Is Retinol Worth It?

This is a common question. People aren’t talking about the price, which isn’t exorbitant. They are talking about the care a person needs to take to build up to using it daily. What are the benefits of retinol? What does it really do? Are these benefits worth the rough start that most people have with redness or flakiness?

What is Retinol?

Retinol is a gold-standard ingredient for most skincare products. It is a synthetic derivative of the fat soluble vitamin A. It has amazing anti-aging, anti-wrinkle benefits.

Benefits of Retinol

· Prevents wrinkles, smooths out existing fine lines and wrinkles.

· Brightens dull skin by exfoliating at a cellular level, which helps the dull and pigmented blemishes slough off quickly.

· Regulates oily skin and minimizes breakouts.

· Fades hyperpigmentation, dark age spots/sun spots, evens the complexion over time.

What does Retinol do?

Retinol changes the behaviour of aged skin cells. It makes the cells turn over faster which smooths and refines the skin’s texture and helps the skin glow. If retinol is incorporated into a skincare regime, it can work synergistically to accelerate skin renewal and reduce uneven texture and age spots. It truly slows the skin's aging process.

Retinol Side Effects (if you use too much, too quickly)

· Redness

· Flaky skin

· Peeling

· Breakouts

It is important to begin slowly. Start with a micro-encapsulated retinol such as the Vivier retinol that retails at $116. I like to use in combination with a moisturizer twice a week. I recommend bumping it to every third or fourth night until you are using it every night.

The terms retinol vs retinoid

Vitamin A is composed of two parts: retinoids and carotenoids. Retinoids stimulate the production of collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin, which is what reduces visible wrinkles and large pores, heals acne and fades hyperpigmentation. Retinol (along with Retinyl Palmitate and Retin-A) is one form of a retinoid.

As always, I am here to help. Do not hesitate to set up a skin consultation so we can further discuss a skincare/anti-aging plan.