Laura Skin Care

Join us in celebrating National Retinol Day!

In the spirit of celebrating the benefits of retinol on November 7th, let’s take a look at why it’s one of the most powerful and dermatologist recommended skincare products today.

What Retinol Is

Retinol is a retinoid, or in other words, a topical derivative of vitamin A.

Vitamin A delivers an antioxidant-packed punch when it comes to promoting healthy cell development and encouraging faster cell turnover.

Vitamin A also stimulates fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen in the dermis layer of your skin.

Vitamin A also supports a healthy immune system.

What Retinol Does

Hands down, retinol is one of the most tested and recommended ingredients in effective skincare products.

Here are some of the amazing benefits of using retinol on your skin:

• Boosts cell turnover and the skin renewal process resulting in brighter, smoother skin
• Diminishes signs of aging including lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin
• Combats hyperpigmentation, giving you a more even skin tone
• Improves skin texture
• Stabilizes oil production which helps to control breakouts and acne
• Promotes the production of collagen and elastin, the two key components of youthful, firm skin
• Expedites healing of skin conditions or inflammation
• Naturally moisturizes skin, keeping it plumper and more hydrated
• Works on the dermis and epidermis, or top two layers of skin, to combat signs of aging and acne

Retinol Cautions

Because higher concentrations of retinol are very strong, skin may become irritated, inflamed or extremely dry and flaky.

Using a lower concentration of retinol, such as .05 percent, is a good starting point for most skin types and sensitivity levels.

For the first couple of weeks, use only a small, pea-size amount of retinol no more than three times per week. You need to find out how your skin reacts to and tolerates retinol.

After a couple of weeks, you can increase the number of nightly applications to every other night. If you have no adverse reactions, you can apply retinol every night if tolerated.

Don’t use other acids or acne treatments on the nights you use retinol.

To reduce potential irritation, apply a thin layer of moisturizer before the retinol, then another thin layer of moisturizer after retinol application.

Retinol should be used primarily at night because it makes your skin highly sensitive to UV sunlight. Use extra sunscreen if exposed to sunlight after applying retinol.

Retinol Alternatives

If your skin cannot tolerate retinol, try bakuchiol.

Bakuchiol is a gentle, plant-based alternative. Bakuchiol not only works well, but also keeps your skin well hydrated.

Wrap Up

Retinol is one of the few scientifically proven, tried and true skincare products that helps you keep that firm, fresh and young-looking skin.

Celebrate National Retinol Day by scheduling a beauty treatment or luxurious facial with the retinol and skincare experts at Laura Skincare in Petaluma.