What is Retinol? What Does Retinol Do? How Does Retinol Work? When Does Retinol Take Effect? Why Does Retinol Cause Irritation?

I'm sure you must have heard something about retinol. This content, which you constantly hear in pharmacies, beauty markets, social media or TV commercials, has a history of approximately fifty years. But do you really know what retinol is and what it does?

What is Retinol?

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that is converted to retinoic acid, the active form of the molecule, after a series of active biological reactions after it is applied to the skin. Derivatives of vitamin A used in the skin are called RETINOIDs as a general name. Because RETINOL is widely used in cosmetics, it is the most heard member of the retinoid family.

Other vitamin A derivatives in this group are tretinoin, retinyl palmitate, retinaldehyde, isotretinoin, and tazarotene. They all work with the same mechanism of action. The difference between them is determined by the rate of transformation when applied to the skin. The fast transforming ones are irritating, the slow transforming ones usually do not cause irritation, even if it does, the body tolerates it over time.

Prescription (sold as a drug over the counter) retinoids are the faster-transforming types compared to their cosmetic-grade derivatives, so they're more irritating. Fast conversion in retinoids does not always mean good effect. The higher the conversion rate of retinoids, the greater the likelihood of irritation. For this reason, you should use the retinoids available in the pharmacy under the supervision of a doctor.

What Does Retinol Do?

Retinol corrects and prevents many unwanted appearances on the skin.

• Smoothes and prevents wrinkles: Retinol not only smoothes out your existing fine lines and wrinkles, but also minimizes new ones that form.
• Brightens the skin appearance: Retinol, acting at the cellular level, increases the rate of cell production. This means a brighter, smoother and literally younger skin appearance.
• Lightens and prevents dark spots: Retinol corrects your complexion, sun spots, acne scars, hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
• Improves acne: Retinol not only regulates the oil secretion of the skin, but also prevents the formation of blackheads, cysts and acne by preventing clogging of the pores.

How does retinol slow down aging?

Until your early 30s, your cells are renewed every 28 days, forming a new layer of skin. When you reach your mid-30s, your cell renewal slows down and this cycle starts to happen every 50, 60 or 70 days. Slow cell renewal causes your face to look dry, dull and wrinkled.
Retinoids accelerate this prolonged cycle. With this accelerated cycle, collagen and elastin production also increases.
In this way, retinoids help plump and brighten your skin, smooth out wrinkles, clean and tighten pores, and remove dark spots and redness.

How long does retinol take to work?

You won't see results overnight – it takes consistent use of retinol nightly for at least 28 days to notice some reduction in fine lines, dark spots and acne. You will see the results you really want after twelve weeks and when you look at your photos from six months ago, you will not believe the result.

How to start using retinol?

If you haven't used Retinol yet, start by using it 2-3 times a week. If you're new to retinol, choose a moisturizing product with other moisturizing ingredients like niacinamide and/or hyaluronic acid. After applying your retinol product at night, apply a rich moisturizer to the skin and follow this moisturizing routine in the morning to keep the skin barrier as strong as possible.

To prevent dryness, another option is Retinol serum in oil -soluble forms instead of water-based forms. you can use as. After applying your moisturizer, you can easily prevent irritation and dryness by applying your oil-based retinol serum on it.

Sticking to skincare is the key to seeing results. At first you can see the signs of what we call 'Retinol cleansing' – what you might see as increased acne, redness or peeling, these will be temporary as long as you keep your skin well hydrated and actively protected from the sun. Once your skin gets used to the retinol, these symptoms will go away.

Does high-dose retinol have a stronger effect?

No matter which retinoid you choose, know that they are all effective. Studies have proven that all retinoids have the same effect in the long run. Also, going over a certain percentage does not give faster or stronger results. According to the recommendation of the European Union Cosmetic Board, it has been stated that retinol used more than 0.5% for the face does not make any difference scientifically compared to the products used at 0.5% level. He added to the opinion report that very high doses of Retinol did not show any greater effect, while skin irritations and dryness were observed more severely.

Why do retinoids cause irritation?

Because retinoids cause skin cell turnover faster than normal, you'll likely experience flaking, dryness, irritation and/or acne for a few weeks before your skin goes through the adaptation process. Fortunately, there are things you can do to lessen the effects.

• Start by accustoming your skin to retinol: apply once a week for the first week, twice a week for two weeks, three nights a week for three weeks, and then every night
• Start with a small amount : If your skin is sensitive, start with the smallest amount first. Decrease the amount in addition to the day calendar above. A pea size is ideal for a start. You can use 5 drops as serum drops.
• Don't forget to moisturize: Do not forget that new and young cells that come to the surface with rapid cell transformation will look brighter with moisture.
• Do not skip sun protection: Remember that new and young cells will be damaged in contact with the sun. Provide 365 days of protection with a high-protection sunscreen .

We're not just talking about some improvement with retinoids. Because retinoids work at a cellular level, not just a topical level like most skincare products do, they can regenerate your skin deeply, which can completely change the quality of your skin over time. Retinoids are the key to truly perfect-looking skin.

If you would like to review our Retinol serum, which is perfectly compatible with even sensitive skin and gives great results, CLICK !

I hope this article has helped you expand your knowledge about retinoids.

With the hope that you can get along with your skin and make it and yourself happy...

The secret of achieving a beautiful skin that shines with health is the right information about skin and skin care, with the right products, and stable skin care.

If you have more questions about retinoids, let us know on Instagram. (@evolvy.skincare) or by e-mail ( info@evolvy.co ) and send your questions.

On behalf of the Evolvy team

Pharmacist Evrim Damar Guest