Retinol is The Secret to Youthful Skin

Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is one of the most studied and science backed skincare ingredients and has many beneficial uses when properly incorporated into a skincare routine. Retinol is a topical ingredient that can help encourage cellular turnover, stimulates collagen production, and can even treat acne. Retinol is a powerhouse product that can be purchased over the counter or prescribed by a dermatologist, depending on the strength of the product.

What does Retinol Actually Do?

Retinol can be used to target a variety of skin concerns. Its primary focus is to reduce signs of aging, but it is also used to address sun damage and can aid in reducing acne breakouts. This is achieved by cellular turnover from increased collagen stimulation. If you are looking for a product that can address fine lines & wrinkles, dark spots caused by sun damage, and breakouts caused by acne/clogged pores then retinol should be a mandatory step in your skincare routine.

How to Use Retinol

While retinol can be perceived as a “holy grail” product, it can cause severe irritation if used improperly, so be sure to consult with your medical aesthetician or nurse before introducing it to your skincare routine. When first using retinol, your provider will recommend starting slow. A pea sized amount is all you need (a little goes a long way), so it is best to gradually introduce it into your skincare routine to avoid redness, irritation, dryness, and peeling. Over time, the more you use the product, the more your skin will be able to tolerate it, and the more results you will see!

How Will My Skin Look?

After applying retinoic acid, your skin may experience something called “purging.” Purging is a part of the cell-turnover process where the skin sheds old dead skin cells, so that new ones can form. As a result, oil and bacteria come up to the surface of the aging skin and can cause acne and redness or an uneven skin tone. Your provider will explain all of this to you in consultation so that you know exactly what to expect once you begin using it. After the purging, skin cell turnover, and skin irritation subsides, you are left with healthy, plump, glowing skin. Patients with premature aging can enjoy the benefits of healthy skin with minimal signs of fine lines and wrinkles. sun exposure

When to Apply Retinols

Apply topical retinoids in the evening after cleansing and toning and before applying your moisturizer. This is important because sun exposure may effect the sensitivity of the product. Generally, begin applying twice a week 2-3 days apart, gradually increasing frequency to every other night to let sensitive skin gradually adjust, and then advancing to each evening, or as tolerated. This process may vary depending on what your medical aesthetician or nurse may recommend based on your skin aging concerns.

What Retinols Do You Carry?

Here at CARE, we sell three amazing retinols: SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.25, SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.5, and SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0. To learn more about retinols, give our office a call at 919-484-4884 to book a skincare consultation and start your skin rejuvenation journey. We look forward to seeing you at CARE Plastic Surgery soon!

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