Retinol, Know How to Use it Right Here

Retinol is an ingredient that is found in many skin care products. Retinol has many benefits for skin beauty, from overcoming acne, whitening the skin, to reducing wrinkles. Even so, retinol must be used correctly so that side effects can be minimized.

Retinol is a type of retinoid which is a derivative of vitamin A. Apart from retinol, there are also types of retinoids that are often used to treat skin problems, namely tretinoin which is also applied to the skin and isotretinoin which is an oral medication.

Retinol is usually contained in skincare products that can be purchased at cosmetic stores or pharmacies. Even though it is sold freely and can be obtained without a doctor's prescription, products containing retinol can still cause side effects if not used properly.

The Benefits of Retinol and How It Works

Retinol is often used to treat various skin problems, especially to reduce wrinkles, prevent wrinkles, treat acne, and even out skin tone and brighten it.

This compound derived from vitamin A works by supporting healthy skin cell growth and increasing collagen production, which can reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and acne scars.

This ingredient can also have an exfoliating effect, so it can prevent the accumulation of dead skin cells in the pores which can trigger acne. This effect will also make the skin smoother and the pores appear smaller

Know How to Use Retinol

In general, skincare products containing retinol are safe to use. However, if you have sensitive skin or this is the first time using this skincare, you should use a product with a low retinol content, such as 0.1%, so that your skin can adapt first.

In addition to choosing products with the right retinol levels, you also need to pay attention to their use so that the results can be maximized without serious side effects. The following is the correct way to use retinol:

1. Clean your face and use toner

The first thing you need to do before using retinol is to clean your face to remove all the dust, pollution, and make up. You can also clean your face with the double cleansing technique to make it cleaner.

If you want to use toner, you can use it before applying retinol. However, avoid toners with alcohol content

2. Use retinol

It's best to use retinol at night, because retinol can make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure. That is, the skin will burn more easily. Remember, use enough retinol, about the size of a pea for the entire face

Retinol is used after washing your face. Make sure facial skin is completely dry before applying retinol products.

At the beginning of use, use retinol 1–2 times per week. If your skin is not irritated, you can use this product 3-4 times a week.

3. Use moisturizer

During the use of retinol, you also need to regularly use moisturizer to prevent the skin from getting too dry. You can apply moisturizer immediately after using retinol or follow the recommendations written on the packaging of skincare products.

4. Use sunscreen

Considering that retinol can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, you also need to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when you are outdoors during the day.

You should avoid exposure to direct sunlight, for example by wearing a hat or umbrella when the sun is very hot to minimize the side effects of retinol.

Side Effects of Using Retinol

Although it has various benefits for skin beauty, retinol can also cause side effects, especially for people who are using it for the first time or people with sensitive skin.

The side effects that often arise from using retinol are skin redness, itching, and dryness. The higher the concentration of retinol used, the greater the risk of side effects and the more serious side effects that can appear, such as irritation, burning, and severe peeling of the skin.

The risk of side effects can also increase if retinol is used together with skincare products that contain AHA, BHA, vitamin C, and salicylic acid. Using retinol with these ingredients can cause the skin to become very dry, experiencing excessive irritation or peeling, and even scarring.

In addition, also avoid facial treatments that aim to exfoliate or exfoliate the skin, such as scrubbing, peeling, or microdermabrasion. If you want to undergo this treatment, don't forget to tell your doctor if you are using a retinol product.

At the beginning of using retinol, mild side effects that appear will usually get better on their own within a few weeks when the skin is used to retinol.

For pregnant women, avoid using retinol or retinoids in any form because they can cause serious side effects in the form of defects in the fetus.

Nursing mothers are also advised not to use retinol. Retinol which is applied to the skin of a nursing mother can accidentally get on her baby and cause severe irritation because the baby's skin is still very sensitive.

Although retinol is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, pregnant women and nursing mothers need not worry because they can still use other skin care products with safer ingredients, such as azelaic acid, kojic acid and glycolic acid.

However, it is better for pregnant women and nursing mothers to consult their doctor first before using any skin care product, considering that the side effects caused by skin care products can vary from person to person.

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You can also consult a doctor if you still have questions about how to use and side effects of retionol, as well as other skincare products.

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