Benefits of Retinol

Retinol Day is on November 7, so we thought we'd take the time to dive into this beloved beauty ingredient. What is retinol? What does it do, and how should you be using it?

What is retinol?

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that is commonly added to skincare serums, lotions, and creams. It's used to treat acne and has many antiaging benefits. Retinol can be purchased over the counter or with a prescription for stronger versions. Retinol is used topically, meaning that it's put on the skin in forms of serums, gels, lotions, creams, ointments, and in makeup products.

What does retinol do?

Retinol increases cell production, helps unclog pores, exfoliates the skin, and increases collagen production (which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles). Retinol can be used to treat acne, acne scars, and stretch marks, as well as for antiaging benefits.

Some of retinol's benefits include:

• Antiaging: Stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which helps minimize fine lines and firm the skin

• Acne: Accelerates cell turnover and regulates oil production to unclog pores and prevent breakouts

• Hyperpigmentation: Slows down melanin production to fade sun spots, acne scars, and uneven skin tone

• Skin texture: Provides a gentle exfoliating effect that sheds dead skin cells, resulting in a smoother, brighter complexion

How to use retinol

When using retinol over the counter, start slowly. Apply a small amount once or twice per week, until you know your skin is adjusting well. Layer it with a good moisturizer to combat dryness and irritation, and always wear sunscreen. Retinol can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid using retinol while you are pregnant. If you have a prescription retinoid, follow your doctor's instructions.

There are a few side effects associated with retinol, but they are usually temporary, including:

• Dry, irritated skin

• Itching or burning

• Redness, peeling, flaky, or scaly skin

• Sunburn

As your skin gets used to retinol, these should clear up on their own, but always speak with your medical professional.

Differences in retinol products

There are lots of different retinol products on the market. Here's how to tell the difference between them all:

• Retinol vs. vitamin A: Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin naturally found in many foods that plays many important roles in the body, including the immune system, vision, reproduction, and with organs. Retinol is a form of Vitamin A.

• Retinoid vs. retinol: The main difference between these two is how strong they are. Retinol is widely available over the counter in serums, creams, and cosmetics. Retinoids are made at higher concentrations and are available by prescription only (except for Differen, which is used to treat acne and is available over the counter).

• Prescription retinol vs. over-the-counter retinol: Prescriptions contain a higher concentration of active ingredients, so you will see results faster. Over-the-counter retinol is usually combined with other ingredients, and sometimes it's hard to know how much of the active ingredient is in the product. However, that doesn't mean that the other ingredients in the product aren't skin-loving, too! They will probably help to treat and brighten the skin in partnership with the retinol.

• Tretinoin vs. retinol: Tretinoin is a retinoid and available by prescription only, often used for acne and signs of premature aging. It's much stronger than the retinol that you would buy over the counter.

Combining retinol with other ingredients

Retinol is, on the whole, safe to combine with other ingredients, but sometimes the combinations can irritate your skin, so you'll want to know how the ingredients interact with each other. Here are ones to keep in mind:

• Retinol and glycolic acid: Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that acts as a chemical exfoliant. Since retinol is also an exfoliant, they can both work to fade dark spots and improve skin texture, but using them both at once may irritate your skin. If you want to try both products, alternate using retinol and glycolic acid on different days, or try glycolic acid in the morning and retinol at night. (Read about the benefits of exfoliation here.)

• Retinol and hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid is very moisturizing and slows down the evaporation of water from your skin. Hyaluronic acid soothes and plumps the skin, which can be used to minimize any irritation from retinol, making them a great duo.

• Retinol and niacinamide: Niacinamide is a derivative of vitamin B3 that works to clear acne and reduce the signs of aging. It helps to protect the skin and may help reduce irritation from retinol.

• Retinol and salicylic acid: While both actives are used to treat acne, retinol and salicylic acid can also dry and irritate the skin. Overdrying the skin can increase sebum production and make acne worse, so if you want to use both products, alternate them. Use retinol at night and salicylic acid in the morning.

• Retinol and vitamin C: Vitamin C lightens dark spots and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol slows the breakdown of collagen and increases elasticity, so this powerful combo can help even out your skin's texture and tone. But be careful: both products can cause skin irritation, so add one product to your routine at a time over the span of a couple of weeks. Use your vitamin C product in the morning and retinol at night. (Learn more about Vitamin C here.)

It's important to take care of your skin and choose the right products. Salon Patrice offers custom facials and can help you tailor your skincare routine to your concerns. Find our list of products here, or call (815) 223-8643 for more information.