Retinol is the fashionable anti-aging active ingredient . There is no one who has not heard about it but do we know everything? Do we really know what retinol is and what it is for? The truth is that retinol hides properties everywhere and those who have not used it… are already taking time to do so!
What is retinol?
Retinol is an active ingredient that belongs to the group of retinoids and is a form of vitamin A. To understand what retinol is and what retinol is for, it is necessary to break down its properties and applications in skin care, especially in regarding its usefulness in cases of oily skin and in reducing blemishes.
Retinol is an organic compound that is derived from vitamin A, an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in a number of biological functions in the human body. Vitamin A is found naturally in foods of animal origin, such as liver, fish and dairy products, in the form of retinol, and also in the form of provitamin A (carotenoids) in foods of plant origin, such as carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach. However, retinol in the context of skin care refers to a synthetic or derived form of vitamin A that is used for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes.
But be careful, the world of retinol is very wide . It is true that there are a variety of compounds related to vitamin A, and it is important to understand their differences in terms of potency and effectiveness in skin care.
Retinol esters are the mildest forms of vitamin A used in skin care products. These esters , such as retinyl acetate or retinyl palmitate , are less potent compounds compared to other forms of vitamin A. They are a great option for those who are starting to incorporate retinoids into their skin care routine, as they tend to to cause less irritation. However, due to its softness, it also usually takes much longer to feel the effects, but that does not mean that they are less effective in improving skin problems, but rather slower.
Retinol, meanwhile, is a more potent form of vitamin A compared to retinol esters. It requires fewer metabolic steps in the skin to convert to retinoic acid, which is the active form of vitamin A. Retinol is known for its benefits in stimulating collagen, reducing wrinkles, and improving skin texture. It may cause some skin irritation, especially at the beginning of use, so it is important to start with lower concentrations and gradually increase.
While retinal, also known as retinaldehyde , is an even more potent form of vitamin A than retinol. It is just one step away from being converted to retinoic acid in the skin, making it effective in improving the appearance of the skin, including reducing wrinkles and blemishes. Although it may be more powerful, it can also cause some irritation, so it is important to use it with caution.
And, above all of them, is retinoic acid . It is mainly used in products prescribed by dermatologists due to its intensity. Retinoic acid is highly effective in improving a variety of skin problems, such as severe acne and deep wrinkles, but it can also cause increased skin irritation and peeling.
What is retinol used for?
If you have ever decided to search on Google for "retinol properties" it is because you are interested in everything that surrounds this active ingredient. And, be careful, we are not surprised because if retinol is so valued and known for something, it is because of a series of properties and benefits:
- Stimulation of collagen production: One of the main benefits of retinol is its ability to stimulate collagen production in the skin. Collagen is an essential protein that keeps skin firm and elastic. With aging, collagen production decreases, which can lead to the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Retinol can help counteract this process, improving the firmness and overall appearance of the skin.
- Reduction of wrinkles and fine lines: Retinol is effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. This ingredient promotes cell renewal and improves skin texture, resulting in smoother, younger-looking skin.
- Acne Treatment: Retinol has also been widely used in acne treatment. It helps unclog pores and reduce inflammation, which can prevent the formation of pimples and blackheads. Its ability to regulate sebum production is especially beneficial for people with oily skin.
- Retinol for oily skin : Retinol is not only effective in reducing acne, but it is also beneficial for people with oily skin. Regulates sebum production, which reduces excess oil in the skin and prevents clogging of pores, helping to maintain a clearer and more balanced complexion.
- Reduction of skin spots: Retinol is also known for its ability to reduce skin spots, such as age spots or sun spots. By promoting cell renewal, it helps spots fade over time, revealing more uniform and luminous skin.
While retinol is a powerful ingredient in skin care, it is not the only option available. In fact, there are two ingredients present in Byoode cosmetics that, due to their multiple benefits, have nothing to do with retinol and they are okra, due to its softening power similar to that of retinoids , which is present in the Hyaluronic & serum. Okra Allegory, and copper gluconate, which is the star ingredient in Watercress & Copper Lyric , our famous blue serum.
