There are so many lotions and positions available all promising more hydrated and healthier skin with their own unique selling point. So, who is to know which one to trust? One ingredient we should be using, according to many skincare experts and studies is Retinol. According to the National Library of Medicine, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2699641/ studies indicated retinoic acid was effective in reducing wrinkles and skin roughness. As with all new products or treatments, it is recommended to consult a skincare expert before use. Our talented team of therapists at Osprey Spa in Naas would be happy to recommend skincare products tailored to your skin as part of a consultation and treatment.
What is Retinol?
Retinol is a form of vitamin A with many uses in skin care. You can buy retinol over the counter without a prescription or visit your healthcare provider to discuss how retinol might best fit into your skincare routine. Depending on your needs, you may be prescribed a medicated version of the ingredient with a higher concentration of retinoids than you can get over the counter. This fat-soluble vitamin is also found in food such as green and yellow vegetables, fish oil and egg yolk. Retinol or other forms of vitamin A are needed for vision -especially in dim light, cellular development and maintenance of skin. It’s not a necessary part of a skincare routine but does help to rehydrate skin and improved its texture.
What does Retinol do for your skin?
Retinol increases skin cell production, also known as proliferation. Regular use helps to unclog pores and exfoliates your skin. Using Retinol in your skincare routine also increases collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a fresher, plumper appearance. Retinol is a topical treatment meaning you apply it on top of your skin. Retinol comes in many forms including creams, gels, lotions and ointments. Topical retinoids can help treat acne, acne scars and stretch marks. Starting slow is advised as initial use may cause redness, breakouts and irritation but long-term effects are worth sticking with it.
How to use Retinol.
After consulting with a skincare expert or doctor, retinol can be used as part of a daily skincare routine. It’s applied directly onto clean, dry skin after you cleanse and before your moisturiser. Apply a pea-sized amount in a thin layer to your entire face, being careful not to ingest or get the product in your eyes. Retinol starts to work in your cells right away, but it will take several weeks before you see an improvement in the look and feel of your skin. In fact, your skin may look worse at first as you adjust to the new regimen. For the first couple weeks of treatment, apply retinol only every other day. Finish the routine with a non-comedogenic moisturiser that will not clog your pores.
Who can use Retinol?
Contrary to popular belief, retinol is not just for ageing or older skin. Retinol can be ideal for addressing problematic skin and it is often recommended to those in their 20s for reasons other than anti-ageing. Hormonal and age-related acne outbreaks can be curbed or cured by the regular use of a mild retinoid and it’s never too soon to start fighting the signs of ageing. Retinols are not recommended to those that are pregnant or breastfeeding, those with highly sensitive skin or broken skin, or people taking medication that affects the quality of skin like Roaccutane. Don't mix retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, or AHA/BHA acids to avoid further dryness or irritation.
Retinol, along with many other skincare ingredients should be tested on a skin patch before first use to test for severe allergic reactions. Please consult with an expert or healthcare provider if you are in any doubt.
Book a skin consultation in Osprey Spa and see how our products |(including retinol) and treatments, can improve your skin. Our team can customise a treatment to suit your skin type and we’re happy to recommend a skincare routine to follow afterwards to maintain great results. You’ll find more information about our treatments on our website. Book an appointment over the phone by calling +353 (0)45 883 910 or emailing spa@osprey.ie