Retinol has a well-deserved reputation for being one of the most powerful formulas out there for your skin. It helps fight wrinkles, brighten dullness, lighten dark spots, and combat acne. Read on to find out how it can recharge your skincare routine.

What is Retinol?

Retinol is an over-the-counter skin care product which helps combat many skincare issues like acne, dullness, and wrinkles. It is a powerful, yet gentle, and efficient formula derived from vitamin A.

Retinol should not be confused with retinoids which can only be prescribed by a dermatologist. Retinoids are generally given for severe acne, or to help with acne scarring. Always consult a dermatologist about retinoid use. And remember, the Glow Spa staff are always on hand to help you assess your skin, and recommend products best for you.

Why Should You Use Retinol?

There are many reasons to introduce and regularly use retinol in your skin care routine including brightening dullness, clearing acne, fading dark spots, reducing skin discolouration, and combatting fine linesand wrinkles.

Remember, our bodies cannot produce vitamin A on their own. Be sure to give your body a boost by eating plant foods high in vitamin A, such as carrots, cantaloupe, and red bell peppers, or animal-sourced foods like fish and eggs.

How Does Retinol Work?

Retinol goes deeper than the surface layer of your skin. It targets the dermis, boosting production and collagen to create a fuller, plump effect, and help skin with texture and tone.

Retinol also helps to unclog pores. If you find your pores are becoming more noticeable because they are becoming clogged with oilor dead skin,you may consider adding retinol into your skincare routine.

When to Use Retinol in Your Routine?

If you are new to using retinol, start by applying it every third day to monitor how your skin reacts. Redness, bumps, and flakinessare signs you may be using too much retinol, or using it too frequently. Increase use to every other day only if your skin adjusts well. Use small, controlled, pea-sized amounts when applying retinol because a little goes a long way.

Retinol takes several weeks of regular use to starting showing its full power, so don’t worry if you don’t see immediate, visible results. Apply retinol at night, and in this order - cleanse, tone, retinol, moisturizer, eye cream, and lip cream unless otherwise directed by Glow Spa staff.

What You Need to Remember About Retinol

While newer retinol formulas are more efficient, and gentle than in past products, there are several things you need to remember when using retinol, and none are as important as protecting your skin from light.

Retinol makes skin lightsensitive, so you must always use retinol at night, and apply SPF in the morning to protect your skin. This is important to dowhether you’re going outside or not. An SPF of 40 or more is recommended. Retinol leaves your skin vulnerable to sun damage unless you protect it.

Redness, itchiness, and peeling skin are other side effects of using retinol, though symptoms can be experienced after using too much product, or applying retinol too frequently. Other side effects can include stinging, swelling, or acne flare ups so be sure to follow the guidelines of the retinol product you are using.

Discover the right retinol products for you at Glow Spa. The staff will make it easy to get you started with powerful retinol products to recharge your skincare routine.