How to apply retinol?
Now that you have taken note of what retinol is and what it is for, you are surely interested in knowing how to apply retinol.
Retinol is a powerful ally in skin care , known for its benefits in reducing spots, improving texture and fighting aging. However, its proper use is essential to take full advantage of its properties without causing unnecessary irritation. In this article, we will explore how to apply retinol effectively, focusing on gradual skin adaptation and key guidelines for safe application.
The importance of retinization:
Retinol is an active ingredient that can cause irritation if not used properly. Adaptation is essential to minimize this risk and allow the skin to gradually adjust to the product. This process usually takes 30 to 45 days.
Initial use frequency :
When you start using retinol, it is essential to be gradual. During the first fortnight, apply it three times a week. This frequency allows your skin to adapt to the molecule without overwhelming it.
Alternate days in the second fortnight:
In the second fortnight, the frequency increases to alternate days. This means you can apply it one day and rest the next. This phase continues to allow your skin to adapt and decreases the likelihood of irritation.
Daily application after adaptation:
Once you have completed the adaptation period, you can begin applying retinol daily. This stage is where you will start to see noticeable results in terms of reducing blemishes, fine lines and improving skin texture.
Night application:
Retinol is usually applied at night. This is because some types of retinoids, such as pure retinol and retinoic acid, can become photosensitive, meaning they increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun. Applying it at night reduces this risk.
Use of sunscreen:
Always wear sunscreen during the day when you're using retinol, even if you only apply it at night. This will help protect your skin from damage caused by sun exposure and minimize any risk of hyperpigmentation, especially if you are treating spots.
Retinol spots and Mediderma retinol:
When it comes to spots, retinol is a great option. Many skincare brands, such as Mediderma, offer retinol products specifically designed to address hyperpigmentation and reduce dark spots. These products can be highly effective when used consistently and following proper application guidelines.
The curious case of Retinyl Retinoate:
Retinyl retinoate is a unique molecule that does not require the gradual adaptation process. It can be used daily from the beginning and even during the day, since it is not photosensitive. This makes it a great option for those who want the benefits of retinol without worrying about irritation or sun sensitivity.
How does retinol work?
Retinol is a synthetic form of vitamin A that is used in skin care due to its proven benefits, although most famously it is the best anti-aging active. It works by interacting with specific receptors in the skin, such as retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and retinoid X receptors (RXRs). When retinol binds to these receptors, it initiates a series of biological processes that have several benefits for the skin.
One of the most notable benefits of retinol is its ability to stimulate collagen production in the skin. Collagen is an essential protein that provides firmness and elasticity to the skin. By activating collagen synthesis, retinol helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines, improving the overall appearance of the skin.
Additionally, retinol promotes cell renewal by influencing the differentiation of skin cells. This accelerates the removal of aging cells in the surface layer of the skin, resulting in skin with a smoother, more radiant texture.
Retinol is also effective in treating acne . It helps prevent the formation of comedones (blackheads and pimples) by reducing the accumulation of dead cells in pores and regulates sebum production, which especially benefits people with oily, acne-prone skin.
As for blemishes on the skin, such as age spots and sun damage, retinol can address these issues. Its ability to accelerate cell renewal contributes to the gradual elimination of dark spots, revealing a more uniform complexion.
To use retinol effectively and get the most out of it, it is important to know that the concentration of retinol is key. It is advisable to start with a low concentration to allow the skin to adapt gradually. As we have already explained, it is usually applied at night because some types of retinoids can become photosensitive . During the day, it is important to wear sunscreen to protect the skin from damage caused by sun exposure and prevent hyperpigmentation. Additionally, it is crucial to maintain consistency in its use, as results may require several weeks or even months to become evident.
What does retinol do on the skin?
Retinol is a key regulator in the cell differentiation process. In the basal layer of the epidermis, skin stem cells divide and then differentiate into specialized skin cells. This is where retinol shows its power: by binding to retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and retinoid X receptors (RXRs) in the cell nucleus, it activates a series of genes responsible for regulating cell differentiation.
