What Does Retinol Do For Your Skin?
At this point, pretty much everyone who’s into skincare, especially those looking for a high-quality anti-aging routine, knows the term retinol and knows it means a premium product. However, with more advertising and marketing efforts churning out information about retinol, it can get unclear what it actually means for your skin and your goals from your daily routine. Here we’ll break it down and offer our recommendations for how and when to use retinol in your skincare products.
What is Retinol?
Research has shown that Retinol is a chemical compound that can change the way the skin functions by helping speeds the regeneration process by exfoliating the surface layers of skin when used topically in a skincare product.
Because of these properties and proven benefits of the ingredient, retinol is a popular additive to skincare products of all kinds, especially hydrating serums and moisturizers.
Retinol vs. Retinoid vs. Vitamin A
When looking into retinol and retinol-based products, you may come across other similar terms such as retinoids and other compounds like Vitamin A. Here’s how they relate to each other: Vitamin A is an essential compound that your body uses in multiple ways to maintain the function of your organs, circulatory system, and, of course, skin. It can be broken down or synthesized to create similar yet distinct chemical compounds that have different functions throughout the body, some of which are called retinoids.
Retinoids include retinol and other specific types of molecules that can be used as active ingredients in over-the-counter or prescription products. Retinoids have various potencies, with retinol being more mild and safe, which is why it’s the one that’s readily available. Other retinoids are available after visiting a doctor and receiving a prescription for the specific compound.
4 Main Benefits of Retinol
As a convenient way to experience the benefits of retinoids in your everyday skincare routine, retinol can be a great addition to your skincare products.
Clears Acne
One of retinol’s main benefits is that it clears out your pores and dissolves oils that would otherwise clog them and cause acne outbreaks. If you’re struggling with trying to find a non-comedogenic moisturizer or want an extra step of cleansing that also stimulates your skin, retinol is a great place to start.
Fight Aging
Perhaps retinol’s most famous effect, it’s great for individuals concerned with tightening skin and reducing the appearance of pigmentation caused by sun damage. Multiple studies confirm the various benefits retinol has on anti-aging signs.
Even Your Skin Tone
People who use retinol products regularly experience the appearance of brighter, more even skin tone, especially those who struggle with melasma. Melanin has less ability to build up in any given area.
Affordable, Effective Skincare
As mentioned, retinol is available without a prescription, which lowers the cost and complication of introducing it into your skincare routine. For such a potent ingredient, it’s well-worth the cost for the benefits it can obtain for you. Start with a small container of a product so you don’t spend a ton of money up front and see for yourself how this investment in your skin can pay for itself in how good you look and feel.
Best Retinol Skincare Products For You
At Epicuren Discovery, we’re passionate about sourcing scientifically proven and sustainable ingredients to use in our professional-grade skincare products, including, of course, retinol in our potent serums and creams. Get started with a simple and convenient source of retinol with our Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Complex or try it as part of our highly popular Prevention and Correction Duo. These products may be your ticket to the appearance of smoother, more vibrant skin.
And for people who have different goals in mind, don’t forget to take our Skin Quiz to find products paired perfectly for your unique skin type and goals.