What is Retinol?

Pronounced `retnäl. Is made from vitamin A, and occurs naturally in the skin. It’s considered the holy grail of ingredient among the dermatology industry. Retinol varies in strength: retinyl palmitate (the weakest), retinol (next in line), retinaldehyde (stronger) and adapalene (strongest over-the-counter). There are even higher levels of retinol but they have to be prescribed to you by your doctor.

What will it do?

It plumps skin because it increases the amount of collagen. Brightens dull skin by exfoliating cells. It helps prevent fine lines and wrinkles from forming and smooths the ones you already have. Treats acne by regulating oil and helps de-clog pores. Retinol also helps with fading dark spots, overall evening out your skin tone.

As we get older our skins ability to regenerate cells slows down, adding retinol in your routine can speed that up giving younger looking skin.

Ingredient Tip

Don’t confused retinol with retin-a, they are no the same thing. Retinol comes from vitamin c while retin-a is a synthetic retinoid that is much stronger than retinol and has to be prescribed to you by your doctor.

Because it’s exfoliating the skin, retinol can make the skin flaky or dry. Make sure you follow your retinol products with a moisturizer and sunscreen.

Ease into this ingredient and don’t use it in combination with other harsh products (can irritate your skin). It takes about three months of daily use to notice a difference.

Studies say that if you combine AHA with retinol it is safe and effective for those that have moderate to severe photo damage.