This action of retinol accelerates cell renewal by increasing the speed at which skin cells detach from the basal layer and migrate to the surface of the skin. The result is brighter skin, with a smoother texture and less prone to problems such as acne and blemishes. In addition, retinol stimulates the production of collagen, a protein essential for maintaining the firmness and elasticity of the skin. This reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, contributing to a more youthful appearance.
In your skincare routine, retinol can play an important role when used properly. Although, if you are one of those types of people who, either because you have very sensitive skin, are breastfeeding or pregnant , there are other alternatives. And you can just find them on Byoode.
There are ingredients available in the natural environment that can serve as alternatives to retinol. Among these ingredients, okra and mineral derivatives such as copper stand out . These elements are rich in antioxidants, like retinoids, but they also offer other beneficial functions for the skin.
Okra , for example, has the ability to soften and balance the skin, while copper contributes to the synthesis of collagen and elastin, two essential components for keeping skin firm and elastic. Together, these ingredients provide deeply renewing action, an appreciated characteristic of retinol.
Okra can also be especially useful as a substitute for retinol in cases of acne, since it has notable healing properties. In fact, in places like Nepal, it is commonly used to treat wounds and skin problems.
These two ingredients are found in Watercress & Copper Lyric, a serum developed by the company Byoode. In addition, this product incorporates other ingredients such as niacinamide, known for its antioxidant properties, which makes it an attractive option for those looking for natural and effective alternatives in their skin care.
In case you have fallen in love with the softening power of okra and copper gluconate is less attractive to you and you prefer to do without it, you have our Hyaluronic & Okra Allegory serum, a hydrating serum with 95% natural ingredients , among the which include hyaluronic acid or the aforementioned okra and Madecassoside.
How do you use retinol on your face?
Retinol, in serum form, has gained popularity in the skin care world due to its higher concentration and ability to address specific concerns. At a molecular level, retinol acts as a retinoid, interacting with specific receptors on skin cells to induce beneficial changes . Although there are creams that contain retinoids, serums tend to offer a higher concentration and better penetration into the skin.
One of the key benefits is the stimulation of collagen production , a protein crucial for skin firmness and elasticity. Additionally, retinol accelerates the cell renewal process, eliminating aging cells and revealing younger, more radiant skin.
Practical steps for using retinol on the face:
- Start with low concentrations: To avoid irritation, it is essential to start with low concentrations of retinol and allow the skin to adapt gradually.
- Apply at night: Retinol is usually applied at night, as some types of retinoids can become photosensitive and cause sun sensitivity.
- Sunscreen during the day: During the day, it is crucial to use sunscreen. Retinol can increase the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, so sun protection is essential.
- Consistency of use: Results from retinol may take time. Consistency is key; Apply it regularly for best results.
BONUS TRACK: the importance of moisturizing with emollients
Sometimes, especially when starting to use retinoid products, the skin may go through an adaptation period in which it may become drier or irritated. To prevent this, moisturizing creams with emollients play a fundamental role by functioning as a protective shield that should be applied immediately after using retinol. These barrier creams are composed of emollients that resemble the lipids naturally present in the skin and help seal in moisture.
When we look to purchase a cream to combine with our retinol every night, it is important to look for moisturizers that, within their list of ingredients, include oils, glycerin, butters or ceramides that help soften and hydrate the skin, establishing a barrier that promotes retention of skin moisture. An example of this is Lotus & Spirulina Romance, Byoode's moisturizing cream, which has a more than complete formula with hyaluronic acid, spirulina with a high content of vitamins, broccoli oil to provide essential fatty acids and lotus root, moisturizing and anti-inflammatory. It also offers a great antioxidant cocktail with fruit extracts such as raspberries or blueberries.
What is more than clear is that, in one way or another, retinol is one of the best anti-aging active ingredients and, although there are some fears and false myths around it, using products with retinol is safe, if not …they wouldn't sell!