Wondering “what does retinol do?”

The answer is long.

Discover the benefits of retinol from anti-aging to acne reduction.

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If youve been wondering, What does retinol do?

the better question is, Whatcantretinol do?

Slather it on at night before bed and let it work its magic while you sleep.

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board-certified dermatologist in Northern California

Retinoids can cause dryness and irritation, says board-certified dermatologistHadley King, MD.

Retinization is the adjustment period during which the skin adapts to the use of topical retinoids.

Topical applications of retinoids impact how the skins cells behave, says Dr. Campbell.

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And without a buildup of dead skin, you also end up with a glowing complexion.

It stimulates collagen synthesis

Retinol also stimulates collagen synthesis.

This leads to thicker skin, explains Dr. Hooper, which makes fine lines and wrinkles less visible.

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It also helps to micro-distribute blotchy pigment in your skin.

Sun damage is your body trying to protect you by producing pigment, says Dr. Hooper.

This comes from the melanin, and one thing retinoids do is help to break up that melanin.

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board-certified dermatologist in Northern California

Are there retinoids stronger than retinol?

Yes,retinaland Retin-A.

Retinol FAQs

How often should you use retinol?

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Some people tolerate it best when used a few times a week while others can handle using it daily.

Maybe you start every other day.

Or every third day.

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What are the negative effects of retinol?

When you first start using retinol, you may experience some irritation like dryness and flaking skin.

At what age should you start using retinol?

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Thats because this is around the time our natural collagen levels start to decrease.

Starting retinol around this time allows you to hold onto as much collagen as you could.

What time of year should you start retinol?

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However, your skin will be more sensitive if youve just spent a ton of time in the sun.

Plus, retinol makes your skin more sensitive to sun damage.

How to apply retinol

Get started at night

Retinol should always be applied at night.

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you might experience irritation if youre using too much retinol or too high of a concentration.

Apply to dry skin

Retinol is an ingredient that works best when applied to dry skin.

So before bed, wash your face, dry it offand let it air dry to completion.

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If you dont want to go the sandwich route, apply the retinol right to dry skin.

Once the retinol is on, seal it in with your favorite moisturizer.

Play it safe by limiting the retinol to your T-zone to start.

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Almost never does your T-zone become red and sensitive, says Dr. Hooper.

What ingredients should you not mix with retinol?

Using AHAs and BHAs along with retinoids can cause excessive dryness, says Dr. Campbell.

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Other types of retinoids

Retinol belongs to an ingredient family called retinoids.

Theyre all vitamin A derivatives that go by different names depending on their strength.

Tretinoin is the strongest one and you need a prescription to get it.

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Limit yourself to one retinoid in your routine at a time.

According to Dr. Campbell, adapalene is the better retinoid to pair with benzoyl peroxide.

Instead, you’re free to apply your vit C in the morning and the retinol at night.

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SkinCeuticals, Retinol 0.3 $67.00

Dr. Hirsh is a huge fan of the SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3.

It is a retinol in an extremely stable preparation, she says.

Its an excellent overall product.

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