For years, retinol has been a mainstay in the beauty and skin care aisles.
It’s known as the go-to ingredient for the most common skin issues, including acne and wrinkles.
What is retinol?
“Retinol” refers to a compound derived from vitamin A, an essential micronutrient.
Vitamin A isn’t naturally synthesized by the body, so it needs to be supplied.
It’s available over-the-counter (OTC) at low strengths.
Retinol falls under the umbrella term “retinoids,” which includesallvitamin A derivativesboth OTC and prescription.
If your head is already spinning, don’t worry.
The realm ofretinoids and retinolcan be pretty confusing.
Retinol benefits
There’s a reason retinol is such a superstar skin ingredient.
And as it turns out, retinol works hard to get to those retinol receptors.
This commands the fibroblast to start building new collagen, contributing to healthier, smoother-looking skin.
“This means it sheds dead and damaged cells that make the skin look dull.”
Retinol’s ability to support cell turnover and exfoliate becomes especially useful as we age.
For starters, sun exposure causes oxidative stress, which destroys collagen fibers.
However, on a molecular level, retinol combats the effect byinhibiting metalloproteinases3, or collagen-degrading enzymes.
Additionally, as it encourages cell turnover, it helpsthicken the epidermisandeven out hyperpigmentation4.
It helps wounds heal
Vitamin A, including retinol, is also critical for proper wound healing.
This comes down toyou guessed itcollagen formation and cell turnover5.
Both processes help your skin regenerate tissue, which supports the repair and closure of a wound.
Plus, the better your wound heals, the less likely you are todevelop scarringor an infection.
Again, this is important as you get older.
This occurs even if your skin isn’t significantly photodamaged; it’s a normal part of aging.
But by adding retinol to your skin care lineup, you might give your skin a much-needed boost.
It can help treat acne
Retinol is a gold standard ofacne treatment.
Thisreduces the formation of microcomedones7, or skin pores clogged with sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells.
Microcomedones are the precursors to all pimples, so stopping them can make a huge difference.
After a pimple has come and gone, retinol can help decrease post-breakout scarring as well.
Retinol types
The retinoic acid family includes bothnatural and synthetic derivatives6.
Some forms include compounds like retinaldehyde and retinyl esters.
These derivatives are created when retinol goes through oxidation, a reaction that changes its electrons.
Here’s a quick rundown of the various types of retinoids:
Who should use it?
Thanks to its knack for cell turnover, retinol is often recommended for people with sun-damaged andmature skin.
Retinol is ideal for those with acne-prone skin, too.
Side effects & cautions
Though retinol is an impressive skin ingredient, it’s not for everyone.
Avoid if pregnant
To start, you should not use retinol if you are pregnant.
While the primary concern is ingesting oral retinoids, doctors and derms recommendceasing topical use as well9as a precaution.
This can make it for people with sensitive skin to tolerate, she says.
Other possible side effects include peeling, itching, and burning.
The good news, however, is that these side effects typically subside over time.
The key is to be mindful ofhowyou use retinol, especially if it’s your first time.
May cause photosensitivity
Retinol can also increasephotosensitivity10, says Ciraldo, especially at high concentrations.
For more info, check out ourguide to how to use retinol.
Are there natural alternatives?
If your skin refuses to cooperate with retinol, have no fearbakuchiolis here.
Bakuchiol is a compound found inPsoralea corylifolia, or babchi, a flowering Asian plant.
It also has retinol-like properties, making it a natural and gentler alternative to retinol.
FAQ
Can you use it everyday?
you could use retinol everyday as tolerated.
Start by using it once or twice weekly, slowly building your way up to every other night.
Once your skin adjusts to that, then you could feel comfortable with using it nightly.
Can you combine retinol with other topical treatments?
Retinol is best paired with soothing, hydrating ingredients.
Retinol during pregnancy?
You should not use retinol if you are pregnant.
you could find it in a variety of products, includingserums, oils, and night creams.
Keep in mind, though, that it can take up to six months to see results.
Read on formore retinol usage tips.
