Many women are looking to fight the signs of premature aging and wrinkles. There’s always some newly “discovered” ingredient that promises to hand you the world, but one of the tried-and-true anti-aging ingredients is retinol. Not only is retinol good for wrinkles, but it is also suitable for acne and hyperpigmentation. Retinol is the star ingredient of any skin rejuvenation routine.
What is Retinol?
Retinol is an ingredient derived from vitamin A and is in the ingredient class known as retinoids. Retinol helps stimulate collagen production while also causing your skin cells to turn over faster. This process helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps to fade acne marks and scars. Many anti-aging skin care products contain retinol.
Skin Sensitivity
There are few ingredients better at skin rejuvenation than retinol. That being said, it can cause your skin to be extra sensitive to the sun. To avoid UV damage, use retinol as part of your nighttime skincare routine, and always wear sunscreen during the day. The sun’s rays are significant skin agers, so steer clear, especially if you’re using retinol.
It can take a while for your skin to adjust to retinol, especially if it’s a high percentage solution. Start by applying a small amount to your face every other night, and based on your skin’s toleration level, gradually increase to every night. It can cause your skin to become dry or irritated as it adjusts.
Other Exfoliants
If you have extra sensitive skin, don’t combine your retinol with other active ingredients. Exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids can be incredibly irritating when combined with retinol. Try applying them on different nights. For example, use retinol two or three times a week and acids on the other days.
Moisturize
While using retinol, make sure to use a moisturizer to combat any dryness. Try a soothing moisturizer or mix a couple of drops of a propolis serum to give it extra healing power. If you are using vitamin C as part of your routine, apply that in the morning. Because vitamin C is an antioxidant, it can be worn during the day to help fight the free radicals that cause your face to look older.
If you are looking for a game-changing product for your skin rejuvenation routine, consider adding retinol at night a few times a week. Make sure to wait at least a month before judging the results to give your skin cells time to turn over and adjust to your new routine. Within a couple of months, you should see visible changes in texture that will make retinol a permanent staple in your practice.
BodyLase
Not sure if retinol is right for you? Schedule a consultation with one of our skin experts. After an evaluation, the proper skin care plan can be recommended to achieve the desired result. Contact BodyLase at 919-954-2288 (Raleigh) or 919-851-8989 (Cary).
