It’s near impossible to hear the word ‘retinol’ without the follow up of ‘miracle ingredient’ these days. But, is it as good as all our favorite influencers and beauty sites claim it is? In short? The answer is yes! Read on and you’ll quickly discover why this incredible ingredient has become one the most sought after skincare solutions of all time!
What Is Retinol?
So many of us are constantly on the lookout for the latest product offering the most incredible benefits for our skin. Unfortunately, most turn out to be somewhat, if not totally, underwhelming. Truth be told, we’d all but given up hope of finding that one accessible skincare ingredient that lived up to its ‘must-have’ reputation. That was until we discovered retinol. It’s a name you’ve likely heard on several occasions, but what exactly is it, and will it deliver all it promises to? Firstly, retinol is a form of vitamin A, an ingredient that not only enhances collagen production but also promotes healthy skin renewal. Sounds amazing? It is! Let’s take a more in-depth look…
What Does Retinol Do?
For most of us, our skin concerns center around a generally uneven skin tone, signs of aging/premature age lines, oversized pores, and overall uneven texture. Sometimes, it’s all of the above. Luckily for all of us, these are all of the areas which retinol works best for! Additionally, retinol is known to exfoliate your skin, increase collagen production and even reverse the undesirable aftereffects of sun damage to the skin. You will quickly see that while moisturizers containing vitamin A (such a shea butter derived from fatty acids) can partially reduce the appearance of fine lines, retinol is considerably more potent and much more ef-fective. This is thanks in part to retinoic acid, a derivative of vitamin A, which promotes healthy cell growth.
As with every product out there, the results from person to person will always differ. That being said, the majority of people using retinol over other face creams and facial moisturizers will achieve a noticeably clearer, even skin tone with fewer fine lines and reduced acne.
Who Should Use Retinol
The great news is, retinol is suitable for a wide range of skin types. In fact, many dermatologists even recommend retinol to those with acne-prone skin. Interestingly, it has a proven track record of improving, and sometimes even clearing up, acne altogether. Those with psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema, however, should not use retinol. Unfortunately, this ingredient will cause more harm than good and may cause these conditions to become increasingly inflamed.
In terms of the age group retinol is best suited to, it will work best and give the most noticeable results to those aged 30 and above. That being said, though the benefits will be more apparent at this age, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start using retinol in your twenties. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Therefore, if you do decide to use retinol earlier, it’s more likely you’ll have fewer skincare concerns to treat later down the line!
How Do I Use Retinol?
Here at The Anushka Spa & Salon in West Palm Beach, we adore retinol and the amazing effect it has on our skin. Whether you find your skin feels dry or just isn’t seeing results from your usual face moisturizers, we believe retinol can help you. But what’s the best way to include retinol into your daily skincare routine? Retinol comes in different formats so the first step is to decide which is right for you. Once you’ve chosen between serum or a cream, you can move onto the application process!
Always ensure to apply retinol at night as the sunlight can quickly decrease its effects on your skin. You may have already noticed, but, this is why the majority of retinol products are packaged in opaque containers! Apply your chosen retinol product after you’ve cleansed your skin as this is when it’s at its cleanest and most absorbent. You can apply a moisturizing cream for extra hydration afterward if you so wish though it’s likely you won’t feel the need to!
How Do I Find The Right Retinol Product For Me?
Finding the right retinol product for you will depend on the concerns you have for your skin. If you’re hoping to prevent the appearance of fine lines, enlarged pores and uneven textures, starting with a low dose is recommended. As you are not treating actual concerns but are rather trying to prevent them this should be enough to keep them at bay at will increase the amount of time before they begin appearing on your face.
A more intensified dose of retinol, however, is recommended to treat the appearance of defined lines, sun damage and the effects of decreased collagen production. We highly recommend the Retinol Complex 0.25, Retinol Complex 0.5, and Retinol Complex 1.0.These varying concentrations will allow you to select the right one for your skin type.
Conclusion
If you’re unsure which is right for you, we highly recommend heading to skinmedica.com. Skin Medica uses only clinically tested ingredients within their products. They have dedicated years of research to deliver the most advanced and innovative products and skincare solutions. Products such as the Skin Medica retinol complex face cream will work to enhance and nurture your skin’s natural healing properties to im-prove the look and feel of your skin.
So, the next time you find yourself in downtown West Palm Beach, visiting the Norton Museum of Art, Antique Row, Palm Beach Outlets or the famous Clematis Street, why not visit us here at our stunning spa & salon? We offer a wide range of facials and will be more than happy to share more of our tips and tricks on getting the most out of your new favorite ingredient, retinol!
