Retinol 101: What It Is, Benefits, and Best Types for Your Skin

1. Retinol helps you deal with skin-ageing, pore unclogging, sun damage and acne.
2. Ester, pure retinol, tretinaldehyde and tretinoin are the different types of retinols available.
3. Retinol boasts numerous skin-related benefits and can be used for different skin types..
4. Natural retinol makes for a gentler alternative.

Retinol is a type of vitamin A that is helpful due to its anti-ageing and acne-clearing properties. Retinol is known to increase the skin’s cell production. It efficiently helps with pore unclogging and exfoliates the skin . It helps deal with wrinkles and fine lines as it increases the production of collagen, making your skin look plump and younger. Its ability to penetrate the stratum corneum and the dermis of the skin is commendable. Read on to learn more about ‘What is retinol?

It is imperative that you equip yourself with the knowledge of the different types of retinol, so that you can pick the right products for your skin. Read on to learn about the types of retinol:

1. Retinol Esters: Retinol Ester is a retinoid form present in your body. It is also abundant.
2. Pure Retinol:: Pure retinol is a type of vitamin A that brings numerous benefits to the skin. It helps with anti-ageing and keeps acne at bay.
3. Retinaldehyde:: It is a metabolite of vitamin A and has beneficial effects on human skin. Generally, this ingredient is termed safe for use.
4. Tretinoin:: This ingredient is used to treat acne. It effectively tackles mild, moderate and even severe forms of acne. It can be used topically or systemically.

Now that you’ve learnt about the types of retinol, let’s move on to the benefits of retinol.

If you have ever wondered, “What are retinol serum benefits?” or “What are retinol cream benefits?” Then read on to learn about the answer below::

1. Acne: One of the benefits of retinol is that it keeps your pores clear by reducing skin cell buildup. Furthermore, it can block the inflammation pathways in the skin. Retinol helps accelerate the turnover process, resulting in smoother and brighter skin. It encourages collagen production and makes the skin look plump.
2. Sun damage: One of the answers to the question, “What is retinol used for?” is that it is used to improve wrinkles, fine lines and hyperpigmentation. Retinol could potentially strengthen the skin and help protect against environmental damage. Since the top layer of the skin is significantly thinner and can be sensitive to sun rays, applying sunscreen with retinol can be effective.
3. Aging spots: When you are young, skin cells naturally die and make way for fresh cells underneath. However, as a person gets older, their complexion becomes duller and fine lines and wrinkles are way more noticeable. Retinol helps accelerate this process and gives you better skin. It also goes deep into your skin and makes it look plump.

Retinol that is derived from natural sources are known as natural retinol. Plants, for instance, are a source of natural ingredients that have retinol-like properties. These can give you anti-ageing benefits, minus any side effects that are often associated with retinoid usage.

The trick to using retinol for oily skin is starting slow. Not only should you start with small amounts of retinol, but you should also make sure it has a concentration of 0.05 per cent to begin your retinol skincare journey. You can increase the concentration and frequency of usage with time. If your skin responds well to retinol after using it for a week or two, then you can start with higher concentration.

If you have ever wondered ‘What does retinol do for your skin?’ then you have certainly found the answer to that question in this informative article. Retinol can help you with numerous skin-related issues like wrinkles, clogged pores, exfoliates skin and increases collagen.