Retinol use nightly is one of the steps in basic skin care regimens beginning in your 20s. Retinol is a form of vitamin A. On a cellular level it promotes cell turnover working deep within your skin surface. While supporting elastin and collagen production it unclogs pores to reduce breakouts and clear breakouts you have, with an effect of giving the skin a more porcelain look. Evening out skin tone is another important retinoid benefit.
Retinol treated skin will be gently exfoliated reducing wrinkles and fine lines giving a youthful and healthy appearance. Retinol protects against free radical damage. Retinoil also reduces melanin production simultanously reducing dark spots.
When selecting a product a 1% active retinol solution is optimal, but beginning with lower concentrations may be necessary. Concentration values such as the ‘%” can be misleading as formulas with other products may contain just as much active ingredient but only appear to have a lesser concentration. Prescription strength retionids are available as Rein-A and Accutane. Retinol products are more mild.
Apply to face and neck, moisturizer use decreases dryness some experience with retinol usage. Additional skin benefits with Vitamin C, or activating products such as with DEJ in the Revision line will enhance outcomes.
Retiniol use nightly 5-7 days a week is optimal; alternative regimens report success in the right skin care program. Just using once or twice weekly to begin is reasonable for a couple of weeks. Once on retinol extra vigilance to sunscreen decreases the chance of harmful sun damage. Retinol use can increase UV sensitivity.
New acne breakouts at the start of use is not uncommon as your skin clears toxins. Expect to see results in 3-6 months. Avoid products containing unnecessary additives formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates and sodium lauryl sulfate which are potentially harmful and provide no benefits. You can skin test on a small patch on your inner arm. If there is no reaction within a few hours you can begin to use on your face.
Before lasers, microneedling, or other procedures consult as to whether to hold off on retinol usage which may be too active for the healing phase.
At Hada Cosmetic Medicine we advise skin consultations and guidance regarding products and regimens.
