Ingredient Spotlight: Retinol

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Retinol is our all-star ingredient. Don’t get us wrong—we love LOTS of different skincare ingredients but retinol has a special place in our hearts. If you follow us regularly, you know why. And if you don’t? Hear us out about how amazing retinol truly is.

Few ingredients are effective for all ages and skin types. Very few. Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that has been used to treat countless skin conditions including acne, aging, sun damage, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. It’s classified as a retinoid (tretinoin if you’ve ever had the prescription form) and the form you find in skincare is a slightly less concentrated form of the prescription version..

HOW RETINOL IMPROVES YOUR SKIN

Some people erroneously believe that retinol thins out your skin, however this has been proven false. Retinol actually works to thicken your skin because it can prevent the natural breakdown of collagen, accelerate cell turnover, and visibly plump the skin. The increase in cell turnover breaks apart spots of hyperpigmentation, while simultaneously slowing down the production of melanin (the culprit for age spots), so it can brighten your skin as well.

And if you’re thinking none of this matters because your skin is youthful and age spot-free, think again. Retinol unclogs pores and regulates your skin’s oil production, reducing breakouts, clearing up your complexion and reducing the likelihood that you’ll have sun damage later in life. It truly can benefit anyone of any age.

IS IT IMPORTANT HOW YOU USE RETINOL?

Very much so. Retinol might be a powerful ingredient, but you have to use it at the right time of day (or rather night) in order to get the benefits. We always advise patients to use their retinol only at night and the reasons for this are pretty simple: UV rays render your retinol product inactive, so if you use it in the morning you’re basically wasting the product and its benefits. Also, retinol can cause some sensitivity in your skin, and UV rays will only heighten that sensitivity. So then you’ll just end up with slightly irritated skin that isn’t benefiting at all. And who wants to waste retinol?! Certainly not us.

Another reason this product works its magic at night is because of your body’s natural healing process. While you sleep your body goes into heal and repair mode, shedding off dead skin cells and repairing damaged skin. Retinol gives this naturally occurring process a big boost with increased cell turnover.

IS RETINOL SAFE FOR ANY SKIN TYPE?

Retinol is beneficial to virtually anybody, regardless of skin type. In fact, the only people who might not like it are people with sensitive skin, but it’s still regarded as suitable for them because it can’t do any harm when used as instructed. So unless you’re expecting or currently breastfeeding, you’re free to enjoy retinol to your heart’s content.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE TO KNOW ABOUT RETINOL?

We’ve covered some common myths about retinol here, so check it out in order to be fully informed about it. A few general tips are to make sure you keep it stored away from heat and light, and start small with your applications. If you’ve never tried it before, we recommend starting with a retinol concentration of .025%, and apply it 2—3 times per week. See how your skin responds, and if it seems to be tolerating it well, you can start applying it every night and increase concentration as needed.

If you want to learn more about what's in your skincare products, contact us at info@supriyamd.com or call our office at 561-805-9399 to book an appointment with us.

Posted by Sarah M Kubrick | Supriya Dermatology