If you have been close to turning thirty you will be looking for a magical ingredient that can take care of your skin. Retinol is the new magic. It is the most suggested skincare ingredient after sunscreen. At the start it was only found in night creams and serums. Now, it is added to everything from cleansers to sunscreens. Retinol is generally added without understanding the fact that it is an ingredient that needs to be used at night only. So, in this article, we will give you insight retinol and its importance in night time skincare.
Also Read:- Know How To Choose The Right Skin Cream According To Your Skin Texture
What Is Retinol? What Are Its Advantages?
Retinol is over the counter version of tretinoin, which is a vitamin A derivative only available by prescription. Retinol is known to show great effects on reducing the signs of aging and the sun damaging. It even works in a great way to improve skin color and texture. Apart from all this, retinol helps to tighten the pores, stimulate blood flow and increase collagen production. They also stimulate the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which improves skin color.
Why Is It Important To Use Retinol At Night Time Skincare?
Retinol is simply synthetic vitamin A. If you need good skin then you need either the natural sources or just a dash of retinol to slow down the aging. So, when you use retinol, all it does is increase the skin cell turnover. The new skin is smooth and delicate, so it should be avoided to any sun exposure. That us the reason retinol is advised to be used in the night skincare routine instead of the day time. The best thing is to use products containing retinol in the night skincare routine. Another major reason is that the retinal breaks down even faster when exposed to the sun and air. This is why retinol-containing products come with tight-fitting caps along with tubes and pumps. If you use retinol during the harsh sun or the daytime, it actually does the opposite of what it supposes to. When you use retinol in day time instead of slowing down the aging. It makes it even faster. So, if you have been using any foundations or lipsticks that contain retinol make sure you use it just at the night. It is more susceptible to the sun, no matter the amount of SPF protection promised on the foundation or sunscreen.
What Should You Keep In Mind While Buying Retinol Containing Product?
When you hit the stores, you have the entries shelves loaded with products that boast of containing retinol. But, the fact is that if you start using retinol without understanding the right way of using it. Instead of helping it is going to harm the skin. So, if you have been looking to invest in retinol products then here are some things that you should know before buying out randomly.
Sunscreen and foundation are two common essentials that all of us usually carry. If you have been thinking about investing in a product with them together. Then let us tell you that it is really not a great idea. When you look for products that have a two in one approach like a combo with sunscreen and foundation. They are really not a great idea. The simplest trick is not to buy a product that contains SPF and retinol together. Both of them are really not a great combination.
Using a cleanser that contains retinol is a sheer waste of money. As you use the cleanser for a few seconds and rinse it off. The retinol is washed down the drain and is not on the skin long enough to work. Similarly, it is not advised in lipsticks. Dermatologists believe the lips’ skin is mild and using a retinol-based lipstick can make skin cancers metastasize faster. So, if a brand is promoting lipstick with retinol is just plain irresponsible. You can simply use retinol on the lips in the night.
What To Take Care Of While Using Retinol?
Since retinol is such a powerful ingredient, you can find many changes in your skin. Sometimes the use of retinol can cause the skin to redden or peel off. All this happens if retinol is added to quickly without the right procedure in the skincare routine. Some common things that happen in this case are flakiness, dryness, and even breakouts. All these happen for the first few weeks as the skin takes a little time to adjust. Start by using the retinol serum or cream at night once or twice a week. Gradually start increasing the frequency based on how your skin reacts. Keep the retinol for at least 20 minutes before applying anything else on the skin for the best results. Also, make sure you always use sunscreen before heading out in the sun, when you have been applying retinol at night. This is because the skin becomes a little more sensitive to sun damage. The use of sunscreen can protect the skin.
Who Should Avoid Using Retinol?
Retinol at the start is a synthetic ingredient that starts up the skin turnover. So, it is not recommended during breastfeeding and pregnancy. Whenever you have been using any creams, sunscreens or serums. Check for the retinol label on the product as it can act as a skin barrier and harm the fetus.
Even people with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema or rosacea should avoid the use of retinol. It can make your skin more photosensitive. So, it’s advised to apply it at night and wear sunscreen during the day.
Most of the dermatologist-recommended incorporating a retinol product into a skincare routine at age 30. It should be used at least thrice a week. Every addition of a decade increases the use of retinol by an additional day. So, the bottom line is if you wish to have younger-looking skin, retinol is a great product but when you understand it using the right way.