Vitamin A, also known as retinol is a very common ingredient found in anti-aging products, ranging from toners to serums to creams.
Vitamin A reduces wrinkles and fine lines by increasing cell turnover. Retinol topical medications can also help to reduce acne and fade hyperpigmentation. However, it does make the skin dry and can be irritating for some people (sentitive skin, rosacea, egzema).
Topical Vitamin A can be over-the-counter or prescripted. Prescripted retinol contains higher concentrations of retinol.
Who should use retinol?
For all over the face retinol products, it is recommended to wait untill your late 20s.
People that can tolerate retinol can use topical retinol treatments for acne (spot treatment) before their late 20s.
How to use retinol?
Start by slowing introducting retinol into your skincare routine, one or twice every week. During the first few weeks of use, one can expect to see dry patches of skin, peeling, inflammation, and redness. Remember to take it slow before moving on to every other day and maybe everyday. Do not use retinol if your skin cannot handle it.
Important information to keep in mind
~Remember to always wear sunscreen! Retinol can make sun damage worse if suncreen is not applied in the morning.
~Results will start to show within 3-6 months (This is the average, everyone see results at different time)
Product recommendations
~Differin Gel- Google rating (4.5 stars out out 2.3 thousand reviews). A very good spot treatment for people dealing with acne.
~Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster- Great to add in a bit of retinol to your skincare routine or even use on it's own.