Retinol 101: Know Why, How, and When to Use a Retinol Based Face Cream

You may have heard about the benefits of retinol face cream. You may have even seen the improvements for yourself. If you’ve also heard about some of the concerns with retinol products, you may wonder when to use them. This article explains what you need to know about using retinol face cream.

What Is Retinol and What Does It Do?

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that works to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. It can refine your complexion and improve the texture of the skin by promoting the turnover of skin cells. It does this through a process called proliferation. The result is smoother skin and a more even tone.

You can find cosmetic versions of retinol products including face creams, lotions, serums, and more. Cosmetic products contain retinol or retinaldehyde. You can also buy prescription-strength versions of retinol products, which contain retinoic acid, also known as tretinoin. Prescription-strength products also come in creams, lotions, serums, and more.

People tend to use retinol skincare products to treat acne and acne scars, reduce dark spots, stretch marks, and wrinkles, and treat inflammation from psoriasis. A dermatologist or other skin care professional can guide you on what type of retinol products would work best for your needs.

What Are the Benefits of Retinol Skincare Products?

The biggest benefit of retinol is its ability to help so many skin conditions. Whether you prefer to fight the battle of aging skin or reduce the amount of acne, retinol is something you can use safely.

When you use retinol skincare products, you experience the benefits of increased elasticity and thickness of your skin, reduced inflammation, and shrinking pores.

Some people prefer to undergo surgery to reduce wrinkles and signs of aging, but that is not an option for everyone. Retinol skincare products such as face cream offer affordable solutions to your aging skin problems.

While using retinol is a slower approach to reducing wrinkles, the result can last much longer and also avoid the side effects of cosmetic surgery.

What Is the Best Way to Use Retinol Face Cream?

Before starting a regular regimen of retinol face cream, do a patch test. Rub a bit of the face cream onto a small area of skin. If the area has a negative reaction like redness or itchiness, do not use that product. If you have no side effects, feel free to start using retinol face cream.

Because everyone responds differently to skin care products, it’s recommended to start off slowly, such as every few days. Retinol products should only be used at night because they can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight.

It’s best to apply the retinol cream at bedtime after your cleaning routine. Be sure to pat your face dry and wait at least 30 minutes before applying the cream. You don’t want your skin to be too sensitive when you apply the cream.

If you notice any redness or irritation or you are concerned about the issue, you can begin by using it once or twice a week. As your skin gets used to the product, you can increase the frequency up to once per day. If you get a sunburn, stop using the product until it goes away to prevent further irritation.

When you begin using a retinol face cream, you should make sure that you protect your skin from sunlight even in cool weather. Be sure to wear sunscreen, especially when using retinol face cream. Wearing a hat is also recommended to protect your face. Finally, only use one retinol product at a time as it is possible to use too much.

When To Start Using Retinol Face Cream

Retinol products can help with acne as well as minimize fine lines and wrinkles. Since the benefits are so diverse, you can start the products at any age.

Ideally, you would start using the products at the first signs of aging, when fine lines first begin to form. By adding the product to your skincare regimen early, you can slow down the aging process of your skin cells and enjoy smoother, healthier-looking skin for longer.

It is important to know that retinol products do not work instantly. When treating wrinkles, it may take months to see results. And when treating acne, often your skin will look worse before it looks better. But if you keep using retinol skincare products, you will see results eventually.

Every person’s skin is unique, which is why you should consult with your skin care physician about if retinol is right for you. Your doctor can determine if a cosmetic product or prescription is the best choice to treat any skin issues you have.

What Are the Differences Between Retinol Skincare Products?

The skincare industry has so many products available for use. It can be difficult to discern what products would work best for your skin type. So, what are the differences between retinol and other vitamin A derivatives?

First off, vitamin A is a naturally occurring nutrient found in food. You do not need to add vitamin A supplements to your diet if you get enough in your regular diet. Vitamin A helps with internal organs and the immune system. Retinol is used purely to help skin conditions.

Another vitamin A derivative is retinoid. Retinol and retinoid are quite similar, however, retinoid is much stronger and is usually in prescription-strength products and only prescribed by physicians. Prescription-strength retinoid skincare products work faster because they have more active ingredients in them. The retinoid tretinoin is also only available via prescription.

Why Choose Retinol Skincare Products?

One reason you should choose retinol products like face cream is because they are easy to buy over the counter. These products are more affordable than surgery or other medical procedure options. You can use retinol for a variety of skin conditions from acne scars and dark spots to wrinkles and aging lines.

To get started using skincare products like retinol face cream, talk to a dermatologist or skincare professional about what brands will work best for your skin type. Using the best face cream for your skin type will ensure you meet your skincare goals.