Why You Should Add Retinol to Your Skin Care Routine (Men Included!)

Struggling with signs of premature aging or sun damage? 

Are you feeling self-conscious about breakouts or acne scars?

If so, you should know about retinol, the new superstar skin ingredient on the block. Most dermatologists and estheticians count retinol in their top 3 skincare ingredients. 

But what is retinol, how does it work, and how can you use it in your skincare routine? 

What is Retinol?

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative, a precursor to retinoic acid found in skin cells essential for smooth, plump, elastic skin. It's a powerful antioxidant compound that supports the turnover of healthy skin cells. Dead skin cells shed and new ones are pushed to the surface, which unclogs pores and reduces signs of aging and sun damage.

Unfortunately, retinol levels drop in your 20s and 30s as the aging process begins to speed up!

The Benefits of Using Retinol (and When to Start)

Whether you're looking for an acne treatment or anti-aging serum, Woolzies Retinol Serum is a multipurpose ingredient that can do it all! However, it's probably most well-known for promoting the synthesis of collagen, a structural protein that keeps the skin elastic, strong, and youthful. 

A 2016 study found that topical retinol promoted collagen type 1 and type 3 synthesis and increased the thickness of the epidermis. It also significantly reduced facial wrinkles after 3 months (1). This is significant because free radical damage from sun exposure, pollution, and poor lifestyle choices contribute to collagen breakdown and signs of aging!

Other benefits of incorporating retinol into your routine include:

• Smoother skin
• Even skin tone 
• Reduced acne scars
• Brighter appearance 
• Fewer breakouts
• Faded hyper-pigmentation
• A youthful glow

So, when should you start using it?!

Interestingly, the best time to start retinol is in your 20s, before the signs of aging set in. Prevention is always better than cure! However, it's also safe for younger teens with acne-prone and oily skin.

Step-By-Step Guide to Using Woolzies Retinol Serum

When adding retinol to your daily routine, remember that 'less is more'! Always start with a pea-sized amount and only use it once or twice a week to evaluate your tolerance. Once your skin becomes acclimatized, you can gradually increase your use until you’re using it every other night.

Let's dive into exactly how you use retinol!

Step 1: Retinol makes the skin UV sensitive, so the first rule is to only use it in the evening.

Step 2: Cleanse and tone your face as normal and apply eye cream. However, don't exfoliate the skin or use any other active ingredients before using retinol.

Step 3: Leave the skin without any product for 20-30 minutes to dry thoroughly. 

Step 4: Apply a pea-sized amount of retinol, dabbing a little on your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Gently massage it with an outward motion until well-absorbed, making sure to avoid the eye area.

Step 5: Let the skin dry completely before applying your regular moisturizer.

And that's it!

Tip: Retinol temporarily makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, so always wear a high SPF sunscreen the following day.

Is Retinol Safe for All Skin Types?

Retinol offers amazing benefits for different skin types. However, as it speeds up cell turnover, it may cause redness and flaking in the beginning. Additionally, using too much too often can damage the skin barrier and cause dryness and irritation. If this happens to you, take a break and then build up again slowly.

Pregnant women and those who struggle with sensitive skin may want to avoid retinol completely. In addition, speak to a dermatologist before using retinol if you have eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea.

In Conclusion…

Woolzies Retinol Serum is an all-natural serum that contains jojoba oil, coconut oil, chamomile essential oil, and jasmine essential oil to soothe and hydrate your skin. Plus, it's available in super convenient dropper and spray form.

Have you added retinol to your skincare routine? If so, comment below letting us know the skin benefits you've noticed!

Resources

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26578346/