What is Retinol, Exactly? The Secret Skincare Ingredient Explained

What is Retinol, Exactly? The Secret Skincare Ingredient Explained

Since the dawn of time, people have sought elixir of youth and anti-aging compounds. The closest we’ve gotten so far is a compound known as retinol. 

You’ve probably heard it on TV commercials or on the labels of beauty products in stores. It seems to be everywhere, but you may not know exactly what it is or how it works. 

Retinol is a popular ingredient to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. There’s much more to know before you purchase products containing retinol. 

What is retinol? Continue reading to find out more about what you should know. 

What Is Retinol? 

Retinol is a form of Vitamin A, which enhances collagen production. This is what makes it such a valuable compound for reducing fine lines and wrinkles. 

After about age 30, the cells in your skin turnover at a much slower rate than in your younger years. A slower turnover rate of skin cells leads to the process we know as aging. 

Retinol works to combat signs of aging in a few ways. 

How Retinol Works to Combat Aging 

The skin contains natural retinoid receptors. When you put retinol on your skin, these retinoid receptors release retinoids and trigger skin cells to produce collagen. This tricks the skin into believing it’s younger than it actually is. 

Using retinol as an anti-aging substance leads to higher turnover rates of skin cells. If you use retinol, you’ll soon notice fresher and smoother skin. 

Is It Too Early to Start? 

Retinol will have more dramatic effects on older skin. Young skin has no problem producing collagen and creating fresh layers of skin. 

For many people, starting a retinol treatment may not become necessary until after age 30. However, starting at a younger age may help prevent fine lines and wrinkles. 

How to Best Add Retinol to Your Routine 

How do you integrate retinol into your skincare routine? Be careful to use your retinol products at night, as exposure to sunlight can diminish its effects. You should apply it to freshly cleansed skin. 

You may notice some skin drying. Always follow up a retinol treatment with a moisturizer. 

Pay attention to the directions on your products. Using too much retinol in your routine could have damaging effects on your skin. Avoid harsh products, such as acids and peels, when you use your retinol serum or other retinol products like our face lift serum

In addition to the above guidelines, you should use a product with an SPF to prevent sun damage. 

Get Younger Looking Skin with Retinol 

What is retinol? Retinol is a wonderful ingredient you should look for in your skincare products. It may take a while for your skin to acclimate, but the skin can build new retinoid receptors with controlled exposure. 

Most retinol products come in the form of a serum, but you can find some in cream form. Look out for the best retinol products next time you’re on the search for an anti-aging product. 

Are you looking for good retinol products? Check out our retinol cream.  

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