What is retinol? Why is retinol considered a skin care miracle?

For any newbie, starting to use something must know the information about it and Retinol is no exception. Therefore, we will learn all about retinol!

What is retinol?

Retinol has all the advantages of the group of Retinoids in skin care

Retinol along with Tretinoin, Retinyl Pamitate, Isotretinoin… are derivatives of vitamin A belonging to the group of Retinoids . Of these, Retinol is the lightest derivative , can be used for most skin types and is easily available at any drugstore.

Since 1971, derivatives of vitamin A have been known for their very effective treatment of skin problems.

Retinol has all the advantages of the Retinoids group in skin care , but because it is a mild derivative, it often gives a slow effect. However, for those who are just starting to take care of their skin with vitamin A derivatives, this is the safest option .

Retinol brings many effective uses for the skin such as: Anti-aging, cell regeneration, strengthening skin’s resistance, supporting the treatment and prevention of acne recurrence, removing pigmentation causing melasma, freckles incense on the skin.

Effects of retinoids on skin

Retinol helps treat acne

This is an outstanding effect of Retinol that has long been recognized and proven for its effectiveness.

Retinol helps treat acne

Retinol will unclog pores, prevent dirt , excess oil from accumulating, causing clogged pores, peeling dead skin , controlling skin oil, reducing swelling and especially with its antibacterial properties, Retinol is very effective in treating acne.

Effective anti-aging skin care

More and more evidence shows the role of retinol in the treatment of skin aging, with products containing retinol smoothing, anti-aging miracle .

Effective anti-aging skin care

Thanks to the mechanism of stimulating collagen production, it helps to reduce the appearance of skin aging, especially wrinkles , giving you a healthy skin.

Repair sun damage skin

Retinol is effective in treating sun damage.

Repair sun damage skin

According to Leslie Baumann, a dermatologist in Miami and author of The Skin Type Solution. Retinol has the ability to fight the sun by stimulating collagen production.

How does retinol affect the skin?

The mechanism of retinol is to renew the surface layer of cells , facilitating the growth of cells below . That inhibits collagen breakdown and thickens the underlying skin.

The mechanism of retinol is to renew the cell surface layer

The notion that retinol thins the skin is not true . Retinol often causes skin flaking and redness for the first few weeks of use , but later on they will thicken your skin.

Retinol often causes skin flaking and redness for the first few weeks after use

For brown spots that make the skin appear rough, retinol will improve that by smoothing the skin and inhibiting the production of melanin .

Retinol will improve that by smoothing the skin and inhibiting the production of melanin.

Retinol stimulates the cell cycle, helping new cells generate faster

Is retinol really safe?

The answer of experts is: ” Yes ” when it comes to the safety of retinol in particular and vitamin A-containing drugs in general.

Is retinol really safe?

However, pregnant or nursing women should inform their doctor when using these products to get the best advice.

Reasons to choose retinol in skin care

• With some of the good uses for the skin mentioned above, we can see that Retinol is very useful in skin care, especially for those who have problems such as aging, acne, freckles, …
• Retinol will act as a cell-binding ingredient, neutralizing free radicals in the skin to maintain so that all cells can maintain normal functioning, creating a barrier. Preventing bad effects from the outside, thereby bringing a fresh, healthy skin from deep inside.

Retinol is considered the “perfect” substance for skin care

• In particular, when using Retinol you will feel visible, comprehensive results from skin texture, skin pigmentation, moisture level. If using this substance consistently, wrinkles, crow’s feet, acne, acne will immediately disappear , making the face more smooth and bright.
• Because it is a substance that is considered “perfect” for skin care because the number of uses that Retinol brings is extremely many, when using it, especially for newcomers, it is necessary to learn and use it properly. From there, it is possible to maximize the function of Retinol to the skin.

How to Use Retinol for Beginners

Those who are just starting to use products containing Retinol should not be too worried because how to use Retinol effectively will be extremely simple if you note the following:

Test your skin’s sensitivity

Test your skin’s sensitivity

• Not only retinol , any active ingredients used in care can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation or counterproductive effects if not suitable. Therefore, the first thing to do is to check the sensitivity of the skin to the products.
• You just need to apply a small amount of the product to any small area of the body such as arms, hands and then expose to the sun. If your skin does not have any reactions or changes, it is completely safe to use products containing Retinol.

