Retinol is derived from vitamin A and is a complementary product to use with other acne-fighting treatments. While many products work on the skin’s surface, helping to remove dead skin cells and reduce inflammation, retinoids’ tiny molecules allow it to penetrate into the skin’s middle layers.
What does retinol do?
Retinol does an array of things. It helps neutralize free radicals to boost the production of elastin and collagen. This plumping effect reduces the appearance of wrinkles, lines and enlarged pores.
It also gently exfoliates the pores and skin’s surface to improve texture and tone. By unblocking clogged pores it helps prevent the formation of blackheads, whiteheads, papules and pustules and controls excess production of sebum which can lead to acne.
There are a number of conditions that can benefit, including: acne, large pores caused by acne), oily skin, collagen loss, fine lines, wrinkles, photoaging (and other signs of sun damage), uneven skin texture, melasma (and other types of hyperpigmentation).
Which skin conditions can be helped by retinol?
There are a number of conditions that can benefit, including: acne, large pores caused by acne), oily skin, collagen loss, fine lines, wrinkles, photoaging (and other signs of sun damage), uneven skin texture, melasma (and other types of hyperpigmentation).
What precautions need to be taken?
Use retinol at night. You may find it a little uncomfortable at first but try to stick with it (unless it’s very painful of course). Mild discomfort should ease after a few days.
To reduce the risk of sunburn (retinol increases the skin’s UV absorption), wear sunscreen every day and avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible.
Do not use retinol if you are pregnant or suffer with eczema.
What brands might I be prescribed?
It depends what you are being treated for. For wrinkles there are tazarotene (Tazorac) and tretinoin (Retin-A) while, for acne, there’s adapalene (Differin) and isotretinoin (Accutane) for severe acne.
What is the best way to use retinol?
Dermatologists recommend using moisturizer beneath your retinol or “buffering” mixing the two together to dilute its potency and, therefore, prevent irritation in dry or sensitive skin.
