What is Retinol and Why is it Important?

If you talk to any of our team members here at ARTisan Skin and Laser Center, they will tell you that retinol is one of the must-have products in their skin care routine! Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that is applied topically to the skin as a treatment product. Retinol works by triggering and enhancing skin cell turnover so that new skin cells can regenerate. It also increases the production of certain chemicals, including hyaluronic acid, in the body, resulting in a plumping effect, prevents the breakdown of collagen, and enhances collagen production.

There are several benefits of utilizing a retinol:

Improve the appearance of acne. Retinol can be used to treat both inflammatory and noninflammatory acne. It can help both treat current breakouts and prevent future breakouts from occurring. Acne develops when dead skin and oils collect in hair follicles. By utilizing a retinol to increase cell turnover, these cells are shed more quickly. It can also help decrease oil production, allowing for less oil buildup that can lead to acne breakouts.

Anti-aging. Retinol can improve the appearance of aging in a number of ways. We already know that retinol can boost collagen production and reduce the breakdown of collagen already present in the skin. Because fine lines and wrinkles occur as a result of decreased collagen production, utilizing a retinol can help increase the blood flow to the skin, resulting in increased collagen production. It can also help to thicken the inner layer of skin.

Reduced pigmentation and brighter skin. Retinol helps to reduce the appearance of sun damage and pigmentation by increasing the cell turnover and encouraging the shedding of discolored skin cells. This quick cell turnover also results in fresh, bright skin to be visible. As the skin sheds those dead cells, the underlying skin reveals healthier-looking, brighter skin!

It is important to note that retinol can cause the skin to be more sensitive to the sun. It can also result in some dryness and flaking upon initial use. In order to make this a more comfortable process, we recommend starting a low concentration of retinol every third night and gradually working up to using your retinol nightly. It is also important to use a high-quality moisturizer with your retinol and, as always, wear a daily SPF to protect your skin!

If you have questions about retinol, or would like to schedule an appointment to learn more about skin treatment products, contact the ARTisans at 605-371-7057.