Retinol products have become quite popular in the beauty industry in recent years, because they help control acne and pores, but mainly because they can reduce signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines, thus improving the overall texture of the skin.

You will mainly find it in products for nighttime care, serums or night creams, and this is due to its sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, which is something that, as we will see below, you should pay attention to.

What is & its benefits:

Retinol is a form of vitamin A, which enhances skin renewal and collagen production, which begins to decrease after the age of 30. Its anti-aging properties are due to its action on the skin cells, accelerating their regeneration and promoting the production of skin elastin. This results in a gradual reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as a reduction in hyperpigmentation.

Other benefits include:

• Its healing action, which helps treat scars caused by acne

• Its exfoliating properties, which act on the depth of the cells and leave the skin radiant and smooth

• Its sebum-regulating action that reduces oiliness

• Its cleansing action on clogged pores, which cause blackheads and acne

Other derivatives of Vitamin A are Retinoids, which are usually prescribed by a doctor to combat acne, and Retinal, which is a stronger ingredient than Retinol, but due to its strong action, usually causes irritation. That is why Retinol is the most ideal choice, as it is easy to incorporate into your routine without causing intense irritation.

The results of retinol usually appear after at least 12 weeks of use, but you will start to notice visible improvement from the first 8 weeks.

When and how do we apply retinol?

Retinol products (serum or cream) are best used at night, as sunlight can reduce their effectiveness. If you have a serum, use it immediately after cleansing, on dry face, neck & décolleté, to get the maximum benefit from vitamin A. Then apply moisturizer. If you have retinol in cream form, apply it at night as a moisturizer.

Retinol products should be gradually incorporated into your daily skincare routine, as they can initially cause some irritation due to increased vitamin A in the skin. Therefore, for the first 2 weeks, it is advisable to use it two nights per week. For the following weeks, apply it every other night and then every night if your skin responds well.

If you use other acids in your routine, remember that retinol should not be combined in the same routine with: AHA/BHA, Glycolic Acid & Vitamin C, as this can lead to peeling, redness, and irritation.

Do not forget to apply daily sunscreen when using retinol in your routine, as it causes sensitivity to UV rays.

At what age should the application start?

The ideal age to start using retinol is from the age of 30 and above. However, its use is not prohibited at younger ages, as it can be used preventively, as retinol enhances collagen production and prevents the formation of future lines and wrinkles. The difference lies in the fact that ages over 30 will see more immediate results compared to younger skin types.

Is it suitable for all skin types?

Every skin type will experience positive changes after incorporating retinol into their nighttime facial care routine. Even sensitive skin benefits from vitamin A.