Retinol For Skin: Benefits & Usage: Your Complete Guide

Written by Kinnari AsharAug 29, 2023
Retinol for Skin: Benefits & Usage: Your Complete Guide

All of us want a glowing, acne-free complexion, don't we? There’s something trending in the beauty space in the recent times that is a total gamechanger! What is it? Well, retinol is what will help you achieve fab skin. It's a synthetic vitamin A derivative that has a bunch of benefits. It is often regarded as one of the most powerful ingredients in skincare. It belongs to the retinoid family of compounds. There are many different forms of retinoids (Vitamin A-derived compounds). So, you are practically guaranteed to find the perfect retinoid for you out there. If you are wondering what does retinol do for skin, check out the benefits of retinol by reading on. 

Retinol for Skin: Benefits & Usage: The Basics  

 

Using retinol for skin stimulates the skin's cell turnover rate, resulting in exfoliated skin that looks brighter and smoother. Furthermore, it increases the production of collagen and elastin, which minimizes wrinkles and fine lines. By increasing hyaluronic acid production in the skin, it helps the skin retain moisture. Chemicals like these maintain the skin's moisture and plumpness. Additionally, retinol increases collagen production and prevents it from breaking down.   

Retinol for Skin: Benefits & Usage  

So, is retinol good for skin, you ask? Here are the retinol uses for skin that you can learn about.  

1. Clears acne 

Retinol for Skin: Benefits & Usage

Is your acne resistant to any kind of treatment? Then you may want to consider retinol. As retinol unclogs pores, it prevents further breakouts. Acne scars will naturally decrease with fewer acne outbreaks. Additionally, retinol can enhance the effectiveness of prescription creams and gels, so you'll get the maximum results from whatever skin treatments you receive.

2. Reduces the signs of ageing

Retinol for Skin: Benefits & Usage

The original purpose of retinol was to treat acne, but it soon became known that it also had anti-ageing properties. Using it over time will make your skin healthier, more youthful, and less prone to hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles.

3. Makes dull skin look brighter

Retinol soothes down melanin-producing cells, which produce dark pigments like melanin. Skin discolouration such as melasma is caused by these cells. With retinol, your skin cells turn over more often, so it looks healthier and brighter.

4. It improves the skin tone

Retinol for Skin: Benefits & Usage

Retinol stimulates skin cellular turnover by increasing collagen and elastin levels, giving the appearance of a more even-toned, brighter complexion.  

5. Makes skin smoother 

It smooths and evens out the skin by triggering the outer layer of skin cells to turnover faster and generating new ones.  

6. Boosts collagen production 

Retinol for Skin: Benefits & Usage

By increasing production of natural chemicals, such as hyaluronic acid, retinol keeps the skin moisturized and plumped. It also increases collagen production and prevents it from breaking down.  

7. An affordable solution 

It may seem like retinol is an extravagance that you cannot afford depending on your budget. However, choosing cheaper, short-term options may prove more costly in the long run. Among the only ingredients that has clinically-proven benefits is retinol, making it an investment worth making in the future. 

Retinol for Skin: Benefits & Usage

If you are looking for the best retinol for skin Lakme Absolute Youth Infinity Serum is the one for you. It is formulated with 89% Pure Pro-Retinol C Complex that helps to give youthful, firmer skin. It helps to delay the signs of ageing, and lift, firm and brighten your complexion.  

Retinol for Skin: Facts to Consider  

1. Slowly incorporate it into your skincare routine 

To avoid irritation, go slow with retinol if you are using it for the first time. When you start using retinol, make sure it is incorporated slowly and steadily into your skincare regime. Use retinol in moderation and not too frequently. You can gradually increase the frequency of application of retinol after your skin has adapted to retinol. Start off with a low percentage formula (0.01-0.02) and use it twice a week. 

2. It should only be used at night 

The biggest mistake people make is applying retinol serum during the day. It's a light-sensitive molecule, which causes inflammation, redness, irritation, burning sensations, and skin sensitivity to UV light, so you should apply it after sunset. 

3. Do not use with other active ingredients 

Mixing retinol with other products with active ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), benzoyl peroxide, or vitamin C can cause allergic reactions. Benzoyl peroxide cancels the effects of retinol on the skin, whereas alpha and beta hydroxy acids are mild exfoliants that can dry your skin out. The potency of vitamin C serum is quite high and should never be combined with the use of retinol in your skincare routine. 

4. Never skip wearing a sunscreen 

You should avoid harsh sunlight if you are not using sunscreen. If you are going on holiday this is the perfect time to discontinue the retinol serum or decrease the percentage one week prior to the vacation. 

5. Start using during your mid-20s or early 30s 

It's long been thought that 30 was the perfect year to start using retinol, but many women start earlier. They're motivated by early signs of ageing, like age spots and crow's feet, or they're just eager to use the latest technology. You should start using retinol in your mid-twenties. 

FAQs about Retinol for Skin: Benefits & Usage   

When should you start using retinol?  

The majority of people who start using retinol begin using it during their mid to late 20's, generally between the ages of 25 and 30. When retinol starts to take effect, it's the ideal time to start reaping all of the anti-ageing benefits it has to offer because this is the time when collagen and elastin production starts to slow down. 

How long does retinol take to work? 

Retinol works in your cells right away, but you won't see any improvement in your skin for several weeks. The new regimen that you are on may actually make your skin condition worse at the beginning as you adjust to it. 

Can you leave retinol overnight? 

Retinol should be applied at night after cleansing your face. Using retinol before you go to sleep is the best way to get the full effects of the cream since sunlight reduces the effectiveness of vitamin A in the cream. After you apply the retinol, you don't need to wash it off, so you can let it absorb into your skin while you sleep overnight.  

Kinnari Ashar

Written by

A beauty and food enthusiast with a decade of writing experience, Kinnari treats her skincare routine like a sacred ritual and views a gourmet meal as a daily necessity. Balancing her time between uncovering the latest beauty trends and taste-testing culinary delights, she’s always up for trying new products or savouring a delicious dish.
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