Time To Be Schooled: The A, B, C’s of Retinol

          With all the hype over Retinol, you may be asking yourself, “What exactly is it?!” Let’s take some time to answer that question, and all the other one’s you may have about Retinols!

          Retinol is a non-prescription source of pure Vitamin A. It counteracts the effects of aging skin so effectively that many skincare products include it in their ingredients. Retinol is a milder version of other retinoids, such as Retin-A or Renova, which are prescription-strength versions of retinol that have been converted into retinoic acid. However, retinol naturally converts into retinoic acid over time and offers the same anti-aging benefits of other retinoids at a slower pace.

GloTheraputics Retinol CS

          But don’t be fooled, Retinols are not just for aging skin! Almost everyone can benefit from using a Retinol! Retinols will leave your skin glowing, fade areas of hyper pigmentation, decrease areas of oiliness (which helps with the treatment of acne,) and also gives the skin a fuller, more robust look. 

          Now that we know the benefits of Retinol, now let’s discuss the side effects. Using Retinols means dealing with the side effects, but if you use Retinoids the right way and take the proper precautions, side effects can be minimized. If Retinoids agree with your skin, you will find that the short term side effects are worth the long term benefits. 

1.You should ease into them. Follow instructions for application. More likely than not, you'll want to begin using your rentionl once every two or three days to allow your skin to adjust.
2. A little goes a long way, so don't smear a ton of the stuff on three times a day. Just a tiny pearl-sized amount is all you need for your whole face.
3. Things will get worse before they get better. Even if your skin doesn't peel or get red, you could see a surge of whiteheads a few weeks into your treatment. Don't freak out; this is actually a good thing, as it means the retinoid is working. Withstand it for a couple of months and your skin will reward you.
4. Keep it away from your mouth. And your eyes. And your nostrils.
5. Stop retinol use 1 week prior to waxing.
6. Go easy with your skin care. It's best to ditch the harsh exfoliates, glycolic acid, and vigorous scrubbing. Your skin not only won't respond well to it, it also doesn't need it.
7.  Seriously. Because retinoids make your skin photosensitive, wearing sunblock every day is imperative. Look for at least SPF 30; I go with SPF 50 and don't leave the house without proper sunglasses and a hat

          We can’t say this enough, Retinol will increase your skins sensitivity to light and if you use Retinol and then go lay out by the pool, you are more likely to cause more harm than good. You run the risk of a terrible sunburn, irritation and blisters. In addition, Retinol when used in direct sunlight can actually deepen wrinkles and have the reverse effect that you would hope to achieve with this product.

          Therefore, there is one solution to this problem. If you want to get a healthy glow while using Retinol, you have one option, invest in a healthy self tanner that will give your skin the sun kissed look without spending hours basking in the harmful rays of the sun.
          Lastly, do not use retinoid while you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive. Retinoid, like all other skin care products, are absorbed into the body through your skin. Since there haven't been enough studies done on how retinoid affect developing fetuses, it's best to go the safe route and not use them at all.

          So in conclusion, if you are aware of the precautions and use retinoids properly, they can be a great benefit for your skin!