm and renew skin. Amazingly, 100% of clinical testers reported feeling more hydrated skin after just four weeks. By integrating this powerful retinal serum By incorporating it into your routine, tailored to your skin’s unique needs and lifestyle, you’re setting the stage for a transformative journey toward renewed, radiant skin.
Looking for more tips for youthful-looking skin? Check out our top tips antme againTips g For the skin!
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