How often to use Retinol

How often to use Retinol

• To use Retinol effectively, we need to learn about the concentration of this substance so that when applied to be effective. Typically, products containing Retinol will be at levels: 0.01 – 0.03 – 0.089 – 0.1 – 0.3 – 1%.
• However, for those who are new to Retinol to maximize its benefits, it is necessary to use a concentration from low to high , a level from 0.01 to 0.03% is reasonable to avoid skin irritation.
• And you should only use Retinol about once a week so that the body gradually adapts to this active ingredient as quickly as possible. If the skin does not have any adverse reactions or manifestations, the frequency of use of the product can be gradually increased .

Don’t Skip Sunscreen When Using Retinol

Don’t Skip Sunscreen When Using Retinol

• Sunscreen is like the “perfect piece” missing when using Retinol. At this time, retinol will make already sensitive skin even more sensitive while it is performing the process of strengthening and regenerating the skin. Combined with the sun in this condition will bring an unpredictable consequence to the skin.
• The application of sunscreen not only promotes the inherent uses of this product such as avoiding darkening of the skin, protecting the skin under the harsh sun, … but they are also “catalysts” to help Retinol work. many times more efficient . Therefore, you should apply sunscreen every time you go out!

Combine Retinol with AHA/BHA to increase effectiveness

Combine Retinol with AHA/BHA to increase effectiveness

• Retinol does not have the effect of exfoliating, so when used in combination with AHA / BHA, it will improve sunburned skin as well as help skin appear fuller and more vibrant. Besides, the removal of wrinkles and anti-aging is also faster and more effective with the appearance of AHA/BHA.
• Therefore, you can completely use AHA/BHA together with Retinol when doing your skin care routine. However, you must wait 20-30 minutes after using AHA/BHA before you can continue using Retinol to avoid allergies, irritation or overload of the skin when subjected to many effects from chemicals.

Steps to use retinol for beginners

Use Retinol Correctly

The most effective and safest time to use retinol is 30 minutes before going to bed. Follow these steps:

Step 1 Clean your face, make sure there is no dirt attached to it with cleanser

Step 2 Use toner to balance moisture, help soothe skin

Step 3 Provide nutrients to the skin with serums of all kinds

Step 4 Proceed to use products containing Retinol to supplement the necessary nutrients as well as help the skin regenerate

Step 5 Finally, use with skin care and eye cream to provide and lock in moisture so that the face skin becomes smooth, strong, not dry.

Tips for using Retinol

Tips for using Retinol

Besides, to use Retinol more effectively, it is necessary to apply some of the following tips:

• Use 2 times / 1 time and must have 1 time in the evening to not reduce the effect of Retinol.
• Use a pea-sized dose for each use because a lot of Retinol will not be good for the skin.
• Increase frequency of use to 1 time / day if the skin has adapted to Retinol and can be increased gradually depending on time.
• Use additional products containing or products that have integrated Benzoyl Peroxide with Retinol.

Side effects of using retinol

When using Retinol, your skin may experience some unwanted side effects, but they are not too severe and can be overcome.

The skin is hot and painful like a bee sting

The skin is hot and painful like a bee sting

Symptoms: The skin is red, slightly burning and itchy like a bee sting . It can also peel off the skin. These are only temporary reactions when using it, so don’t worry too much!

How to fix: Use retinol in low to high concentrations to help skin adapt well to retinol. Then, combine with the use of moisturizing products, moisturizing when gradually increasing the concentration.

Dry and flaky skin

Dry and flaky skin

Symptoms: Horny and flaky skin. This phenomenon is common when you use Retinol in high concentrations.

How to fix: Reduce the frequency of use to 1 time / 1 week for the skin to get used to this active ingredient. However, you need to moisturize and restore the skin to return to its original state as quickly as possible.

Source: Vinmec Hospital, Thanh Nien Newspaper

Above is all the information about Retinol as well as a guide to using Retinol for beginners. Hopefully, you will apply successfully to have a healthy, smooth skin!

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