Ready for the best glow of your life? This guide will help you understand retinol, its use and how to start now!

WHAT IS RETINOL?

Retinol is a form of Vitamin A, an ingredient that promotes skin cell renewal and enhances collagen production (which starts to decline in your 30s). In addition to smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles, retinol can also reverse some signs of sun damage.

Retinol is a vitamin A commonly derived from plants that contain high concentrations of beta carotene, such as dark/yellow vegetables and carrots. It is also found in butter, eggs, milk, cheese and cod liver oil. Retinols and retinoids are essential for skin maintenance, human development and better eyesight. Retinol is usually measured in International Units (IU).

RETINOL IN SKINCARE PRODUCTS

Retinol plays a significant role in skin health. It is common for people to invest in quality skincare that contains retinol to enhance their skin’s beauty and maintain its youthful appearance. Some of these skincare products include retinol cream/moisturizers, retinol lotions, retinol serums, retinol hand treatments, and retinol lip treatments.

Retinol contains a tiny molecular structure which allows it to penetrate deeper into the skin effectively. This helps to improve skin elasticity, rejuvenate the skin, resurface the skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, eliminate discolouration, treat and control acne, fade photo-aging-related dark spots and blemish scars, slow aging, treat blackheads and whiteheads, unclog clogged pores, repair and replace old skin tissue, and increase moisture. All in all, retinol is the superhero ingredient in the skincare world!

RETINOL VS. EXFOLIANT

Exfoliants and retinol do accomplish a similar goal: helping with skin cell turnover. However, their functions are completely different.

Retinol is classified under the antioxidant umbrella. By protecting our collagen, elastin and renewing our skin cells, retinol is often confused for an exfoliant. However, it does not strip away the dead skin cells, as an exfoliant would, by breaking down the molecule which attaches them to the skin. To help the breakdown of the hold dead skin cells have on your skin, an exfoliant should be added once or twice a week, or as directed by your aesthetician.

For this reason, Dermamode’s team believes most people should consider adding both retinols and exfoliants to their weekly routines. But be careful! You should not use them the same night, as they can cause skin irritation or sensitivity when mixed together.

RETINOL IS A JOURNEY. HERE IS WHAT TO EXPECT

Retinol can be a tricky ingredient to add to your skin care routine. You may experience redness, dryness and purging in the first few months of use. If these symptoms arise and make your skincare journey difficult, you may want to try to use retinol once or twice a week, to build your tolerance. As your skin’s tolerance is building, increase your use, until you are ready for a higher dosage. And remember, your retinol journey can take months, so be patient and trust your Dermamode aesthetician.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR RETINOL

At Dermamode, we recommend starting low and starting slow. You must get your skin use to retinol, as to avoid jarring reactions and discouraging our users from continuing their retinol journey. To start, use a 0.3 or 0.5%, once to twice a week, or as directed by your aesthetician, and as build your up tolerance, use it more frequently.  For more experienced users, Dermamode offers the Bioactive retinol 90 by Biophora or the 1% retinol by Vivier, as often as your skin can tolerate it.

The addition of retinol in your skincare routine can benefit just about anyone. This fantastic ingredient will get you to a smoother, younger and healthier-looking skin, giving you the best glow you’ve ever had. So don’t waste your time, start your retinol journey now!

Idea: talk about the difference between exfoliating and using retinol and why using both in beneficial for the health of our skin.