It’s Acid Week on the blog and kick it off, I’m starting with an acid that’s been inching its way up my list of Most Desired Products to Try: retinol.
Now, since dipping my first toe into the world of acids a few months with my Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads, I’ve been inundated with articles, blogs and reviews of retinol. Similar to my motivations in wanting to try glycolic acid, I feel like retinol will work wonders for the dark spots/spot scars on my face, as well as help to banish some of my recurring spots. I also know that right now my skin has gotten used to the glycolic-salicylic-lactic acid combo and is in need something a little more hardcore. Super facialist and skincare goddess, Shani Darden told Into the Gloss that;
“…retinol is one of my favourite ingredients because it works deep below the skin at the cellular level to encourage turnover and reveal fresh, bright skin […] It boosts collagen in the skin, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, smoothes the texture of the skin, reduces pigmentation, and it can also help with acne.”
In this same article, retinol is compared to cleaning a room with a toothbrush because of its ability to get down to the deep layers of skin compared to some ingredients that can’t penetrate as deep.
Let’s start with the basics. Retinol comes from vitamin A and is known for its many benefits. It can help improve the appearance of skin, promote cell turnover, help rid dark spots, as well as help maintain teeth, bones and white blood cells. It’s also great for the immune system and especially great for acne sufferers (as Shani mentioned above). For these reasons, it’s no surprise that this vitamin A derivative is the acid of choice for celebs, bloggers and everyday people alike.
However, it’s also important to remember that even though retinol promotes cell turnover and uncovers shiny new skin, it is NOT an exfoliant. Therefore acids like glycolic and salicylic acid should still be integral parts of a skincare regimen. Noted.
Despite these many great qualities, retinol sometimes gets a bad rap. I’m sure you’ve probably heard the horror stories of people’s face flaking and peeling after a retinol treatment. While these are side effects that can happen after treatment, I’ve discovered that if you introduce it to your routine slowly, these effects are minimal.
For more information, check out skincare bible Into the Gloss here and here. In the meantime, I’ll be looking for the right product to try first – I already have an eye on The Ordinary Retinol 0.2 in Squalane. I’ll keep you posted!
