Why you should be using retinol in your beauty routine
If improving and preventing current and future wrinkles is one of your top beauty concerns, we may have the answer you’ve been looking for: retinol.
Retinol is a topical retinoid that can be obtained through prescription from your dermatologist and is also found, in lesser concentration, in many on the shelf moisturisers and night creams.
Retinoids contain vitamin A, which helps to maintain and encourage production of your skin’s collagen levels. Collagen is the main ingredient responsible for youthful, elastic skin. Retinol also encourages the skin’s cell turnover rate, which can help to reduce and fade acne and scarring. In short, it’s as close to a miracle cream as you’re going to find.
Retinoids should generally be used two to three times a week for at least two months. The type of retinoid you should be using depends entirely on your expectations and the needs of your skin type.
For a beginner, over the counter retinoids such as retinol are ideal, as they are generally weaker than prescription varieties.
For fast, intensive results, your dermatologist can offer you prescription grade retinoids, which, while more effective due to their potency, can also cause redness and irritation for some.
For those with sensitive skin, try products containing retinyl palmitate or retinyl propionate, which are the weakest versions of retinol available.
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