Retinol: if you’re into skincare, you’ve probably heard it’s a must-have in any routine. Known as the "holy grail" of skincare ingredients, retinols are widely praised for their ability to turn back the clock on aging while also keeping acne at bay.
But let’s be real: diving into the world of retinoids can be a bit confusing. With so many different types (like retinol, retinaldehyde, and tretinoin) and strengths, it's tough to know where to start.
Don't worry, though, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about retinol, broken down in an easy-to-digest way.
What Are Retinols?
Simply put, retinols are a form of vitamin A. They help speed up your skin’s natural cell turnover process, which is just a fancy way of saying they help your skin shed dead cells and reveal newer, healthier ones.
Think of it like hitting the refresh button for your skin, fewer fine lines, smoother texture, and more glow.
The great thing about retinols is that they work on a range of skin concerns: acne, sun damage, wrinkles, and even uneven skin tone. But there’s a catch, retinols are powerful, and with great power comes great responsibility. If you don’t ease into using them, you might experience dryness, peeling, or irritation. Not exactly the glow-up you’re aiming for, right?
Why Retinols Work
So how do these vitamin A derivatives work their magic?
It’s all about cellular turnover. As we age, our skin’s ability to shed old cells slows down. That’s why babies have soft, smooth skin, they’ve got that speedy cell renewal going for them. Retinols give your skin a much-needed boost by increasing the rate at which old skin cells are replaced with new ones.
But here's the thing: this increased cell turnover can also make your skin more sensitive, which is why starting slow is key. You want the benefits without the irritation, and that means patience is everything when incorporating retinol into your routine.
Start Slow and Steady
If you’re new to retinol, start by applying them just once or twice a week and slowly work your way up.
Everyone’s skin is different, so listen to yours. If it feels dry or starts flaking, back off a bit and let your skin adjust.
And here’s the golden rule: always apply retinol at night. Retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so you’ll want to protect it by keeping them in your evening routine.
Bonus tip: Don’t forget your sunscreen during the day. You don't want to undo all that good work.
Our Top Retinol Picks:
Retinol Serum combines retinol with 2 other retinoid forms, plus added antioxidants and barrier boosting ingredients to advance the skin's protection against oxidative stress and barrier resilience.
Our highly effective, fast-acting Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3 formula combines Retinol of botanical origin with a proprietary blend of Bakuchiol, other powerful botanical boosters, antioxidants, and Extremozymes® to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles while evening skin tone and texture for a smooth, radiant complexion.
Retinol Serum Forte is a step-up retinol booster to be introduced when the skin is comfortable with Environ's Retinol Serum. This serum intensifies the benefits of vitamin A micronutrition for the skin with additional phyto-retinol boosters;
Revinage® and NovoRetin™.
The first level in Environ’s premium Vitamin STEP-UP SYSTEM™M this serum contains the lowest concentration of vitamins A, C and E that help to support and maintain a radiantly youthful appearance. The combination of highly effective ingredients in this serum work together to help combat the visible signs of aging to create the appearance of an even, smoother and healthier looking skin.
Retinol: Friend or Foe?
Retinol can cause redness, peeling, or even a burning sensation when you first start using it. That’s why it’s critical to introduce it gradually and pair it with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or a good moisturizer.
In addition, retinol can make your skin more vulnerable to the sun. So don’t skimp on your SPF during the day, even if you’re just sitting by a window! This step is non-negotiable if you want to avoid irritation and damage.
The Bottom Line
Retinols might sound intimidating, but when used correctly, they’re an absolute game-changer for your skin.
Just remember to start slow, use it only at night, and always pair it with a good moisturizer and SPF.