We always hear of a new skincare product or ingredient that is the “end all, be all” of skincare, but retinol might be just that. There are tons of celebrities or beauty influencers that talk about retinol and how much they love it, but what they don’t do is tell us what it actually is. To be honest, when I asked my dermatologist to prescribe me retinol I didn’t even know much about it either. So what is retinol and what does it do for your skin?
Disclaimer: I am not a dermatologist, nor a doctor. All of the information below was found from Webmd and Dermalogica
So, What is Retinol?
Retinol is form of retinoid ( a vitamin A derivative) that is added to creams that encourages retinoid receptors to release retinol into the skin cells. These retinoid receptors trigger collagen production and increase the acceleration of skin renewal and cell turnover rate. Meaning, your skin is exfoliating dead skin cells naturally, while producing new skin cells. (Which may lead to the top layer of your skin becoming dry or flaky)
Reasons to Love Retinol:
- Boosts the amount of collagen your body produces
- Improves overall skin tone and color
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots
- Produces firmer and smoother skin
- Can lighten redness and post-acne marks
Why I Love Retinol:
I love retinol because of how well it reduces the redness and post acne marks I have from my cystic and hormonal acne. I have also noticed the overall tone of my skin has become much more consistent, and my skin looks more vibrant and dewy from the natural exfoliation of dead skin cells.
Ways I Use Retinol:
- Occasionally I will have to “tame down” the retinol with a moisturizer with SPF to prevent excessive dryness and peeling
- I avoid application under my eyes and in the corners of my mouth and nose
- Use a pea size amount! A little goes a long way!
- I recommend starting with a very low dosage and getting your retinol from a dermatologist rather than a beauty store
- Sometimes, I use my retinol as a “area or spot treatment” rather than my entire face
- I use a my Clarisonic Prima to gently rub off any flakiness
- If your skin starts to become too dry, give it a few days to breathe and apply extra moisture whenever possible
- I love to use the Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Face Mask afterwards to soothe my skin
- Keep your skin soft and hydrated with face oils. I love Botanics
Shop the products from the blog on LIKEtoKNOW.it
Download the app and shop my looks on my profile!
alexa ferraro 