What Does Retinol Cream Do For Your Skin?
You’ve probably seen retinol cream advertised. Retinol may even be found in your favorite skin creams. But what is this skincare ingredient and what does it do?
What is Retinol Cream?
If you have a skincare routine that’s designed to reverse the effects of aging, chances are you use retinol cream. Retinol is actually a synthetic version of vitamin A. It’s similar in function to one of the vitamins you would find in superfoods like sweet potatoes.
When you apply it to your skin, rather than ingest it, retinol does some pretty amazing things. The first step of the process converts the retinol to retinoic acid when it combines with skin enzymes. When this conversion happens directly on the skin it is less harsh than applying retinoic acid directly.
What Does Retinol Cream Do?
Retinoic acid, once produced, is beneficial in cell growth processes. It causes aging cells to behave more like youthful ones. This means smoother, more radiant skin and an overall younger appearance.
There are four main benefits of retinol cream:
Reasons to Avoid Using Retinol Cream
Retinol is a powerful anti-aging skincare ingredient, and you should be careful when using it. If you use it too often without allowing your skin to get used to its effects, it can sometimes cause skin irritation, redness, and even dryness and flaking.
To avoid this potential side effect, it’s best to start slowly and incorporate retinol creams into your routine over time. Give your skin time to adjust to the effects by only using retinol once or twice a week at first. Once you see how your skin reacts, you can slowly increase use.
Next, retinol can make your skin more susceptible to the harmful effects of sun exposure. It’s best to use the strongest forms of retinol only at night, allowing it to absorb into your skin before the sun rises. It’s also vital to use sunscreen regularly while using any type of retinol cream.
Like many active ingredients, if you are pregnant or attempting to get pregnant, consult your obstetrician before using a retinol cream. Prescription-strength retinoids are known to cause harmful side effects during pregnancy, so it’s best to be careful when using any related ingredients.
Tips for Best Use of Retinol Cream
In addition to the precautions above, here are some important tips you need to know when using retinol-containing skin products.
- Clean your skin before applying retinol creams. Wash your face thoroughly and let it dry fully.
- Protect your eyes with eye cream. It’s best to apply eye cream first to protect the delicate skin around your eyes.
- Wait 20-30 minutes after application to allow the retinol cream to absorb into the skin. During this time, avoid applying other skincare products.
- Follow up with a moisturizer. You’ll want to moisturize after your skin has had time to absorb the product. During the day, be sure to choose a moisturizer with a good SPF.
If you’re in the market for a good anti-aging cream, be sure to check out our night moisturizer. It contains a medical-grade retinoid along with hydroxyproline peptides. 91% of users in our clinical trials found their skin was softer and more replenished the morning after using this miracle cream. It’s designed to brighten, smooth, plump, and soften skin for a youthful look that is sure to be noticed.