Retinol 101: benefits and tips for use
Written by Jessica Tapia, MD
We also use retinol in some treatments, such as microneedling and facial + peel.
In this article, we will explore how retinol, when adequately introduced into our skincare routine, can help reduce wrinkles and improve the texture of our skin.
¿Qué es el retinol?
El retinol es un derivado de la vitamina A que ayuda con el proceso de renovación celular, mejora la textura de la piel y combate los signos del envejecimiento.
Entre sus múltiples beneficios, el retinol contribuye a la producción de colágeno, reduce la apariencia de arrugas y manchas y resulta eficaz en el tratamiento del acné gracias a su capacidad para reducir los poros.
Es importante aplicar retinol gradualmente y con precaución ya que la concentración adecuada varía dependiendo del tipo de piel.
Pero… ¿de qué manera actúa el retinol sobre nuestra piel?
The secret lies in its ability to stimulate the production of new skin cells. In conjunction with this process, retinol enhances the skin's defenses with its antioxidant properties. Every day, we subject our skin to an excess of factors that can damage the DNA of our cells; therefore, one of the main functions of retinol is to protect our skin from this type of damage.
Why is vitamin A important for our skin?
Vitamin A contributes to the development and production of new cells. In addition, its antioxidant properties protect our skin against external damage caused by pollution and the sun's rays.
Ahora, ¿qué ocurre si no tenemos suficiente vitamina A en nuestra piel? La insuficiencia de vitamina A puede dar lugar a afecciones en nuestra piel como la resequedad y descamación. Además, puede debilitar el sistema inmunológico, bajando las defensas contra infecciones y enfermedades. Por estas razones, la vitamina A, y en particular el retinol, es indispensable para obtener y mantener una piel radiante y saludable.
Active forms of retinol
Retinoids—retinol, retinaldehyde, and retinoic acid—are vitamin A derivatives identified and absorbed by skin cells.
Are all forms of retinol equally effective?
The answer is that retinoids, such as those mentioned, can vary in structure and concentration. In other words, different retinol products can affect the skin differently depending on their formulation. So, selecting the right product is essential to improving your skincare routine.
Retinol contra las líneas de expresión
One of the benefits of retinol we have noticed in our patients is its ability to fight the signs of premature aging. After turning 20, the skin begins to lose about 1% of collagen each year. Fortunately, retinol can help minimize this collagen loss. Increasing collagen production in the skin decreases the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. If you are prone to deeper wrinkles and fine lines, you may be able to use 0.3% or 1% retinol, as higher concentrations are more effective in combating more aggressive wrinkles and fine lines.
Acne and open pores treatment
In addition to its benefits against the signs of aging, we have also noticed that retinol complements the at-home treatment of our patients who come to us to diminish their active acne. Retinol promotes natural skin exfoliation, which helps clear clogged pores and treat acne.
Retinol helps prevent pore clogging and future acne breakouts. It can also decrease the inflammation associated with acne, resulting in less redness and smaller lesions.
Regular retinol application can also minimize the appearance of acne scars by promoting skin regeneration.
How to incorporate retinol into your skincare routine
Now that you know the benefits of retinol, you're probably wondering:
How can I incorporate it into my skincare routine?
The good news is that introducing retinol into your facial routine is simple, but it requires patience and care.
Es recomendable incorporarlo de forma progresiva, siguiendo estos pasos:
Start with a low concentration and gradually increase the amount applied.
Start using retinol once in the first week and gradually increase the frequency of use to allow the skin to adapt.
Remember to apply sunscreen when using retinol in your skincare routine, as it increases sensitivity to the sun.
How to choose the right product
Choosing a good retinol product is indispensable to maximize its benefits and minimize any possible irritation. The first step is to find products with the right concentration of retinol, depending on skin type.
We recommend low concentrations (0.01% to 0.03%) for dry and sensitive skin and a medium concentration (0.03% to 0.3%) for skin with irregular texture.
Puedes obtener mejores resultados al combinar el retinol con productos que contengan antioxidantes e ingredientes restauradores como la niacinamida. Recuerda ajustar la frecuencia de uso progresivamente comenzando con menor frecuencia.
Before including retinol in your skincare routine, we recommend performing a test on the inner forearm to evaluate the skin's reaction.
Cómo aplicar correctamente
Once you have chosen the right retinol product, the next step is to learn how to apply it correctly. To prevent irritation, we recommend gradually introducing retinol into your skincare routine. You can start using the product once during the first week and twice during the second week.
This is how we recommend the correct use of retinol:
Apply 1 or 2 drops of retinol.
Distribute the product evenly over the face, neck, and décolleté, avoiding your eyes.
We recommend applying the product as a cream or serum at night to avoid direct exposure to the sun after applying the retinol.
Precauciones y contraindicaciones
Although retinol has many benefits for skin care, some precautions and contraindications must also be considered. For example, retinol is contraindicated during pregnancy, and its use is not recommended for breastfeeding women to avoid possible adverse effects on the baby's development.
Additionally, Juvenalia Brío staff does not recommend using retinol on skin with eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea without the supervision of a medical provider, on irritated skin, or after cosmetic procedures until the skin has completely healed.
Some common adverse effects at the beginning of treatment include dryness, flaking, and irritation. That is why applying sunscreen daily and limiting sun exposure is important. This can prevent damage from increased sensitivity to UV rays.
Retinol and hyaluronic acid: can they be combined?
Our patients frequently ask whether retinol can be combined with other active molecules, such as hyaluronic acid.
La respuesta es si. Al combinar el retinol con ácido hialurónico se incrementan sus beneficios.
These active ingredients can help minimize wrinkles, reduce pores, and improve skin tone and smoothness. Hyaluronic acid can resorb 1000 times its weight in water, thus promoting hydration and cell volume.
Los productos cosméticos que combinan estas 2 sustancias están formulados de manera de aprovechar sus beneficios y mitigar los efectos adversos.
“El retinol es un derivado de la vitamina A conocido por sus beneficios para la piel, incluyendo la reducción de arrugas, mejora de la textura cutánea y tratamiento del acné. Actúa estimulando la renovación celular y la producción de colágeno.
Es importante incorporarlo gradualmente en la rutina de cuidado de la piel, comenzando con bajas concentraciones y aumentando progresivamente su uso. Aunque es efectivo, se deben tomar precauciones como usar protector solar y evitar su uso durante el embarazo o la lactancia.”
