Complexion Class 03: Retinol
If you’ve ever felt in the dark about retinol, this episode of Complexion Class is for you!
Out of all the skin care products on the market, retinol is the one that tends to intimidate people most, and we get it. Overdo it, and your skin’s instantly irritated. But when you find the perfect dose and frequency for your skin? The benefits of retinol are unmatched!
In today’s episode of Complexion Class, our Dallas provider and physician assistant Alyssa Henderson explains how retinol works and why it’s so effective when treating acne and age-related skin concerns.
Watch the full episode below or read on for the recap!
What is retinol, and what does it do?
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that refines skin texture, improves fine lines, reduces hyperpigmentation, minimizes the appearance of pores and combats breakouts, too — all because it effectively stimulates skin cell turnover.
Skin cell turnover is the process by which the skin sheds dead skin cells and replaces them with new ones. This core benefit is why we’ve used retinol and retinoids for acne and anti-aging skin care since the 1960s.
How does retinol treat acne?
Acne is often caused by clogged pores, so getting rid of dead skin cells, excess oil or bacteria that sneak beneath the skin’s surface is essential. Retinol stimulates cell turnover and sloughs off the top layer of skin to keep pores clean and clear. Retinol also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness and inflammation caused by acne.
How does retinol support aging skin?
As we get older, our skin produces collagen and new skin cells at a much slower rate, which can result in age-related skin concerns like fine lines, wrinkles and loss of moisture. Supplementing this natural process with retinol promotes skin cell turnover and renewal. It also stimulates hyaluronic acid in the skin, which impacts hydration, strengthens the moisture barrier and helps skin appear more supple and youthful.
Incorporating retinol into your routine
Whether you deal with acne, age-related skin concerns or just want to improve the look and feel of your skin, retinol deserves a spot in your routine! Night Watch is a great retinol product to start with, as it’s very gentle on the skin and causes little to no irritation.
Speaking of irritation, starting slow with retinol is key to avoiding unwanted sensitivity. Even mild forms of retinol are extremely potent. Start by incorporating retinol into your nighttime routine one to two times per week. As your skin gets acclimated, you can increase your frequency!
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