Retinol: what it is, how it works and what the best anti-wrinkle active ingredient can do for your skin

“retinol It is one of the anti-aging ingredients that dermatologists prefer. It complements the skin renewal process to minimize age spots, improve skin texture and help prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” explains Dr Arantxa Arana of the Dra. Pérez Sevilla Clinic in Madrid. it? What can it do for your skin? We’ll tell you.

Retinol: what it is and what it can do for your skin

“Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A. This is considered by most experts and dermatologists to be the all-rounder in skin care. Studies have shown that it is effective against the signs of skin aging. It helps to improve expression lines and wrinkles, it also has a depigmenting effect (to improve pimples, one of the signs of aging on the skin), it promotes the synthesis of collagen and it also has an antioxidant effect, to protect against damage . caused by free radicals,” explains Belén Acero, head of Farmacia Avenida de América in Madrid.

“It has proven its effectiveness against the signs of aging: it improves wrinkles and expression lines, reduces impurities, corrects uneven skin tone and lack of luminosity, improves firmness, as well as dilated pores and uneven texture of the skin. Promotes cell renewal , to improve the skin.It is best used at night, when the skin cell renewal is taking place.It is not a photosensitizing active, but yes it is light sensitivethat is, it deteriorates and loses its functionality when the sun hits it,” adds the expert.

Retinol: how to use it?

“It can be considered one of the most guaranteed anti-aging treatments due to the number of independent studies proving its efficacy and safety. Retinol and Retinoic Acid they reduce wrinkles and increase the elasticity of the skin because they promote collagen synthesis. In addition, they reduce pigmentation or blemishes on the skin, act as antioxidants that protect against solar radiation, and are beneficial in treating acne,” says Dr. Arantxa Arana.

In addition, the expert shares her best advice with us:

• Retinol products are best applied at night because they are inactivated by ultraviolet light from the sun.
• They can cause sensitivity to sunlight, which is especially important when applying a photoprotector during the day.
• Avoid contact with eyes, eyelids, nasal mucosa, mouth and open wounds.
• Do not mix different products with retinoids, nor with other acids.
• Don’t use retinoids often at first: start with 1 day a week for a few months, and increase the number of days as your skin adjusts (don’t get irritated).
• Use the lowest concentration and increase to higher concentrations as the skin adjusts.
• Do not mix retinoids with products containing pure ascorbic acid (vitamin C) as the formulations are incompatible and may cause irritation. It’s best to use retinoids and other antioxidants (such as vitamin C) at night during the day.
• OPTIONAL: A simple moisturizer can be used, before or after using the retinoic acid product or retinol serum, to prevent irritation and maintain skin hydration. Make sure the moisturizer doesn’t contain acids or a lot of ingredients that could react with the retinoid.

Also remember that “retinol combines very well with hyaluronic acid. If you use both, it is better to hyaluronic acid first to have very juicy skin and minimize possible irritation with the subsequent application of retinol. If your routine includes vitamin C in addition to retinol, it is advisable not to apply them at the same time as the sum of both can be very aggressive to the skin and cause irritation. Applied correctly, it combines well with niacinamide, in fact, this ‘blend’ is already offered in various cosmetics. As I always point out, it is very important to use broad spectrum sun protection when using this ingredient,” concludes Rosa Roselló, DRUNI Training Director.

Now check out these products with retinol and incorporate it into your beauty routine now.