Your complete guide to incredibly great and flawless skin.

Everyone is talking about retinol for skin care, which is partly because this active ingredient is used in a lot of cosmetics. This is because retinol helps cells renew, which is great for the skin.

But as a beginner, you may have a lot of questions, and we're here to answer all of them. We've put together a full guide to retinol that tells you everything you need to know, from what it does to how to use it.

WHAT IS RETINOL?

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative used to treat skin conditions such as acne, wrinkles, and sun damage. It also helps in preventing the signs of aging. Studies have shown that retinol is very effective in treating acne and wrinkles.

WHAT DOES RETINOL DO?

Since retinoids are made from Vitamin A, they are good for all skin types, even oily and sensitive skin.

• It promotes cell renewal and slows down the rate of cellular aging
• It boosts collagen and elastin formation (the structures that support our skin cells).
• It helps cellsregain volume and elasticity.
• It makes our skin appear smoother and more radiant by promoting cell regeneration.
• It aids in the removal of spots by contributing to the spread of melanocyte pigment.
• It effectively removes dead skin cells to achieve exfoliation.
• It has anti-wrinkle propertiesto reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles on the face and improve skin texture and firmness.
• It also aids in regulating fat production in the skin,so it is useful in treating small pimples and skin impurities.
• Because of its dual anti-aging and pore and oil regulator properties, it is ideal for older oily skin.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF RETINOL?

Experts talk a lot about the benefits of retinol, but they also say that it should be used carefully and adjusted to meet the needs of each person's skin. When it's not used right, retinol can have some of the following side effects:

• Redness or Irritation
• Burning and Itching
• Dry skin
• Flaking and peeling of the skin
• Increased sensitivity to the sun
• In some cases, it could result in skin cancer

HOW TO PROPERLY USE RETINOL PRODUCTS FOR BEGINNERS

Now that we know about retinol's side effects, we need to know how to use it correctly. The best way to use it is to slowly add a small amount to your skincare routine so that your skin gets used to it. NEVER use the highest concentrations without a prescription from a dermatologist.

If you don't know how much to start with, a professional can give you a recommendation that fits your needs. This will tell you what the best formula is for your skin type and how to use it based on how sensitive your skin is. This will help your skin get the best results.

As a beginner, there are two important aspects you must understand to be able to get the best out of your retinol usage.

• The Different Kinds Of Retinol

Retinol is one of the many types of Retinoids (a general term for all Vitamin-A derivatives). Retinoids are available in a range of formulations and dosages. It is available in various strengths and can be applied topically or taken orally. Topical retinoid treatment can be in the form of alcohol-based gels or cream-based lotions.

On the other hand, over-the-counter retinoids are classified into three categories, which are listed in increasing strength: Retinyl palmitate, Retinaldehyde, and retinol. Tretinoin (Retin-A) and Tazarotene are the only two prescription-only retinoids. The most potent type of retinoid is tazarotene.

Retinol is the most potent ingredient in over-the-counter retinoid treatments, and it is available in a range of concentrations ranging from 0.25 percent to 1 percent. As a beginner, you should start with the gentlest retinoids, like retinyl palmitate (for sensitive or dry skin) or retinol (for all other skin types).

• How Often To Use Retinol

Retinol should be added to the skin slowly so that it can get used to how it works. Based on this, it would be best to start using it in small amounts once or twice a week. Also, retinol should be used at night for two main reasons. First, our skin repairs itself deeply while we sleep. Second, retinol is photosensitive, so it wouldn't work as well during the day, and it could also make us too sensitive to sunlight.

RETINOL DO'S AND DON'T

• DO use the Suitable Strength for your skin. For sensitive skin, use retinyl palmitate. For normal skin, use retinol or Retinaldehyde, and for oily/acne-prone skin, use adapalene.
• DO avoid the area of the mucous membranes and the mouth's contour. Experts also advise against its application around the eyes unless the product is specially formulated for this purpose.
• DO switch up your harsh skin care products. If you use acne creams or peels on your face at the same time as your retinoid, you could hurt or irritate your skin.
• DON'T forget SPF. Retinoids can make skin extremely sensitive to the sun, resulting in sunburns. Use SPF 30 or more every morning.
• DON'T go overboard with your application. Start with a small amount, and as your skin gets used to it, you can increase the amount you use and how often you use it.

HOW TO STORE YOUR RETINOL?

Retinol-based skin care products should be kept in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. Putting it in the fridge will extend how long it will last.

WHY SHOULD RETINOL PRODUCTS BE REFRIGERATED?

• Keeping retinol and other Vitamin A derivatives in the fridge can extend their shelf life and protect them from heat and light, which can break down or oxidize your serum.

• If your home is routinely above 77° F/25° C, we strongly advise you to get a skincare fridge. Even if you only have high temperatures in the summer, it's still a good idea to keep your skincare in the fridge. It only takes one or two hot days to degrade the efficacy of your pricey skin care.

 WHY DO RETINOL PRODUCTS NEED TO BE REFRIGERATED IN A BEAUTY FRIDGE INSTEAD OF A NORMAL FRIDGE?

Using a beauty fridge has more benefits other than just a cool Instagram picture to show off to your friends. Here are some reasons to store your retinol in a skincare fridge.

1. It Keeps Bacteria and Molds Away from Them:Retinol works best on clean surfaces and should not be contaminated by any form of bacteria. With a normal fridge, you risk a transfer of bacteria from other items like food or general items, but the chances are much lower with a beauty fridge.

2. A Better-Controlled Temperature:A skincare fridge is not as cold as a standard refrigerator. This is significant because a standard refridge can keep your skincare items so cold that they become difficult to used to the point that you must wait for them to warm up.

CONCLUSION

If you are still wondering if you should try retinol, we recommend you give it a shot.  There are many benefits, and the few drawbacks are easy to deal with if you understand how it works and ask your dermatologist for advice.

Bottomline, retinol is the key to perfect skin, so you should think about adding it to your skincare routine if you haven't already.

As a beginner, when you use retinol products, you must pay attention to the measurement of use. And do not forget the very important point ----- good storage of these products. Here I suggest that you can try to use the special beauty refridge to storage, compared to ordinary refrigerators, it is more targeted storage objects, beauty refridge is mainly used to store your skin care beauty products, so in the function of setting it can maximize to meet the needs of retaining the active ingredients of skin care products.

 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐂𝐎𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐎𝐍 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐲.