What Does Retinol Do for the Skin and Is It Right for Me?

Over the past few years, the popularity of retinol has soared. It has become an extremely beneficial addition to a night-time skincare routine.

But what does it really do for your skin? And is it for everyone?

Here’s everything you need to know about the benefits of Retinol…

First up, what is it?

Retinol comes from Vitamin A – the group of fat-soluble vitamins found in foods like carrots, eggs and sweet potatoes. Retinol is a powerful derivative of this designed to be applied topically to help with conditions such as anti-ageing, acne and pigmentation.

What does it do when applied to the skin?

When retinol is applied as a topical product, it converts to retinoic acid by enzymes found in the skin. It does not remove dead skin cells like many other products do. Instead, the small molecules go deep beneath the outer layer of skin reaching down to the dermis.

This allows the retinol to neutralise free radicals and alter the behaviour of aged cells at the source, so that they act in a more youthful manner.

For example, to smooth and refine skin texture, boost the reduction of collagen and enhance skin radiance.

When retinol is incorporated into age-preventive skin care routines, it helps accelerate skin renewal, enhance collagen production and reduce the appearance of aging, uneven texture and age spots.

What are the benefits?

When you apply retinol to the skin, you are topically applying Vitamin A, and this includes a host of exciting and clinically proven benefits:

· Treating fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen and smoothing out existing fine lines.

· Brightens dull skin by exfoliating at the cellular level.

· Minimises break outs and pore congestion by regulating oiling skin.

· Fades skin discolouration, sun spots and pigmentation, including uneven skin texture.

How do I use Retinol?

Due to the strength of Retinol, we recommend building up to daily use by starting with a pea sized amount just once a week. Once your skin becomes more accepting and familiar with the product, you should be able to tolerate using retinol every other or every night.

It’s important that you remember to apply SPF each day when using retinol as a part of your nightly skincare routine.

Retinols can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays and sunlight will also decrease the efficacy of the product – so lather up with SPF 50!

Are there any side effects?

Patients that are new to retinol can commonly experience dry, peeling and irritated skin, whilst the skin adjusts to the product. To lessen these side effects, try reducing how often you are using the product and work back up slowly once the skin has learned to tolerate the product better.

For most patients, the side effects are short lived and it just takes a little time for the skin to adjust.

For more information on how to safely and effectively use Retinol or to purchase Retinol to boost your skin health and glow, contact Butterfly Aesthetics today.