Could a retinol serum be your fast lane to happy skin? Find out here what retinol serums are used for and how they can benefit your skin.
Retinol serums are used to increase skin renewal, accelerate collagen production, and minimize the appearance of wrinkles, uneven texture, and age spots. Because they exfoliate and normalize cell turnover, retinols also help prevent pores from clogging and inhibit blackheads, cysts, and acne.
Retinol serums often combine the powerful benefits of a retinol with other skin-smoothing ingredients to give you even more bang for your buck than retinol alone.
When considering skincare products, a retinol serum should be a key component in your anti-aging and acne prevention routine.
What is Retinol Serum Used For
If you’re wondering what retinol serums are used for, you might be surprised to find out how many advantages these miracle potions can have. Applying a topical retinol formula in the form of a serum daily can deliver the following skin-beautifying benefits:
1. Accelerates collagen production.
2. Helps smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.
3. Minimizes pores.
4. Prevent new wrinkles from forming.
5. Exfoliate your skin at a cellular level to brighten dull skin and smooth out rough patches.
6. Minimize oily skin and controls acne.
7. Fade dark spots, sun spots, and hyperpigmentation.
8. Even out skin tone.
9. Improve overall skin texture.
What is Retinol
Retinol is an artificial derivative of Vitamin A, which is found naturally in carrots, eggs, and sweet potatoes. When applied to the skin, retinol converts to retinoic acid by enzymes in the skin cells.
Many studies indicate “remarkable anti-aging effects” from the use of topical retinol.
Retinoic acid turns on genes that promote cell growth, repair damaged tissue, and stimulate new cell formation. It’s this regenerative effect that makes retinol such a popular ingredient in skincare products.
Retinol serum often combines the anti-aging properties of retinol with other powerful skincare ingredients to stimulate cell turnover. It is commonly used as part of skincare regimens to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Retinol vs. Retinoid- What’s the Difference
To understand what retinol serum is used for, it’s important not to mistake the words ‘retinol’ and ‘retinoid’. These terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinct difference between the two.
Vitamin A is composed of two parts: retinoids and carotenoids.
Retinoids stimulate the production of collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin, which is what reduces visible wrinkles and large pores, heals acne and fades hyperpigmentation. It also acts as an exfoliator, which will promote the shedding of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin.
On the other hand, Retinol is one form of a retinoid that is found in many over-the-counter anti-aging and acne-treating skincare products.
Retinol is an OTC and gentler type of retinoid. Retinol works similarly to prescription retinoids but is milder and less potent. So although retinol can be less harsh, it might also take a little longer to see results than a prescription retinoid.
How Do Retinoids Work?
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that is naturally found in the body. To better understand the uses of retinol serum, it’s important to comprehend how retinoids work. When applied topically, retinoids penetrate deep into the dermis (the layer of tissue just below the epidermis) and stimulate collagen production.
Collagen is the main component of connective tissues found in tendons, ligaments, muscles, bones, cartilage, blood vessels, and skin. When collagen production increases, the skin becomes firmer, smoother, and more youthful-looking.
Many studies indicate remarkable anti-ageing effects from the use of topical retinol.
What Are the Other Forms of Retinoids
There are five types of retinoids that are most commonly used for anti-aging and acne prevention.
- Retinol. This is the ingredient commonly found in non-prescription retinoid products. The percentage of retinol in these OTC products varies.
- Retinyl palmitate. This is the mildest OTC retinoid available. If you have sensitive or overly dry skin and minimal wrinkles, you might want to consider using a product with this ingredient.
- Retinaldehyde. This is an over-the-counter retinoid that‘s more potent than retinol. If you have sensitive skin and want a nonprescription treatment, this could be a good option for you.
- Tretinoin. This is a strong prescription-only retinoid. You may want to try this option if you’ve previously used retinol and are looking for faster results.
- Tazarotene. This is the most potent retinoid, available only by prescription. If your skin handles retinoid products well and you’re hoping for even better results, this could be a good option for you.
- Adapalene. Once by prescription only, this retinoid is now available over the counter. If you’re wanting an effective, inexpensive treatment without a prescription, then you might want to consider trying this option. It’s the first FDA-approved over-the-counter retinoid for acne treatment.
How Long Until I See Results of Using Retinol Serum
The results of using a retinol treatment vary depending on the individual. As a general rule, most people see results from applying a retinol serum beginning within 2 or 3 weeks, but some may need up to 6 months before noticing any changes.
Retinol Serum Side Effects
Many people don’t experience negative side effects when using retinol products, however, it is possible to have adverse reactions, especially in those with more delicate skin in the first few weeks of using the product.
Once your skin adjusts to retinol, often these side effects will subside.
Some common side effects of retinol include:
- Dryness – Retinol has been known to cause dry skin, so it’s important to keep moisturizer handy while using the product.
- Increased hyperpigmentation– It’s best to avoid direct sunlight when using a retinol product. Because of its exfoliating qualities, retinol can cause sun sensitivity. Sun exposure can cause an increase in sunspots when using topical retinol so be sure to always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
- Overall skin irritation– Make sure not to apply too much product. Excess amounts of retinol can actually irritate your skin. A very thin layer is all that is required to achieve benefits. When it comes to retinol, more is definitely not better.
- Allergic reactions – Some people who use topical retinol develop rashes, blisters, hives, or other symptoms after exposure to the product. These side effects usually go away once the person stops using the product.
Consult a dermatologist immediately if you have signs of severe irritation such as swelling, itching, or burning.
Retinol Serums for Acne
Due to its powerful cell renewal properties, retinol can be one of the most beneficial ingredients available and can be incredibly helpful for people who often have acne and breakouts.
Retinol serums can help to normalize cell turnover and have an exfoliating effect that stops pores from clogging and pimples, blackheads, and cysts from forming.
For teenagers or anyone who suffers from severe acne, it’s extremely important to first consult with a dermatologist before trying any form of retinoid.
Also, always be sure to check the ingredient list in your products to avoid combining retinol with other products that have the same active ingredients. This could overdo its effects and result in an overreaction.
If you’re using an acne routine or skincare products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which may already have a form of retinoid in them, adding more retinoids could cause a flare-up in your acne.
For a complete list of the very best serums to treat acne click here.
More on Facial Serums
Click the links below to learn more about how serums can help (or harm) your skin!
9 Crucial Facial Serum Benefits