All About Retinol - What Is It? Our Products and Where To Start

Retinol is one of many members of the retinoid family. Retinoids (compounds derived from vitamin A) come in a variety of different forms. Good news: This practically guarantees that there is a perfect retinoid out there for you. Read on to find out more about the benefits of retinol.

What Is Retinol?

Retinol is a synthetic derivative of Vitamin A, but falls under a broader category of retinoids. When applied topically this product will convert into retinoic acid through specialised enzymes that are found within the skin. While retinoic acid can be applied topically it is harsher than retinol creams or serums, because it does not naturally convert over time. Retinol is one of our personal favourite skincare ingredients at Contouring Bodies Sydney.

Retinol was first approved in the 1970s to be used for acne patients. It helps promote cell turnover and prevent the clogging of pores. This will help defend against blemishes, as well as improve the way your skincare products penetrate your skin. In addition, it will promote your overall skincare routine and maximise results.

Retinol is found in many different beauty and skincare products that you can buy over the counter. You may also see a cosmetic doctor who may prescribe retinol to you. Retinol can make your skin look and feel softer, smoother, and have a radiant glow. It will help decrease fine lines and wrinkles while improving collagen production.

Retinol comes in a variety of strengths. I recommend starting on a 0.25 to 0.5 strength and use it 1 to 2 times a week to begin with, working your way up. If your skin is not irritated then you can move up to using it up to 4 nights a week. Be sure to use a retinol product, not a Retin-A product, which is much stronger than retinol.

4 Main Benefits of Retinol

There are many benefits to retinol, but there are 5 main reasons why people buy and use retinol. Here we will discuss those reasons further.

#1 Retinol Can Clear Your Acne

Do you have treatment-resistant acne? Retinol may be just what you need. By unclogging pores, retinol clears skin and prevents further outbreaks from occurring. Naturally, less acne will result in fewer acne scars. Plus, retinoids can amplify the effects of other medicated creams and gels, allowing you to get the maximum benefits of whatever treatments you're using.

#2 Retinol Can Fight Signs Of Ageing

You can rest easy knowing that retinol is one of the most used and most well studied anti-aging ingredients on the market. Originally marketed as an anti-acne treatment in the 70s, tretinoin quickly proved to have considerable anti-aging effects.

#3 Retinol Can Help Even Skin Tone

One of the many noteworthy aspects of retinol is that it stimulates skin cell turnover, which is manifested as a sort of "exfoliating" effect. Dull and dry skin makes way for new, brighter, and more even-toned skin, armed with increased levels of collagen and elastin. The thicker skin is stronger and smoother and has fewer overall imperfections. Thus, even relatively "problem-free" skin can have radiating effects from retinol.

#4 Retinol Is Cost-Effective

Depending on your budget, spending on retinol may seem like an extravagance you cannot afford. However, spending on cheaper, short-term solutions may ultimately prove the pricier option in the end. Retinol is one of the only ingredients with scientifically-proven benefits, making it a reliable investment for your future. Here at Contouring Bodies you can find a range of retinol products starting at only $78 - a small price to pay for guaranteed, proven results!

Why people fear retinoids

Some believe their skin is too sensitive for retinoids, some have tried them and discontinued them due to a reaction, and others fear that retinoids are not natural and should be avoided.

The truth is that retinoids are the common denominator of skin care—although everyone’s skin is different, almost every skin type can benefit from them. Of course, a crucial exception applies to those who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breast feeding.

A few symptoms common to the beginning stages of retinoid use might explain why many people either fear to try them or discontinue their use before they’ve had the opportunity to revel in the improvements. Retinoids initially can cause peeling and some redness or even some breakouts, a process called facial retinisation.

Users should be aware that this is normal and even to be expected — peeling and redness are side effects of retinoids working at a profound level to influence gene expression, resulting eventually in enhanced collagen production, skin smoothing and the evening out of pigmentation.

When people experience such symptoms they often make the mistake of stopping their treatment program, then waiting until the skin gets “better” before beginning again. Giving the top layer of skin time to rebuild can unfortunately initiate another round of redness and peeling which ultimately delays the anticipated therapeutic benefits.

6 Tips for Successful Use

Here are some tips to make your retinoid journey successful, even if you’ve had trouble in the past.

1. Choose the right form.

Retinoids that are effective come in over-the-counter and prescription form. If you have sensitive skin or you have experienced problems with prescription retinoids, you might want to start with an over-the-counter retinol serum, which can be purchased in clinic at Contouring Bodies Sutherland Shire Facial Clinic or online via our websites online store, this is also less irritating than prescription retinoic acid. Since retinol must convert to retinoic acid, the trade-off is that visible improvements may be slower to emerge.

2. Set up a routine.

Begin by using your retinoid every other or every third night and work up to every night but be consistent.

3. Prepare your skin before you begin.

A study called Facilitating Facial Retinisation Through Barrier Improvement showed the following: “The results show that improving stratum corneum barrier function before beginning topical tretinoin therapy and continuing use of a barrier-enhancing cosmetic moisturiser during therapy facilitates the early phase of facial retinisation and augments the treatment response.” The barrier cream that the researchers used contained a mixture of vitamins niacinamide, panthenol, and tocopheryl acetate. They advised continuing with the barrier cream while using the retinoid. The Cosmedix products Shineless, Humidify or Micro is specifically designed to fulfill this function.

4. Retinoids during the day?

Contrary to popular belief, retinoids do not contribute to photosensitivity, but retinoic acid can thin the outer layers of the skin by about a third, making the skin more susceptible to sunburn. However, we suggest confining your usage to night time. Retinoids degrade in the light, so you’re not getting your money’s worth if you use them during the day, and heat from the sun can also contribute to erythema, or redness, so if you’re already experiencing redness on account of facial retinisation, heat might exacerbate your discomfort. In short: use retinoids at night only, use sunscreen daily, and try to avoid excessive heat, from either the sun or sauna.

5. Be patient.

This is not an overnight process for anyone, and depending on the type of retinoid you use, the condition you are treating and the condition of your skin, it could take six to eight weeks before you start to see significant changes.

6. Order of application.

The application doesn't change how much of the retinol is converted into retinoic acid, (the form of vitamin A that actually repairs skin). That's solely related to your skin's chemistry and retinoid receptors. So the order of application is not important—what matters is that you find the type of retinoid that best suits you, make it a part of your skin care routine, and be consistent in its use. You’ll be very happy you made the effort.