The society that we are living puts a lot of premium on how we look, dress and act, and being social creatures we are not exempt from the prying eyes of even the souls we have not met before. Yves Saint Laurent once said that fashions fade, but style is eternal and even though we go from day to day clothed, our skin is our ultimate clothing that protects our inners from external aggressors, and it’s really good at doing it’s job, that’s why over time signs of aging appear.
Aging is a natural process, I mean all of us are going to die anyway and one way or another, our body is going to show signs of wear-and-tear but to keep our skin in its pristine condition, we can start taking care of it at an early age.
If you are a man, you are lucky because your skin produces more collagen; however, celebrate not for if the signs of aging appear on your skin, it’s going to be much more difficult to address and improve, so prevention is really key to looking young.
What is Retinol
Retinol is the new “it” ingredient in skincare products as it addresses a multitude of skincare problems. It is the commercially available version of retinoids (usually needing prescription) that is used to treat skin concerns related to aging, as well as acne and its marks.
How Retinol Works
Retinol is an ingredient that is derived from Vitamin A, and instead of exfoliating the outer layers of the skin, the small molecules of retinol go deep beneath the outer layer (epidermis) of the skin to the dermis.
Once in its target sight, it helps to improve the skin by neutralizing free radicals, by boosting the production of elastin and collagen to create that firm or plump appearance. It can address some early signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles and enlarged pores.
Lastly, it works by exfoliating the dull outer skin cells to make way for the healthy skin cells underneath to come through.
Retinol has many benefits once it’s included in your routine but there are also some side effects to consider which we will talk about in the next section.
The Hazards of Using Retinol
Some skin are sensitive to retinol, but if used in your routine judiciously and carefully, you too can reap the benefits of retinol regardless of your skin type! Though consulting your aesthetician or dermatologist will also help just to be sure.
Some of the common side effects include redness, itchiness and peeling skin. As for some, less than 10% of people who used retinol had issues with acne flair ups, eczema, skin discoloration, photosensitivity to light, blistering, stinging and swelling.
How you can incorporate retinol into your routine
You can do what skinfluencers try! Use the sandwich method by using hydrating, soothing or calming products before and after you use retinol. With regards to the frequency, you can try using it once or twice a week and then gradually build your way up until your skin can tolerate daily use.
Some retinol products you might love!
It’s a crazy world out there but we have to take care of our skin because we don’t just wake up looking good, we need to put in the hard work.
That’s enough mate, until you read from me again.
