Why does retinol skincare become so popular in these years?

Retinol is a type of vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that is known as preformed vitamin A because retinol is already in a form that can be used by the body. Retinol is found in animal-based foods like liver, egg yolks, and dairy products. One of the most popular benefits of retinol is maintaining skin health, especially as an anti-aging. Besides retinol skincare, people also can use AHA, peptides, and niacinamide for anti-aging. But why has retinol skincare become so popular in the last few years?

The Difference between Retinol and Retinoid

Retinol is a type of vitamin A that is a precursor to retinoic acid, which is the active form of vitamin A that the body uses for various functions. When applied topically, retinol is converted into retinaldehyde and then into retinoic acid, which helps regulate gene expression and promote collagen production. More collagen means more effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles, improving skin texture, and increasing skin elasticity.

Retinoid is a class of compounds that have a similar chemical structure to vitamin A and have been developed as prescription medications to treat various skin conditions, such as acne, psoriasis, and photo-aging. There are several types of retinoids, including tretinoin (trans-retinoic acid), adapalene, and tazarotene. Retinoid works by binding to retinoic acid receptors (RARs) in the skin cells, which helps regulate gene expression and promote cell turnover, thus reducing the appearance of acne, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines.

The main difference between retinol and retinoid is their potency. Retinoid will produce faster and more dramatic results than retinol but also tends to have more side effects, such as skin irritation and dryness. Because retinol is gentler than retinoid, retinol skincare is widely available over-the-counter in skincare products, while retinoid products are prescription-only medications that require a doctor's prescription.

Why does retinol skincare become so popular?

Because of its effectiveness in reducing signs of aging, many skincare producers use this substance as the main ingredient. If you look for retinol skincare products on e-commerce, you will find many good reviews which are proof that retinol was effective to reduce wrinkles, lines, and other aging signs.

When applied topically, retinol is converted into retinaldehyde and retinoic acid, the active form of vitamin A that the body uses for various functions. In your body, retinoic acid helps regulate gene expression in the skin cells and it has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin to give skin firmness and elasticity. Another special function of retinol, which also makes it popular, is to speed up skin cell renewal so it will reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and acne, and also improve the overall texture of the skin.

Several Tips Using Retinol Skincare

Even though retinol is a very potent skincare ingredient that can help improve the appearance of aging-sign, you have to know this ingredient can cause irritation, especially for sensitive skin. If you wanna the best result using retinol skincare, practice these tips.

Start slowly

For anyone new to retinol, start with a low concentration and gradually work your way up. Begin using it once a week, increase to twice a week, and eventually use it daily. Take a pea-sized of your retinol products then apply it to the entire face. Just avoid using more than the recommended amount, causing just an increase in the risk of irritation.

Use at night

Retinol can break down in sunlight, so it's best to use it at night after cleansing and toning, before moisturizing. Don't forget to follow up with a moisturizer to help hydrate the skin and always use sunscreen because retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Avoid other active ingredients

Since retinol is an active ingredient, you should not be used in combination with others, such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), beta-hydroxy acids (BHA), or vitamin C. These ingredients can increase the risk of irritation and sensitivity.

The last, always be patient and enjoy the process. Similar to others, retinol takes time to work, and it can take several weeks to see visible improvements in your skin. Consistency is key, so stick with it.