What is Retinol, what does it do, and how to use it?

Have you been hearing the term ‘Retinol’ over several media platforms but have no idea what it is? Your worries end here, as we will give you the perfect explanation for its meaning, benefits and how to use it to improve and elevate your daily skincare for the smoothest, clearest skin.  

What is Retinol? 

Retinol is a form of Vitamin A which is a fat-soluble vitamin and essential for various bodily functions including maintaining healthy skin. It is widely used as a skincare ingredient in creams, serums, moisturizers and ointments, and some topical versions are even prescribed by dermatologists to reverse skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation, melasma and psoriasis. 

What does it do? How will applying retinol benefit your skin? 

Retinol, when applied gradually or topically, offers the following advantages to your skin :  

1. Reduce fine lines and wrinkles & prevents early signs of aging : Retinol is known to stimulate collagen production that improves skin elasticity and promotes healthy skin cell regeneration. This helps in lessening the appearances of fine lines n wrinkles, getting rid of early signs of aging, making it the perfect addition to your anti-aging skincare routine.  

1. Evens out Uneven skintone & lightens dark spots : Retinol can help fade dark spots and age spots caused by hyperpigmentation by effectively regulating the melanin production in skin cells. It prevents the build up of dead cells which collect and cause spots on skin, leaving it clearer and lighter.  
2. Unclogs stuffy pores and minimizes appearance of large pores : It balances sebum production, excess of which causes clogged pores, and increases elasticity that makes the pores look smaller.  
3. Treats Acne : Retinol promotes the healing of existing acne by keeping it clean from dirt n dead cells, and helps fade acne spots. It also helps in preventing formation of further acne and blackheads by controlling sebum production in pores.  
4. Improves skin texture : With regular usage of retinol in your skincare, you can achieve smoother texture and feel of your skin. By clearing out dead skin cells that cause roughness, retinol makes your skin smooth and soft to the touch overtime.

How to use it as a beginner to Retinol? 

Retinol is a potent active ingredient which means using it incorrectly will cause sensitivity, redness and dryness on your skin. Consider following tips given below to make the most out of retinol in your skincare:  

1. Start slowly and begin with lower concentration. If you are a beginner, applying in morning or nighttime routine once or twice a week is enough.  
2. Use SPF along with retinol because retinol is sensitive to the sun, and while using it you need to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.  
3. Nighttime application is Retinol’s best hack because it won’t work as effectively when exposed to sunlight.  
4. Moisturize after retinol to minimize sensitivity and dryness on skin. 
5. Consult a dermatologist if you have any specific skin concern and are unsure about how retinol will affect you or how much to use.  

We hope you find your perfect Retinol cream or serum to suit your skin and understand it’s purpose better. Do check out The Purest Solution Rejuvenating Retinol Serum to clear out uneven skin and suitable for all skintones.