Every day we get to learn about a new skincare ingredient, and this time, it’s retinol that we are going to discuss. Retinol is quite a popular skincare ingredient that is commonly found in a variety of skincare products. The major benefits of using retinol for skin usually include the reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improved skin texture. However, its benefits don’t end here, using retinol-based skincare products every day are known to offer a myriad of benefits to your skin. However, unlike other ingredients, using retinol for skin can be a bit tricky, and to help you ensure you are not doing anything wrong, we have put together a list of a few things that you should keep in mind when including retinol in your skincare routine.

What is retinol?

It is a derivative of vitamin A, and vitamin A derivatives help to accelerate the skin renewal process and prevent the dead skin cells from clogging your pores. Additionally, they promote collagen production and aids in stimulating cell repair. Vitamin A derivatives are of two types- retinol and retinoids. Retinol on being absorbed into the skin transforms into retinoic acid, which is its active form. And it is also pretty mild in nature, which is safe to be used in over-the-counter products. And as far as retinoids are concerned, this ingredient should only be used at a dermatologist’s suggestion as it is potent in nature.

Benefits of using retinol for skin

One of the main reasons for retinol’s immense popularity is its ability to offer a myriad of wonderful skin benefits. Listed below are a few of the best benefits you can acquire from this ingredient.
Exfoliates your skin- Exfoliation is an important skincare step, and while it’s essential to indulge in physical exfoliation, exfoliating the surface of your skin is essential too, and do you know how you can do that? With the help of retinol as it is known to mildly exfoliate your skin, which in turn, gives your skin a smooth and even-toned complexion.
Reduce the appearance of pigmentation and uneven skin tone- By using retinol regularly, you can get your skin to look smooth and even-toned by eliminating or reducing the appearance of pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores.
Boost skin’s appearance- If you have pretty dull skin, retinol is all you need to include in your skincare regimen as nothing can beat its ability to boost skin’s appearance. It helps you achieve brighter, glowing, and tighter skin in no time.
Prevents and reduces signs of aging- One of the best features of retinol is its anti-aging properties. It not only helps to reduce the appearance of signs of aging but also prevents it by boosting collagen production.
Keeps acne at bay- Retinol works effectively to treat acne, especially comedonal acne. Additionally, it helps to reduce whiteheads, blackheads, acne scarring, and spots as well.

What is the best time to include retinol in your skincare regimen?

Retinol helps to address several skin issues, and it surely delivers effective results in a short period of time. However, when it comes to including it in your skincare routine, although your late 20s is the most ideal time to start using retinol, you can consider including it earlier if you want to use it for its anti-acne benefits or to deal with teenage skin issues like skin congestion, blackheads, and whiteheads. Just make sure to consult a dermatologist before including it in your routine.

The right ways to use retinol

Wear retinol at night- The best time to apply retinol is at night as it helps to address your skin issues more effectively. Applying it during the day might fail to deliver the best results as exposure to sunlight tends to deactivate retinoic acid.
Include gentle skincare products in your routine- If you are planning to include retinol in your routine, you should also consider switching your skincare products and need to invest in products that are gentle as retinol doesn’t react well with other active ingredients.
Wear sunscreen- Initially, retinol might cause some redness and itchiness on your skin, and in order to keep things from getting worse, it’s imperative to wear sunscreen during the day.

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