There’s a good reason why retinol skin care is held as the gold standard for anti-ageing; retinol is one of the most well-researched and proven skincare ingredients. Here’s what this gold-star ingredient can do - and why it does it so well.
Benefits of Retinol Skin Care
Retinol is part of the retinoid family - they’re a group of skincare ingredients (some prescription) that are all derived from Vitamin A. This means that the effects of retinol on the skin are similar to some of the more heavy-duty strength retinoids out there, yet with none of the harsh side effects. Retinol and skin care ingredients in this family may have an adjustment period for skin that temporarily makes skin feel sensitive and dry - but that’s all part of the process.
Retinol works by boosting skin cell turnover at a deeper level that even AHAs can’t reach - part of their effect is slightly rearranging corneocytes (a type of skin cell) so that they work slightly differently than they would normally.
The benefits of this boosted turnover on the skin (among other effects of retinol for skin) make retinol one of the best anti-ageing ingredients out there. It’s able to encourage the skin to produce collagen, firming the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Retinol also has a marked effect on reducing the signs of sun damage, most notably dark spots and uneven skin tone. This same cellular turnover adds radiance back to skin and fades dark spots for skin that looks youthful and bright again.
How to Use Retinol Skin Care
No matter if it’s added to a serum or formulated in a rich moisturiser, always use your retinol product at night. Why? Well, retinol (and skin care products that photosensitise skin) should only be used if you’re willing to commit to using SPF at the same time.
Here’s why - retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, leaving it vulnerable to worsening the same issues that you’re trying to correct! So, keep your skin protected with proper SPF to turn back the clock with retinol.
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