It can be overwhelming to keep track of skincare ingredients, since a new one is introduced every other day. Retinol, however, has successfully garnered all the buzz from beauty and skincare fanatics. Dubbed as a miraculous anti-ageing ingredient, retinol appears to be a dominating factor in skincare formulas, especially serums. Let’s understand why.
What Is Retinol?
In simple terms, it’s known as an anti-ageing component, it’s one of the prominent forms of vitamin A that accelerates cell turnover and helps to drastically improve many skin conditions. To further break it down, retinol actually comes under the main umbrella of retinoids which refers to various forms of vitamin A like retinoic acid, retinyl, and tretinoin. While retinoic acid is a potent, prescribed formulation, retinol is a relatively milder ingredient found in OTC skincare products like face serums and creams.
Why Are Retinol Serums Popular?
In general, face serums have a thinner, water-like consistency and therefore a smaller molecular structure. They’re also more concentrated than creams with retinol. A 2011 study showed that using reparative face serums along with a moisturiser can effectively combat concerns like wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and lack of elasticity. Retinol serums come in different concentration levels to suit different skin types from beginner to advanced skincare routines. It starts from 0.01% to the highest concentration, which is 2%.
From smoother skin to a clearer complexion, here are 8 retinol serum benefits you need to know about.
Benefits Of Retinol
1. Increases Cell Turnover
Cell turnover refers to the process of replacing new skin cells with mature ones. Otherwise known as dead skin cells, many of them shed from the top layer of the skin and some stay behind, which eventually clogs the pores and makes the skin rough. A retinol serum gently exfoliates the dead skin cells and accelerates new skin cell renewal for improved skin appearance.
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2. Stimulates Collagen
Collagen is a type of protein that is responsible for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and natural barrier. As we age, our body’s collagen levels decrease which can shrink the layers of the skin, making it look drier and prematurely aged. As per research conducted in 2019, retinol is proven to protect the skin from collagen degradation and transepidermal water loss (or TEWL).
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3. Reduces Rough Texture
A rough skin texture is mostly the result of dead skin cells, dust and pollution. Retinol goes the extra mile in getting rid of dead skin cells and residual grime from the pores to give the skin a smoother appearance and feel.
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4. Makes The Skin Firm
Aside from collagen, our skin is also made of ceramides which are a type of fatty molecules that make up the skin’s natural moisture barrier. When ceramides are compromised, it leads to dryness, tightness and reduced elasticity. Retinol boosts ceramide production, thereby increasing moisture levels to make the skin plump and firm.
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5. Heals Acne
Active acne, like pustules and blackheads, is a common concern across skin types. Retinol prevents these breakouts by extracting trapped grime, hardened sebum and bacteria to keep painful, bumpy acne at bay. As beneficial as this sounds, some people who have sensitive skin or acne-prone skin may experience what’s known as a ‘retinol purge’. This is when the skin can face multiple flare-ups. But don’t worry, this is common when your skin is getting used to the potency of retinol.
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6. Fades Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a vast umbrella that covers concerns like sun spots, acne scars, melasma and uneven skin tone. Sun exposure, lack of skincare routine, and ageing can make them prominent. This study published by NIH echoes the benefit of retinol to fade acne marks and other signs of hyperpigmentation by replacing matured, pigmented skin cells with new skin cells to give the skin a clearer, even-toned appearance.
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7. Smoothes Out Fine Lines & Wrinkles
The skin loses elasticity as it ages. When it naturally stretches from facial movements, it loses the ability to retract to its natural shape, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. These usually occur on the forehead, around the eyes and mouth. Retinol boosts the production of elastin and collagen fibres that smoothes out fine lines and wrinkles by improving the skin’s elasticity and softness.
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8. Refines Pores
Enlarged pores can occur due to multiple breakouts, excess oil and reduced elasticity, which give the skin a rough appearance. Retinol serum penetrates deep into the skin to unclog the pores, improve elasticity, and exfoliate the top layer of the skin to refine the pores and give the skin a smooth appearance.
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FAQs
Is it good to use retinol serum every day?
Retinol is a potent skincare ingredient that ideally should be used once to twice a week and no more. If you’re a beginner, start by using a retinol serum once a fortnight and work your way up as and when your skin gets used to it.
Is retinol good for dark spots?
Yes, a retinol serum is a great option to fade dark spots as it replaces pigmented skin cells with new skin cells. Make sure to use it consistently for at least 3 months to see effective results.
At what age should I use retinol?
The best age to start using retinol is in your mid-20s as that’s the age when your skin may start showing signs of premature ageing. Start by using a beginner-friendly retinol serum like the Derma Decode 0.5% Beginner's Retinol Serum at night, and do not skip sunscreen during daytime.
Can I use niacinamide with retinol?
Yes, niacinamide and retinol can be used together. Both ingredients can provide the skin with multiple benefits like fading dark spots, refining pores and restoring the skin’s natural glow.
Retinol may be a strong ingredient but when used right, it can show some favourable results. We hope our round-up of benefits and recommendations helps you find the best way to incorporate this buzz-worthy gem.
