What Does Retinol Do for the Skin? Benefits & Side Effects

• What is Retinol?

• What are the benefits of using Retinol for skin?

• How to use Retinol for skin?

• Retinol Side Effects on skin

• Conclusion 

• FAQ on retinol for skin

Retinol has become one of the most expert-recommended skincare ingredients on the market today. However, there is still a lot of mystery revolving around the uses, benefits and side effects of the ingredient. There has been a lot of discussion around the use of retinol for skin by dermatologists and skin experts. Today, we will dive deep into the working of retinol, its benefits for skin and retinol side effects. 

We will also be answering questions such as is retinol good for the skin while talking about retinol benefits for the skin. 

What is Retinol?

Before we begin talking about the benefits of retinol for the skin, let’s first understand what is retinol. Retinol is a synthetic derivative of vitamin A and falls under a broader category of retinoids. This ingredient is applied topically and converts into retinoic acid when in contact with the skin due to specialised enzymes present in the skin. 

Retinol is the alcohol formulation of vitamin A and is present in this form in skincare products. Among several retinol benefits for skin, the primary benefit is its ability to improve skin tone and texture and treat hyperpigmentation, dryness and fine lines. 

As there are several benefits of retinol for skin, it is commonly found in several skin care products. t. Retinol comes in different strengths, and we recommend you to start with 0.25 to 0.5 strength and use it twice or thrice a week. Then, if your skin does not get irritated, you can apply it four times a week at night. However, make sure to use a retinol product and not a Retin-A product which is much stronger and can cause irritation. 

Now that you know what is retinol, let’s talk about the benefits and retinol uses for the skin. 

What are the benefits of using Retinol for skin?

There are various retinol benefits for the skin, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products. These are some of the most common retinol uses. 

To Clear Acne

Retinol is effective in reducing treatment-resistant acne by unclogging pores. Retinol uses include its ability to clear skin, prevent further acne breakouts and reduce acne scars. Moreover, retinol can also amplify the effects of other medicated products for your skin to reap the maximum benefits of the treatment. 

To Fight Ageing

When you ask what is retinol, the quickest answer is it is an anti-ageing compound as it was originally marketed because of its ability to reduce fine lines, tighten skin and improve elasticity. 

For Even Skin Tone

Retinol helps in stimulating skin cell turnover that is manifested as a type of exfoliating effect. Retinol helps in removing dead and dull skin to make way for brighter, new and more even-toned skin with increased levels of elastin and collagen. 

How to use Retinol for skin?

When starting to use retinol, you might get impatient, but it is vital to note that it can take months to see visible results of retinol on the skin. Therefore, you should not hurry and use retinol more frequently than advised and in higher concentration, as it can hurt your skin and cause irritation. One of the easiest ways to use retinol is incorporating it into your skincare products. 

Moreover, retinol works best at night as it allows the ingredients more time to work on your skin. Here is a skincare routine that you can follow to make the best use of retinol. 

In the morning, follow your normal skincare routine with a cleanser, toning exfoliation, moisturising and use of sunscreen. At night, you should follow this routine. 

Cleanser

Start with a natural cleanser to remove all the dirt, pollution and makeup residue from your skin. 

Retinol based serum

Apply retinol based serum on your face by gently tapping it on the skin instead of massaging it. 

Moisturiser

Lastly, apply a moisturiser to nourish your skin.

Alternatively, instead of the second and third steps, you can apply Pure Sense Anti-ageing sleeping mask with retinol and rosehip oil as active ingredients. Pure Sense is a natural skincare product manufacturer that uses natural extracts to create effective and safe products. 

This anti-ageing sleeping mask also contains retinol, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to prevent premature ageing. You can directly apply the sleeping mask to your face as it will provide you with the benefits of retinol and moisturise your skin. 

Retinol Side Effects on skin

While there are various benefits of retinol for the skin, there are some potential retinol side effects if used without proper consideration. Retinol is one of the strongest over the counter retinoid product and comes in different strengths. Depending upon your skin type, it can take up to 6 months for visible effects on consistent use. 

The side effects are generally your skin’s temperament when getting used to the effects of the ingredient. So, it is advisable to start with a lower concentration of retinol and low frequency of use and increase it as your skin gets used to the effect of the ingredient. Some side effects that you might note when you begin using retinol includes,

• Skin irritation or reddening if used too often or in stronger concentration.
• Dryness, flakiness or acne breakouts when first adding retinol to your skincare. 
• Increased sensitivity to the sun causing skin peeling. 

Conclusion 

Retinol is an excellent ingredient to have in your skincare routine as it will help in reducing the signs of premature ageing and promote smooth and problem free clear skin. 

FAQ on retinol for skin

• Is Retinol Good for skin?
  

  Yes, retinol is good for skin as it helps to treat several problems such as acne, promote clearer skin tone and reduce the signs of premature ageing. It is an active ingredient used in a variety of skincare products because of its several benefits. 
  
  

• How to use Retinol for skin?

  There are different skincare products that include retinol as an active ingredient. You can use these products as per their usage at night for the best effect. For instance, you can use Pure Sense’s anti-ageing sleeping mask that is enriched with the goodness of retinol and rosehip oil. 

• What are the benefits of Retinol for the Skin?
  

  There are several uses of retinol for skin as it helps in reducing acne breakouts by exfoliating your skin, promoting an even skin tone and reducing the signs of premature ageing. Because of these several benefits, retinol is actively used in several skincare products.