Do you have dull skin? Do you find yourself buying multiple skin products and not getting the results that you want? Do you not know which kind of retinol is suitable for your skin? If the answer to these questions is yes, then this article is only for you.
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Retinol and how it works?
Retinols are the weak version of Vitamin A. While, retinoid is used to refer to the strong prescription type products like tretinoin or adapalene. Albeit, retinol is the light version of retinoid and can combat the sign of ageing. Moreover, it increases the flow of blood in the body and increases the production of collagen.
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When retinol enters the skin, it reaches the deepest layer (known as a basal cell) and starts to divide. This division leads to the formation of new epidermal skin which moves to the surface level. This is how the new skin cells develop on the surface and remove the older ones by exfoliation. Consequently, the signs of ageing are not visible on the face. Moreover, it improves the texture of the skin, lessens hyperpigmentation, removes age spots and dullness of the skin.
When is the right time to use retinol?
According to dermatologists, one should start using retinol in their mid-20s or early 30s. As soon as you see the sign of early ageing, you should start using it. After all, prevention is better than cure. It is advisable to use retinol before going to bed in your 30s and above.
Is it safe to use retinol?
People with sensitive skin should be cautious while using retinol. If not careful, then they can suffer from redness, irritability and scaling. However, if they start using it slowly. Then their skin becomes familiar with retinol. And that’s how they get the best results. Retinol is suitable for all skin colours and types. If you have dark spots then you should consider taking retinol. It is beneficial for lessening hyperpigmentation, discolouration, reducing epidermal melanin production, increasing exfoliation and lessening acne. The dermatologist advises pregnant ladies to not apply retinol.
How to choose the retinol that is best suited to your skin?
Retinol varies in different strengths such as 1 per cent, 0.5 per cent, 0.3 per cent and 0.25 per cent. The unspecified retinol percentage is usually 0.25%. The dermatologist suggests applying 0.25% retinol or tretinoin. The dermatologist advises starting with a lower concentration. Then increase the intake of retinol. It is advisable for thick/oily skin people, should apply high strength retinol and for dry skin, should apply low strength retinol. Skin type plays a huge role when choosing retinol serum or cream. People with oily / acne skin types should prefer serum as it is light weighted and is easily absorbed. While people with dry skin types should prefer cream as it provides hydration.
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How to use Retinol to get the best result?
- To get the best results, one must apply at night before going to get the best result.
- To begin with, apply retinol for two nights each week. You have to keep doing it for 1-2 weeks.
- After 2 weeks- apply it on every alternative night.
- After 4-6 weeks of use- By now, you must have gotten an idea of how much your skin can tolerate. If everything goes right, then apply it every night.
- After 8- 12 weeks- by this time your skin has built a tolerance. So, now you can use it every night.
- Before starting, do a patch test and wait for 2 days. If you see no reaction, then you can start applying it.
- You can use moisturiser, Hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
- While going out, wear sunscreen.
Here are the retinol products that you need to check out –
SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 Maximum Strength Refining Night Cream
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If you want to remove fine lines, wrinkles and discolouration from your skin. Then, this is the product for you. It consists of key ingredients like retinol and botanical extracts. It shrinks the size of pores, reduces acne and reduces irritation. It removes the blackhead from your skin and is also free from paraben, fragrance and gluten. It is suitable for all skin types.
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0
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In this product, the key ingredients are – retinol and phytoshield complex. This product reduces age spots and wrinkles. It increases the elasticity and renews the cell at a faster rate. It is suitable for all skin types and smoothens the skin.
Obagi Medical Retinol 1.0
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This product combats the early signs of ageing and gives you that youthful-looking skin that you always wanted. It smoothens out fine lines and wrinkles. Also, reduces hyperpigmentation and keeps your skin firm. The key ingredient of these products is Jojoba oil, shea butter, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. It hydrates your skin and is suitable for all skin types.
Sunday Riley A High-Dose Retinoid Serum
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The key ingredient in these products is – Retinol Ester, CoQ10, Hawaiian white honey, Bisabolol, Cactus Extract and ginger. This serum is a higher concentration of retinol. It reduces fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, acne and damages to the skin. Moreover, it evens out the skin tones. The good thing about this product is that it is free from gluten, parabens, sulfate, soy and phthalate.
PCA SKIN Intensive Brightening Treatment 0.5 Pure Retinol Night
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The key ingredient of this product is – Retinol, Resveratol, Niacinamide and Hexylresorcinol. This product goes deep into your skin and gives you that rejuvenating look. It reduces inflammation and discolouration. In addition to that, it hydrates your skin and even out the skin tone.