It’s an exciting time to be a beauty enthusiast! We have countless beauty influencers, celebrities and makeup artists break down their beauty routines for their followers. Youtube and Instagram combined, you can find hundreds of detailed skincare routines done on camera for you to take notes. Some also revel in nitpicking their hand motions while applying eye creams or not putting their hair up while doing a face wash. But the best part about these videos is how detailed they are in terms of ingredients used. And one ingredient that has been having its time in the limelight for a while now is… retinol.
But before you jump on the retinol bandwagon, here are some tips that will come in handy on a rainy day. Here goes:
- What exactly does retinol do?
- How to choose the right retinol product for you?
- What is the right time to use retinol?
- Does retinol interact with other skincare products?
What exactly does retinol do?
There are four major benefits related to retinol that is most attractive to shoppers:
- It reduces fine lines and wrinkles, plus, prevents new ones from appearing.
- It is an excellent exfoliator at the cellular level and reveals brighter and rejuvenated skin from within.
- It fights acne by working on the oiliness of the skin and clogging of pores.
- Prolonged use can even out skin tone by fading acne scars, dark spots, sun damage and pigmentation.
How to choose the right retinol product for you?
FYI: Retinol is just of the many types of retinoids, which an umbrella term for all vitamin A derivatives used in skincare. For instance, your regular anti-ageing cream may contain retinyl palmitate, which is the weakest concentration of retinoids. Or a common retinoid used for severe acne treatment is tretinoin, which you can’t purchase without a dermatologist prescription.
So before you start counting your savings to invest in an expensive retinol product, do your research on what exactly your skin needs are.
What is the right time to use retinol?
Retinols can increase the sensitivity of your skin while you’re using it. It can also make your skin thinner, exposing it more sun damage. So, try and use your retinol product at night as much as you can and always follow up with an SPF to avoid tanning and discolouration.
Does retinol interact with other skincare products?
Yes, given that retinol is an active ingredient, it can very much interact with other skin treatments in your routine. Acne products, acids, or peels can burn or irritate your skin if used on the same day as your retinol treatment.
You can manage retinol’s interactions with other products by using a simple technique. Start by using retinol once a week and then gradually increase the number. This will give your skin the time to get used to this product.
Written by Sumona Bose on May 11, 2020
Sumona Bose is a writer, skincare junkie and a self-professed makeup connoisseur. Equipped with a Master's degree in Fashion Management and over 3 years of experience writing in the beauty and fashion space, her passion for learning new things has no bounds. Working closely with dermatologists, beauty excerpts, makeup artists and hairstylists, she brings you the best of all things beauty. From trending skincare ingredients to makeup looks that help you slay, she manages to bring something new (and vital!) to our readers every single time. Her hobbies include home workouts, watching foreign films and binge-watching makeover shows!