Retinol plays a key role in creating healthy and youthful skin.
As one of the trendiest skincare ingredients that is currently on the market, retinol can be used to treat a variety of skin concerns. Read on to find out more about this skincare miracle worker.
What is retinol?
Retinol is a type of retinoid made from vitamin A, which promotes skin turnover that can help to reduce the appearance of visible pores and wrinkles. By helping your skin cells to regenerate, it promotes the production of elastin and collagen. This creates a ‘plumping’ effect that can make your skin look younger.
As the humid weather from living in a tropical climate can result in enlarged pores and greater sebum production, the product can help to clear any breakouts caused by the blocking of pores as it has an exfoliating effect on the surface of your skin. As it also increases skin cell production, it can also help to unclog your pores.
5 Reasons to Use Retinol
1. Combat acne
Acne primarily occurs when your pores are clogged with dead skin cells and excess sebum, which may result in a variety of pimples. Retinol can be used to unblock your pores, thus clearing up your skin. However, acne may still appear during the first few months of use, sometimes a result of what is called a retinol purge, but continued use will help to clear up your skin.
2. Fade acne spots
Once your acne has begun to heal, acne scars caused by injury and inflammation can develop. These spots may last for several weeks but can be reduced by the use of retinol to help minimize the swelling and inflammation. Retinol can also help prevent further breakouts, but may not be very effective on severe acne scars that are sunken or raised.
3. Boost collagen production
As we age, it becomes more and more important to encourage our body’s production of collagen. Retinol boosts the volume of collagen in your skin as it blocks the production of collagenase, an enzyme that breaks down collagen. This will result in skin that is more elastic and youthful.
4. Shrink enlarged pores
In warm climates, humid and hot weather can result in bigger pores. This is made worse by the subsequent increase in sebum production that may cause your pores to become clogged with excess oil or dead skin. As it increases your skin cell turnover rate, it helps to unblock your pores through the removal of excess dead skin cells or sebum.
5. Even out your skin tone
Hyperpigmentation, or dark spots, can occur as a result of sun damage to your skin. While severe hyperpigmentation is best treated as directed by a dermatologist, it is possible for it to lighten these spots with continued use.
Ready to add it to your routine?
While it brings about various benefits, it is important to know that it is better to start slow with retinol and to begin with lower concentrations of it. It is possible for retinol to cause a bout of pimples, also known as retinol purging as deeper pimples are brought to the surface of your skin. For those with sensitive skin, it may also cause some skin irritation. Retinols are best applied at night and can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. It is encouraged to wear sunscreen when incorporating retinol into your routine. Finally, do not use retinol if you are pregnant.
References
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/retinols
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23293-retinol
