If you even minimally play in the skincare pool, you’ve likely heard of retinol. A favorite amongst consumers and pros alike, this highly active ingredient can make a believer out of even the greatest skeptic, helping to radically transform skin. But using it is not without risks, especially without proper care and mindfulness.
Before you get your retinol on, literally– keep it here for all there is to know - including the benefits of retinol, how to use it, and even some deets on some gentle yet effective retinol products that prove perfect for beginner users.
IN A NUTSHELL
Main Takeaways: Retinol is a highly active form of vitamin A that can transform your complexion when added to your skincare routine. Benefits include smoother texture and the reduction of the appearance of fine lines and dark spots.
Good to Know: Retinol can amplify the effects of UV rays on the skin. When using retinol, it's advisable to either apply it only at night or follow with a meticulously applied SPF to prevent sun damage.
Recommended Products: ‘A’ Game Retinol Serum, Youth Fairy Retinol Moisturizer
What is Retinol?
Retinol is a highly active form of vitamin A that is often added to skincare products due to its incomparable ability to smooth skin and recharge its natural renewal process. With this superpower in tow, retinol tends to dominate both the anti-aging and blemish-care arenas, and for good reason. Probably the most rigorously tested skincare ingredient in use today, the science doesn’t lie but rather consistently proves that retinol works! You’ve likely heard us say it before, but it bears repeating – while nothing is magic when it comes to skincare, retinol is as close as it gets.
While there’s no denying traditional retinol’s efficacy, incorporating it into one’s skincare routine might prompt pause for some. The percentage retinol used in many skincare formulas may come with some nasty side effects. When shopping for retinol products, look for skincare products that include skin-soothing and nourishing ingredients to help combat any possible side effects of this powerful antioxidant.
Retinol Benefits for Skin
It minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
By complementing the skin’s auto-renew process, retinol encourages surface cells to shed, making way for new growth. Retinol also helps prevent the breakdown of skin-building proteins that thicken skin and grant it resilience. Fine lines and wrinkles fade away, resulting in smoother, younger looking skin.
Retinol is a proven treatment for persistent blemishes.
Retinol helps to unclog pores and indirectly reduces the inflammation that may be associated with persistent blemishes. Studies also suggest that the use of retinol may lead to a reduction in excess sebum production, helping to stop breakouts before they even begin.
It promotes even tone.
With an ability to not only rid the skin of dead surface layers, but also to curb melanin production, retinol helps you wick away any dark spots that can come from increased sun exposure. With a brighter tone, void of hyperpigmentation, skin appears more youthful and even.
Does Retinol Irritate Skin?
Unfortunately, all the rumors are true. As retinol works to effectively resurface the skin, your complexion can be left vulnerable. Those with sensitive skin are advised to proceed with extreme caution as things like excess dryness, irritation, redness, peeling, and flakiness may occur.
The use of retinol also leaves skin more susceptible to the effects of UV rays. To avoid these or any other adverse effects, it is strongly recommended that retinol products be applied only before bed. This can help you sidestep that painful and unsightly sunburn or any other form of photodamage that could occur from daytime wear.
Spot testing your new retinol product before applying it to the entire face is also a must. Also, no need for full speed. Go slow. Try applying your retinol product every other evening, or every few days if you have sensitive skin. You can then work your way up to more consistent use, but giving your skin a heads up that there’s a new kid on the block is always a good idea. If in doubt, always follow the specific directions as provided on the product you are using, or ask your dermatologist for recommendations.
Even after taking all these precautions, some may still find traditional retinol to be too harsh for their skin. Luckily, Fleur & Bee has got it in the bag with some ultra-gentle, 100% vegan retinol products that were designed with your sensitive skin in mind!
Best Retinol Cream for Beginners
Youth Fairy Retinol Moisturizer
Rich with 18 natural, age-defying actives, including moisturizing squalane and plant-based stem cells, you are just applications away from a fairy-tale complexion! Fleur & Bee’s Youth Fairy Retinol Moisturizer features 0.03% retinol for a powerful, yet gentle-on-your-skin, foray into plant powered age defense, without any of the sometimes devastating effects of traditional retinol.
This silky smooth, moisture intense formula is designed to radically rejuvenate your appearance, minimizing the look of dark spots and transforming your complexion for brighter, more even, and highly hydrated skin.
Best Retinol Serum for Beginners
'A' Game Retinol Serum
When you want a mild, yet fast-acting formula that takes no prisoners and leaves no trace, Fleur & Bee’s newest serum, ‘A’ Game has your name all over it. This water-based, lightweight formula is packed with microscopic molecules of our powerful vegan retinol (0.1%), along with other antioxidants like vitamin E and dandelion, for deep-layer absorption that rivals even the priciest products.
Complete with 22 botanically based actives, skin is left hydrated, radically nourished, firmer, and refreshed with less detectable fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and unevenness when used consistently. Follow up your new favorite serum with our Youth Fairy moisturizer (at night) and give your retinol infused, skin renewing routine a 1, 2 punch!
Are you ready to level up your skincare routine? Incorporate one or both of these vegan retinol skincare products into your regimen and get ready to benefit from the magic that is retinol.
