Is retinol beneficial for skin? Dermatologist shares tips to use it safely

Is retinol beneficial for skin? Dermatologist shares tips to use it safely

New Delhi: Visiting a market these days, you can look upon a long list of skin care ingredients these days that have retinol. Retinol is actually a type of vitamin A and its increasing popularity is owed to its enormous list of skin health benefits.

In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Rupika Singh,Dermatologist and Founder of Akiya Aesthetics, explained the benefits of retinol for skin and how one can use it safely.

Benefits of retinol

Anti-aging properties: Retinol is one of the most researched and well documented skin care ingredients that is potent enough to reduce the signs of aging namely fine lines and wrinkles. Its functional property to stimulate collagen production in the skin calls helps the skin to maintain its structural integrity and elasticity.
Treats skin breakouts: Retinol has anti inflammatorynature and thus is of great help to reduce the redness and swelling associated with breakouts. Additionally, it can penetrate into the skin and unclog the skin pores, further preventing the incidence of acne or blackheads.
Deals with hyperpigmentation: All those individuals who face the issue of darker or hyperpigmented skin and show signs of sunburn or age spots can safely and effectively use retinol based products.
Gives smooth textured skin: By increasing the new cell turnover, retinol products help to shed off the old dead cells from the skin, which make the skin appear dull and rough. The new cells produced give the skin a youthful look and a radiant complexion.

Safety tips while using retinol

Take it slow: Retinol needs to be added slowly to your skincare regime. Begin by using a product having just 0.25-0.3 percent retinol and applying it once a week, then gradually increasing the frequency if no adverse effects.
Make it a part of nighttime routine: Retinol usage has been linked with the risk of sunburns by making the skin sensitive to UV rays of the sun. So it stays best to apply retinol based products at night time for their adequate absorption into the skin.
A drop is sufficient: While using retinol, pay heed towards how much you are using it on your face as a pea sized amount just suffice to give its benefits.
Do not mix potent products: If you use more than one active ingredient in your skincare regime such as alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids etc., never mix them up with retinol usage as skin may get irritated. Rather prefer to use them on alternate nights.
Always use a moisturiser: The skin drying effects of potent retinol can be well compensated by the application of a layer of hydrating moisturizer such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin etc. on the top of retinol based products. Also if you are using retinol during the day, always add a layer of sunscreen to prevent sun damage.
Sandwich method: ne can use sandwich method which is applying moisturiser before retinol and after retinol to decrease the chances of irritation.

Bottom line

Retinol is a potent skin care product having a wide array of health benefits for getting radiant and glowy skin with reduced signs of aging. But practice extreme caution while using it as it may lead to skin sensitivity and irritation.

 Retinol is one of the most researched and well documented skin care ingredients that is potent enough to reduce the signs of aging namely fine lines and wrinkles. Its functional property to stimulate collagen production in the skin calls helps the skin to maintain its structural integrity and elasticity.  Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare