ALL ABOUT INGREDIENTS!
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: RETINOL

What is RETINOL and what’s all the hype? It’s one of the most popular anti-aging ingredients used in skincare. The most common questions are: should I use it, how often should I use it, and will it really make any noticeable differences in my skin?

Retinol is most known for being used on mature skin and skin with severe acne. It is used to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots, age spots, hyperpigmentation, melasma, and heavy breakouts. Retinol can help correct uneven skin tones and boost collagen production which leads to firmer skin that is plumper and more youthful looking.

Should I use retinol? When trying to figure out if using Retinol is right for you, you must first understand your skin. Do you have sensitive skin? Do you breakout easily? Are you allergic to certain ingredients? These are questions to ask yourself before trying any new product. You should also know if your skin is typically dry, oily, combination, or mature with wrinkles. If you’re not sure of these questions first, then it’s best to consult with a skincare professional who can help you figure it out.

Retinol comes from Vitamin A and takes the form of tiny molecules that are transferred to our skin then gradually move into the deeper layers of our skin (aka the dermis). Retinol is a product available over the counter but anything stronger would be in the form of a retinoid which can only be prescribed by a doctor. People who suffer from severe acne might use a prescription retinoid with acne medication that can help to kill bacteria and clear up their breakouts. Retinol also helps to exfoliate which means it plays a part in removing layers of dead skin which can ultimately improve skin texture. So, if you have rough or bumpy skin then retinol could possibly be a good start for you.

Now with every product comes the risk of allergic reactions or side effects. Retinol is no different and can also clash with other ingredients so it’s important to know what products and ingredients you should stop using while testing out retinol. Sometimes, depending on the skin type, overuse of retinol can cause redness, dry patches, breakouts, skin peeling, irritated or sensitive skin. When you decide to start using retinol in your skincare routine it might be an initial shock to your skin so it’s best to start out light; using 1-2 times a week or every other day and go from there as you monitor your skin’s reaction.

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Using retinol at night is better than during the day time. Night time application allows your skin to take in the ingredient without exposure to the sun, pollution, or other environmental toxins. It can do its thing beneath the surface of your skin while you rest. Since retinol can cause some sensitivity your skin may become irritated if applied in the morning then exposed to outside all day. In this case a generous amount of SPF 30+ would need to be applied (and reapplied as needed) to ensure proper protection to your skin. It’s easy for some people to get caught up in anti-aging obsessions and start using multiple products with retinol. This can be too much for some skin types! There is a greater risk of side effects when retinol is mis-used or over-used.

Many people always want to know how long it will take to see results from using retinol. Honestly that varies by person because there are so many different contributing factors to consider for each person, like skin type or severity of skin issues. (Ex: deep wrinkles, a lot of dark spots, or heavy acne). On average someone could start seeing results from using retinol as early as one month (around 30 days). The average window though is roughly 1-3 months or between 4-12 weeks if using consistently (but not overuse).

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I use my favorite retinol scrub once a week to help reduce my oiliness and get rid of dead skin. It’s my favorite scrub because it’s a gentle creamy texture rather than one of those rough scrubs that feels like it’s ripping your face off LOL. I love that it leaves my skin feeling super smooth and I always have a nice glow the very next day. It comes in a small bottle for home or travel, and you can get yours here.

I also use the retinaldehyde serum every other night which has done wonders for my skin with helping to fade my dark spots and keep them away. If you struggle with hyperpigmentation, then this serum will quickly become your new BFF! And the best part is, my skin texture has improved with feeling much smoother and my complexion brighter after every use. You can get yours here.

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And last, of course, if you are in my area or visiting on vacation you can book an appointment at my skincare studio for one of our professional facial treatments or chemical peel. Check out our facials here and our peels here.

So, the next time you’re out shopping for skincare products or see the hype about retinol on TV or in a magazine I hope you’ll refer to this blog for a little helpful guidance or share with a friend who might need this! I hope this blog will be helpful as you continue your own skincare journey. Don’t forget to shop in my online store for more great natural products and anti-aging skincare. You can shop here.

Comments about your own experiences with retinol are welcomed!

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