You may already be familiar with retinol compounds. Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is now widely used in skincare products to address acne and combat signs of aging. However, there are still many misconceptions about retinol. What are the facts? Check out the review in the following article:
Facts About Retinol Use
All retinols are the same
Retinoids are compounds derived from vitamin A, and retinol is one of them. A common misconception among skincare users is that all vitamin A derivatives, or retinoids, are the same. In fact, retinoids come in various types, each with its own functions and advantages.
For instance, stronger retinoids like tretinoin, isotretinoin, and tazarotene are more potent than retinol. These types of retinoids are used to treat psoriasis and acne and must be prescribed by a doctor.
Retinol causes skin become thin
One widely held belief is that using retinol thins the skin. In reality, the opposite occurs. Retinoids thicken the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, while retinol stimulates collagen production, making the epidermis thicker and healthier.
Retinol makes skin sensitive to sunlight
Many people are reluctant to use retinol because they believe it makes the skin sensitive to sunlight. However, this is not the case. Using retinol in direct sunlight causes it to break down, preventing it from working optimally. This is why retinol is packaged in metal and dark containers.
Using retinol does not make the skin sensitive to sunlight. If you want to use retinol in the morning, it is advisable to layer it with sunscreen. Nevertheless, experts recommend using retinol at night for optimal results.
Retinol cannot be used at a young age
Retinol has anti-aging properties, leading many to believe it is only safe to use when you are 30-40 years old, when signs of aging begin to appear. In fact, you can start using retinol at a young age. Using retinol early helps prevent the formation of wrinkles and fine lines and promotes better skin regeneration.
You can begin using retinol at the age of 25, as collagen production, which keeps the skin firm and healthy, generally starts to decline around this age.
High concentration retinol yields better results
Many skincare users choose products with higher retinol concentrations for better results. However, using high-concentration retinol does not always guarantee better outcomes.
When using retinol, it should be adjusted according to your skin's needs and condition. If a lower dose effectively addresses your skin issues, it is best to stick with that dosage. If you want to increase the retinol dose, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Avoid applying retinol around the eyes
Many believe that the area around the eyes is too sensitive for retinol. Although the skin around the eyes is thinner than the skin on other parts of the face, you can still use retinol in that area.
If the area around your eyes is more sensitive, it is best to apply eye cream or moisturizer first before applying retinol.
Retinol is an active ingredient that helps diminish wrinkles and fine lines on the face and aids in treating acne. The use of retinol in skincare is generally safe and has minimal side effects. If you experience skin issues due to retinol use, you should consult a doctor immediately.
If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr. Monica Salim
Mcentee, K. (2022). Dermatologists Debunk 11 Common Retinol Myths. Available from: https://www.byrdie.com/retinol-cream-myths
Murray, D. (2019). 13 Facts to Know Before Adding Retinoids to Your Skin Care Routine. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/retinoid-benefits#
Cherney, K. (2022). How Does Retinol Work on the Skin?. Availabel from: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-does-retinol-work
Lawler, M. (2020). New to Retinol? A Complete Guide to the Skin-Care Ingredient. Available from: https://www.everydayhealth.com/smart-skin/new-to-retinol-a-complete-guide-on-the-skin-care-ingredient/