My First Retinol: The Beginners Retinol Guide

Acne: Turn to Retinol ✔

Premature aging: Use Retinol ✔

Fine lines & Wrinkles: Retinol once & for all ✔

Having said that, skincare is most confusing when Retinol is around and super great as well when appropriately incorporated into a skincare routine.

What is a Topical Retinol?

Topical Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative plus a subtype of Retinoids which when incorporated into external formulations like creams, gels, lotions exert amazing skincare benefits. This includes treating acne, acne scars, preventing clogged and enlarged pores, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, melasma, fine lines, wrinkles, and many by increasing the skin cell production, exfoliating, increasing collagen production, slowing down the melanin production and reducing inflammation. Therefore, incorporating retinoids into your skincare promotes the appearance of a fresher, clearer and plumpy looking skin.

What are the several types of Topical Retinoids?

Prescription strength vitamin A is Retinoic acid (also known as Tretinoin/Retin-A) which is the most bioactive form and other subtypes of Retinoids (Retinyl Esters, Retinol, Retinal) need to be converted to Retinoic acid to exert the intended skin effects.

Now, just scour around your newly purchased Retinoid formulation and match them to find where you are in the journey with Retinol,

When should you start Retinol?

Well, the PRO tip is to gradually incorporate Retinol from your mid-20s to early-30s when your skin has not yet gotten so saggy, leathery, spotty, and dry. The key is a balanced and slow integration of your retinol to acclimatize the skin and reduce the intensity of irritation. For those who wish to glide into prescription grade topical Tretinoin, it is always advised to speak to a Dermatologist prior, gradually build up and take adequate precautions in the cycle.

• Start using a low key Retinol once a week for two weeks.
• Increase the frequency of the same Retinol to twice a week for the following 2 weeks.
• Continue & accustom your skin with the same Retinol for twice / thrice a week for 6 months.

What to expect while using Retinol?

Finally, you have started to try Retinol & suddenly regret the whole idea in the journey as you see your skin worsening. While you resent Retinol, this active ingredient is busy pushing all those clogging your pores from underneath to the skin surface to the exit which in turn leads to redness, peeling and irritation on your favorite outsides temporarily. This is referred to as skin purging or Retinol purging which is a temporary response of skin to actives that trigger cell turnover—resulting in breakouts. The key here is keeping calm while the retinol uglies and makes it all better later on.

What are the Do’s and Don’ts while using Retinol?

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a Healthcare Professional.