Why You Need Retinol in Your Skin Care Routine

I know now more than ever that skin care, for most of us, is more than just confusing. It's intimidating and sometimes misleading. Brands and packaging tell us we need specific ingredients in our routines and a multitude of different steps. But not everyone has the patience or income to spend hundreds on their skin care and dedicate a fair amount of time to their face. 

On that note, today I want to tell you about a commonly feared skin care ingredient that unlike many others, is pretty simple. I'm sure you've all heard of retinol before, maybe been told it's a routine necessity for fine lines and wrinkles, or a miracle worker on acne. Though both of these statements are true, you may be like me, and question the what, why and how of the complex and pricey substances we put on our faces. 

So here it is! All the information you need to let you know exactly why you need retinol in your skin care routine.

Let's start by looking at this from a scientific point of view. Retinol is a substance derived from vitamin A and promotes cellular regeneration and turnover in the skin. This is why such drastic results can be noticed after just a few uses. Higher percentages of retinol can be purchased from dermatologists or prescribed as over the counter medicated creams for those with severe acne. However, there are probably thousands of creams, serums and oils containing retinol that can be found at your local beauty suppliers. 

The common knowledge when it comes to retinol is that it comes in the form of a thick pale yellow coloured cream and is incredibly drying. Both of these accusations can be true when it comes to traditional retinol, though many brands have taken the ingredient to new forms, making it easier to blend into the skin and nourishing for the skin when alongside other ingredients. Retinol is meant to be applied only at night, and with the traditional form, the skin can commonly appear red, flaky and dry in the morning. This is the price you'll pay for the skin clearing and anti-aging benefits. Other forms of retinol will have the same benefits, but without the drying sensation. 

Take the Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil for instance. I'm sure you're all terribly sick of me raving about this product, but it truly is my ride or die as far as skin care. Since I've already been cursed with dry skin, it's difficult to bring myself to apply that thick yellow cream even when I know it will help with my breakouts. The Luna oil acts as your retinol, night serum and oil all in one. The retinol in this product however, is not the traditional form of vitamin A, but more gentle, non-irritating cousin of retinol known as retinoid ester. Luna's moisturizing properties leave your skin soothed and plump by morning, while simultaneously, your breakouts are calmed and diminished. This is also thanks to the other main ingredient in this product, blue tansy. Blue tansy is an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial essential oil, and the magical ingredient that gives this potion it's royal blue colour. 

You may wonder, what about those of us who are young and blessed with acne free skin? Retinol also helps to lighten and rid the skin of scars and sun spots, soften texture on the skin and fight pre-mature signs of aging as well as prevent aging. Who doesn't want that?

As far as traditional retinol, there is absolutely nothing wrong with using it. You just have to be mindful about proper use of moisturizer and SPF, as you would with any product that is resurfacing. With any resurfacing product, protecting your skin from the sun should take number one priority, as these products will be bringing new, healthy cells to the surface of your face that will be exposed to sunlight for the first time. Two incredible SPFs that I would recommend would be the First Aid Beauty Pure Mineral Sunscreen Moisturizer (best for those with dryer skin) and the Origins A Perfect World sunscreen moisturizer, great for all skin types.

If you have any more questions regarding retinol and how it can be used, don't hesitate to leave them in the comments below.

Thanks for reading.

-Emily