What is Retinol?

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative, which comes under the family of retinoid. Retinol is a type of retinoid which is easily available in over the counter products whereas, retinoid require prescription.

However, retinol remains a controversial ingredient with contrasting reviews, some claimed that retinol have ruined their skin and complexion while other have stated how miraculously it has transformed their skin into a younger looking one.

What retinol does?

Retinols are applied topically and tends to exfoliate the skin cell turnover and increase collagen production in the applied area. This makes it an effective product for anti ageing as cell turnover decrease with age. This process also keeps the pores unclogged hence it turn out be an effective treatment for acne.

This gives skin a youth and smooth appearance.

Then why this ingredient remains effective for some and not for others?

Due to increased cell turnover retinols remains the most effective ingredient for all age groups for texture less glowing skin.

On negative side people after using retinols have noticed acne breakouts, uneven skin tone, peeling, redness, dry or patchy skin, itchiness, and increased sensitivity.

Why this is so?

In order to begin using retinols you must first understand the intensity of retinols your skin can tolerate. If you are not using prescription based retinoid then starting retinols with minimum intensity only few times a week is the best way to integrate retinols in your skin care routine.

When anyways retinols based side effects emerge after initial usage they will go away after few weeks, as it is most likely the result of skin purging. However, intense occurrences like scaly, itchy, red flared up skin should require consultation with the specialist dermatologist.

Should you avoid retinols?

Well, retinols are suitable for most skin types, however if you have a sensitive skin then you might would like to skip the retinols from your regimen and instead opt for safer options like hyaluronic acid  and niacinamide. Also, since retinoid and its various types are never tested on pregnant it is recommended not to use during pregnancy or breast feeding years.

What products are best to avoid and use while using retinols?

It is best to keep it simple while using retinols. Instead of going over board with your routine just use a gentle basic cleanser and after applying retinols layer it with a good moisturizer.

The ingredients you should never mix or use with retinols are vitamin C and AHA/BHA as they will over exfoliate your skin and make it even more sensitive to sun which it will become already with the use of retinol.

Sun block and a good moisturize are essential with retinol.

So, if you are planning to add retinols to your skin care regimen, don’t be scared, just know your skin and start with basic and lighter intensity, till that glowing skin………………:) đŸ˜‰